OLGERT DALIPI

Meet Olgert Dalipi – Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club

Olgert Dalipi is the Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club and the Head Coach for several of the club’s top-level teams, including:

VALLEY FC 2010 Girls –  National Academy League

VALLEY FC 2012 Boys – USYS National Team

With over 25 years of coaching experience in Connecticut, Olgert brings a deep knowledge of the game and a passion for player development. He holds multiple prestigious coaching certifications, including:

USSF C License

United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma

UEFA B Diploma

Olgert also spent 12 seasons as the Assistant Coach for the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Men’s Soccer Team, where he contributed to the success of their NCAA Division I program.

Before coaching, Olgert had a distinguished professional playing career in Albania, Italy, and Greece, and represented the Albanian National Team at the U-16 through U-20 levels.

With his vast experience at both youth and collegiate levels—and as a former professional player—Olgert is dedicated to guiding young athletes on and off the field.

 

JAMES PERKINS

Meet James Perkins – Girls Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club

James Perkins is the Girls Director of Coaching at Valley Football Club and serves as the Head Coach for the following teams:

VALLEY FC 2008 Girls  National Academy League

VALLEY FC 2009 Girls National Academy League

VALLEY FC 2011 Girls National Academy League

A former player for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team, James now serves as the Goalie Coach for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team. In addition to his coaching role, James is the President of Elite Soccer Performance, where he offers private sessions to help players improve their skills and performance on the field.

 

 

LUKE ALBERTINI

Meet Luke Albertini– Assistant Coach at Valley FC

Luke Albertini is the Assistant Coach for VALLEY FC 2006 EDP Premier Boys. Luke’s extensive playing experience includes a stint with the New England Revolution and serving as the Captain of the Division 1 CCSU Men’s Soccer Team. Currently, Luke is also the Assistant Coach for the CCSU Men’s Soccer Team, bringing his knowledge and passion for the game to Valley FC.

Coach Shaun Green and Coach Olgert Dalipi will be assisting Luke with the development of the 2006 teams, ensuring top-tier coaching for these talented players.

 

JASON APRUZZESSE

 

Meet Coach Jason Apruzzesse- Head Coach  Valley FC 2015 Boys White

Coach Jason brings over 15 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and college levels.

A former four-year player at Vermont State University–Castleton, he began his coaching career as a goalkeeper coach at his alma mater.

He is currently the Head Coach at Torrington High School, where he focuses on player development and academic success, helping multiple players advance to collegiate soccer each year.

Coach Jason holds his USSF Grassroots Certification and is working toward his USSF D License.

 

GERHARD PROGNI

Meet Gerhard Progni – Head Coach for Valley FC 2009,2013 & 2015 Boys

Coach Gerhard brings a wealth of professional playing experience to his role as Head Coach for the Valley FC 2013 Boys team. He has played professionally in the Albanian Super League, where he participated in the Europa Champions League, as well as in Kosovo and Azerbaijan.

In addition to his playing career, Coach Gerhard holds the UEFA B Diploma, which further enhances his coaching expertise. With his extensive experience in both playing and coaching, he is excited to guide the 2013 Boys and help them reach their full potential on the field.

 

LAUREN ROMANELLI

Meet Lauren Romanelli – Assistant Coach for Valley FC 2015 Boys

Lauren will be the Assistant Coach for the Valley FC 2015 Boys team.

With a passion for developing young players and fostering a positive team environment, Coach Lauren is excited to guide the 2015 Boys to success this season.

 

RODRIGO GIRALDO

Meet Rodrigo Girlado – Head Coach for Valley FC 2016 Boys Navy

Rodrigo Giraldo is the Head Coach for the Valley FC 2016 Boys team. A former player at CCSU, Rodrigo has a solid playing foundation and extensive coaching experience. He has previously coached for West Hartford Soccer Club, where he honed his coaching skills and developed a deep understanding of the game.

Rodrigo is excited to lead the 2016 Boys team, bringing his experience and knowledge to help players grow and excel this season.

 

MELINA FORD

Meet Melina Ford – Goalkeeper Coach at Valley FC

Melina Ford is the Goalkeeper Coach for Valley FC, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for developing top-tier goalkeepers. With her expertise, she focuses on refining technical skills, positioning, and decision-making to help players reach their full potential.

Melina is dedicated to fostering a strong goalkeeper community within Valley FC and is excited to work with our athletes to elevate their game.

 

SOPHIA DALIPI

Meet Sophia Dalipi – Head Coach at Valley FC 2015 Girls

Sophia Dalipi serves as an Assistant Coach at Valley FC, bringing both a strong playing background and a passion for player development to the club.

Currently a student-athlete at the University of New Haven, Sophia balances her collegiate playing career with coaching responsibilities, allowing her to share firsthand experience and insights with Valley FC players.

In 2023, Sophia earned the honor of being called up to the U-19 Albanian National Team, where she represented her country in the UEFA Women’s European Championship in Albania.

With her unique blend of competitive playing experience and dedication to youth development, Sophia is committed to helping Valley FC athletes grow, succeed, and thrive both on and off the field.