Pre-MLS Next Coaches
Meet the Pre-MLS Next Academy Coaching Staff!
Welcome to the Chargers Soccer Club Pre-MLS Next Academy staff page! Our coaching team is at the heart of what makes this program one of the best in the nation. With a deep passion for the game and years of experience at the highest levels, our staff is dedicated to developing elite players who are ready to succeed on the collegiate, professional, and international stages.
Each coach brings a unique perspective, proven expertise, and a player-first philosophy that sets our academy apart. From technical skill-building to tactical understanding, and from mental preparation to leadership development, our staff works tirelessly to guide every player on their journey.
We are proud to have an exceptional group of coaches who are committed to fostering a positive and challenging environment that helps players unlock their full potential. Get to know the talented individuals who are shaping the next generation of soccer stars right here at Chargers Soccer Club!
Bafou Sanogo - U9 & U10 – Tampa Campus
Bafou Sanogo brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to his role as the U9 and U10 Pre-MLS Coach at Chargers Soccer Club’s Tampa Campus. A U.S. Soccer National C License coach, Bafou is known for his high standards, technical knowledge, and ability to inspire young players through a disciplined, development-focused approach.
Prior to joining Chargers SC in 2024, Bafou served as a head coach at Florida Hawks FC for seven years, guiding boys teams from the Pre Academy level through U15. Under his leadership, his teams achieved consistent success in regional tournaments including the Bradenton Cup, Sarasota Cup, Savannah Cup, and Strawberry Classic. His coaching journey also includes grassroots development with U8-U10 players at Red Star FC in France, along with experience at elite youth camps run by the German Football Federation (DFB), Coach Juan De Brigard, and Keith Fulk, former US U17 national team staff member.
As a former player, Bafou competed at the collegiate level for Saint Leo University, where he earned multiple All Conference and All Region honors. He also played for Ocala Stampede in the USL PDL (now USL League Two), helping the team reach the national semifinals in 2015. His playing roots trace back to France, where he developed in the youth systems of Paris FC, Red Star FC, and FCM Aubervilliers, including appearances with Red Star’s professional squad.
Bafou’s global perspective, combined with a deep understanding of youth development, makes him a key asset to the Chargers SC coaching staff. He is committed to fostering technical excellence, tactical awareness, and a love for the game in every player he coaches.
Alex Bunn - U11 & U12 – Tampa Campus
Alex Bunn is a passionate and detail-driven youth coach currently leading Chargers Soccer Club’s Pre-MLS program at the Tampa Campus. A U.S. Soccer National “C” License holder, Alex is known for his meticulous planning, strong communication, and dedication to developing players in an environment that balances technical improvement with love for the game.
Since 2022, Alex has coached at both the foundational and competitive levels, guiding players from U7 through U12 with a focus on skill development, game understanding, and personal growth. As the head coach for multiple boys competitive teams, he has written and executed year-long development plans and maintained strong relationships with players and families through regular evaluations and open dialogue.
Alex’s coaching approach is shaped by his experience as a former competitive player, as well as his love for the sport and its ability to develop players into well rounded people. He is committed to helping every player reach their potential through personalized guidance, technical excellence, and positive reinforcement.
With a strong background in project management and leadership off the field, Alex brings professionalism and structure to his coaching, making him a key contributor to the growth and success of Chargers SC’s Pre-MLS program.
Travis Ward U9 & U10 – Clearwater Campus
Travis Ward brings a high-performance mindset and elite-level playing experience to his role as the U9 and U10 Pre-MLS Coach at Chargers Soccer Club’s Clearwater Campus. A former professional soccer player with a decorated collegiate and pro career, Travis is committed to developing young athletes with a focus on technical excellence, athletic growth, and character development.
Travis played professionally across multiple clubs in NISA and USL League One, including Maryland Bobcats FC, Chattanooga FC, Stumptown AC, Michigan Stars, and Greenville Triumph. During his career, he made over 80 professional appearances and earned numerous accolades, including Team of the Week and Best XI selections. His experience competing at the highest levels of American lower division soccer uniquely informs his coaching philosophy, emphasizing discipline, intensity, and love for the game.
A graduate of Rowan University with a degree in Health Promotion & Wellness Management, Travis was a standout collegiate player—earning 3x All-Conference honors while scoring 29 goals and contributing 17 assists. His academic and athletic background supports his holistic approach to youth development, combining soccer IQ with an understanding of physical performance and well-being.
Off the field, Travis has worked as a sports performance coach, helping athletes develop movement, strength, and return-to-play protocols, as well as serving as a head high school coach and counselor at youth soccer camps. His leadership, teaching ability, and commitment to player development make him a valuable addition to the Chargers SC coaching staff.
Sergei Stopek - U11 & U12 – Clearwater Campus
Sergei Stopek is a veteran coach and educator with a distinguished track record in youth player development, currently serving as the U11 and U12 Pre-MLS Coach at the Chargers Soccer Club’s Clearwater Campus. With over two decades of coaching experience and a U.S. Soccer National A License, Sergei has played a pivotal role in shaping the technical foundation and game understanding of players in some of Florida’s most competitive youth programs.
A former Division I player at Coastal Carolina University with international playing experience in Europe, Sergei brings elite-level insight and a global perspective to his coaching. His coaching résumé includes multiple state championships with youth and high school teams, as well as leadership roles within the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
As a long-standing member of the Chargers coaching staff, Sergei is known for his innovative training techniques, emphasis on individualized development, and commitment to fostering a positive team culture grounded in sportsmanship, discipline, and excellence.
Through his technical knowledge, motivational leadership, and focus on holistic athlete development—including injury prevention, physical fitness, and mental resilience— Sergei ensures that every young player under his guidance is equipped with the tools to succeed both on and off the field.
Jeremias Gramajo-U9 & U10–Lakewood Ranch Campus
Jeremias Gramajo is a passionate and experienced youth soccer coach, currently leading the U9 and U10 Pre-MLS teams at Chargers Soccer Club’s Lakewood Ranch Campus. With over a decade of coaching experience across multiple age groups and competitive levels, Jeremias is known for his commitment to creating a positive, structured, and player-centered environment where young athletes can thrive.
Since joining Chargers SC in 2020, Jeremias has worked extensively with boys and girls’ teams from U8 to U14, designing age-appropriate training sessions, managing player development plans, and guiding teams through competitive league and tournament play. His leadership emphasizes individual technical growth, tactical understanding, and a strong foundation in teamwork and sportsmanship.
Jeremias brings additional coaching experience from his five years as Junior Varsity Coach at Manatee High School and from earlier roles coaching coed youth teams at Mayso Youth Soccer and Manasota Soccer. These diverse experiences have shaped his holistic coaching approach and ability to connect with players at all developmental stages.
He holds a U.S. Soccer D License, along with CPR and AED certifications, ensuring a safe and well-prepared training environment. Known for his strengths in communication, organization, and problem-solving, Jeremias continues to be a vital part of the Chargers SC coaching staff, helping young players build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
Ross Hopkins - U11 & U12 – Lakewood Ranch Campus
Ross Hopkins is a seasoned youth development coach with over a decade of experience at the grassroots and elite levels of soccer in both the United States and Ireland. As the U11 and U12 Pre-MLS Coach at Chargers Soccer Club’s Lakewood Ranch Campus, Ross brings a global coaching perspective, a player-first mentality, and a deep understanding of how to build strong technical foundations in young athletes.
Ross holds a U.S. Soccer National D License and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Head Coach at Rush Athletic FC in Dublin, where he managed U13 and U15 boys teams competing regionally and nationally. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of Coaching at Mount Olive Premier SC in New Jersey, coaching multiple nationally ranked youth teams and helping develop club-wide training systems and methodologies.
His coaching career began as Youth Soccer Director for Kentucky Fire Juniors / Mockingbird SC, where he oversaw programming across all levels and developed weekly training curricula for the entire club. Ross also contributed to the collegiate game as a Volunteer Assistant at Bellarmine University, where he supported game analysis, session design, and summer camp leadership.
As a player, Ross had a standout collegiate career at Bellarmine University, where he was a four year starter, three year captain, and two time All-American. He also competed at the professional level with Louisville Lightning (PASL) and in the USL PDL with St. Louis Lions and Cincinnati Kings, before spending several seasons with Rush Athletic FC and NY Shamrocks.
With a strong foundation in sports psychology and player motivation, Ross is committed to nurturing confident, creative, and technically sound players who are prepared to take the next steps in their development.
