2026 Season Launch Event Featuring
Battle of The Coaches!
Sunday, Sept 13 • Event Begins at 3:00pm
Islander Middle School & South Mercer Playfields
BATTLE OF THE COACHES
Watch your coaches in an intense showdown for bragging rights!
The coaches are ready to put the clipboards aside and go head-to-head and showcase their skills!
Who will take home the Coach Cup?
3V3 GAMES
Featuring multiple age groups, this winner-take-all experience will provide an exciting playing experience for players and parents alike!
Prizes available for the winner, and a special prize for the team with the most creative shirt design!
DJ, FOOD TRUCK & SNACKS
Treat yourself to fun snacks, and plentiful food from a food truck!
Drinks and snacks will be provided by the club for all to enjoy!
DJ Zeta will be joining the fun to provide music for everyone!
BATTLE OF THE COACHES
ROSTERS
BOYS TEAMS COACHES ROSTER
- Kevin Van Gaver - Head Coach - BU9 Juniors, BU10 Maroon
- Orlando Neto - BU8 Juniors, EFC West BU10 & BU15
- Jordan Zimmerman - BU19 Maroon, EFC West BU14
- Elliot Fauske - Head of Micro, BU8 Juniors
- Tsigab Tesfemariam - EFC West BU11 & U12, BFC Juniors
- Julio Reyes - BU12 Maroon
- Terrell Norris - BU9 Juniors, EFC West BU9 & BU13
- John Buttle - EFC West BU16
- Cristian Pintone - BU11 Maroon, BU12 Maroon
- Renato Cardenas - BU13/14 Maroon
- Francesco Cardenas - BU8 Juniors, BU13/14 Maroon
- Jose Palomera - BU12 White
- Alejandro Charif - BU8 Juniors
GIRLS TEAMS COACHES ROSTER
- Erin Vaughan - Girls Juniors Director, EFC West Girls Director, EFC West GU11 & GU12
- Elliot Fauske - EFC West GU10, Head of Micro Soccer, BFC Head of Programming
- Nate Popp - GU11/12 Maroon
- Tyler Bjork - GHS Maroon
- Rad Wendzich - GU8 & GU9 Juniors
- Scott Leber - MIFC Board President
- Nicole Nelson - MIFC Board Member
- Alexis Stevens - GU8 & GU9 Juniors, GU12/13 Maroon, Head of Goalkeeping
- Sean Morris - MIFC Director of Soccer & Community, EFC West Director of Coaching
- Liam Jalalian - GU11/12 Maroon, EFC West GU9 & GU14/15, MIHS Girls JV
- Diego Botello - EFC West GU10
EVENT MAP
CELEBRITY GUEST APPEARANCES
Local soccer icons and figures will be joining the event as players/special guests, so come out to see who you recognize as they join in on the fun!
Confirmed Guests to be Announced
Coach Interview
Hear what Boys Head Coach Kevin Van Gaver had to say about his team as they prepare for the Battle of the Coaches:
"After our powerhouse performance last season, I am confident we have what it takes to retain the crown this year! We have strengthened our team, and can't wait to get out there and show everyone what we can do!"
- Kevin Van Gaver
Coach Interview
Girls Head Coach Erin Vaughan weighed in on her team and their feeling leading up to the game:
"The girls team is bringing more quality than ever, and we are more than prepared to knock the boys team off their perch!"
- Erin Vaughan
Player Interview
Coach Terrell Norris shares his thoughts as he prepares for his first Battle of the Coaches:
"I have heard stories about last year's game, and am looking forward to helping raise the level, and being a key player in retaining the title for the boys' coach team!"
- Terrell Norris
MIFC Merch!
Don't miss out on the latest and newest MIFC Merch! Every attendee will receive special MIFC items, stop by the merch booth to check out the newest drops and collect your Season Launch commemorative memorabilia!
You can also purchase MIFC gear at any time from our fan store!
Goals Haiti
MIFC is excited to provide awareness and support for GOALS Haiti, which advances youth leadership through soccer and education to create stronger, healthier communities in rural Haiti.
There will be a collection drive for the following items:
- Youth Cleats (5-8)
- Adult Cleats (M/W 4-9)
- Soccer Balls
- Youth Shorts & Jerseys (S-L)
- Adult Shorts & Jerseys (M/W Small, Medium)
*please no black or white clothing
Sport Science & Player Wellness
As MIFC continues to take steps to improve player well-being, provide greater support, and do all we can to help our players be healthy athletes and people. With this focus in mind, we are pleased to welcome Isabel Shao and Cassandra Brady, who will be sharing their passion for helping athletes stay healthy through various workshops.
Focusing on female players in particular, Isabel and Cassandra will be sharing insight and guidance for match preparation, recovery, nutrition, and other key facets of the life of an athlete, sharing from their personal experience as high-level local players.
Swing by their booth to learn about the workshops, as well as the MIFC Sport Science & Player Wellness Initiative!
MIHS Girls Soccer Booster Board
We welcome the MIHS Girls Soccer program and their Booster Board to the event!
A huge thanks to the girls for helping to run our 3v3 games, as well as providing swag merch and gift cards for prizes and purchase options! Help us support our Islander Girls Soccer team as they gear up for another exciting season!
