More Than A Soccer Club

Our coaches bring different experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the game, but share one goal- helping every athlete reach their potential.

Founder | Head of Football Operations

Edgar founded Socal Ballerz FA with a clear mission: to expand access to structured soccer development, mentorship, and educational pathways for youth and young adults, particularly those from underserved communities.

Through community-centered programs, global training methodology, and a strong emphasis on discipline, character, and lifeskill, SoCal Ballerz FA works to support players both on and off the field. The organization focuses on long-term personal growth, academic guidance, and informed pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities—without barriers to access.

“Elite performance is the standard. Opportunity is the mission.”

Our Coaches

Edgar “Chato” Gonzalez

  • Professional & Competitive Experience

    • Mexico: Pachuca (2007-2008)

    • USA: Mt. SAC—State Champions /National Champion (2009-2011)

    • Guatemala: Deportivo Coatepeque — League Champions

    • Armenia: FC Pyunik --League Champions/ Europa League Qualification

    • USA: Ventura County Fusion—Playoff Finalist (2015)

    • Guatemala: Super Gallos Zacapa (2015-2016)

    • Germany: Darmstadt FCA (2018-2019)

    • Germany: TSV Vatanspor Bad Homburg (2020-2021)

Coach | Player Development

Former collegiate standout with experience at CSU Fresno and CSU Long Beach, followed by competitive play at the semi- professional level with United City FC.

Liz brings a player-centered approach to development, with an emphasis on technical consistency, speed of play, and confidence in match situations. She is passionate about mentoring young athletes and supporting their growth both on and off the field.

Through her work Socal Ballerz FA, Liz focuses on helping youth build strong foundations in discipline, self-belief, and game understanding while supporting long-term athletic, academic, and personal development.

“Control the controllable.”

Liz Lyons

AJ Meade Tatum

  • ·      Santa Monica High School — 3- year letterwinner; 3x All-Ocean League selection & Rookie of the Year (2009)

    ·      Beach FC — 2009-2011

    ·      Long Beach State — Big West All- Freshman Team (2009)

    ·      Long Beach State — 2012-2015

    ·      United City FC — 2017-2023

Coach | Defensive Development

Former NCAA Division 1 standout at UC Riverside, where he competed in the Big West Conference from 2021-2024 and earned All-Big West Second Team honors in 2024. AJ has continued his playing career at the semi-professional level, competing in USL League Two, UPSL, NISA Nation, and the U.S. Open Cup.

Aj brings a defensive- minded approach to player development, with emphasis on positioning, decision-making, technical consistency, speed of play and confidence under pressure.

“Those times when you get up early and you work hard; those times when you stay up late and you work hard; those times when you don't feel like working, you're too tired, you don't want to push yourself, but you do it anyway; that is actually the dream” - Kobe Bryant

Coach | Player Development

Sarah brings over a decade of competitive playing experience across elite Southern California clubs and international academy environments. Her development includes time with Pico Strikers, Slammers Whittier, Strikers El Segundo, Beach FC and Surf, building a strong technical and tactical foundation throughout her youth career.

Sarah brings her experience from both U.S. and international soccer into her coaching, with an emphasis on awareness, leadership, confidence, technical development and tactical awareness helping young players grow on and off the field.

  • Pre- Season with OCSC- USL C (2026)

    LA Force- NISA Nation (2025-2026)

    Pre-Season w/ LAFC 2- MLS Next Pro (2025)

    Pre-Season w/ Huntsville City FC- MLS Next Pro (2025)

    AMSF FC- USL League Two (2025)

    Ventura County Fusion- US Open Cup (2025)

    Capo FC- USL League Two (2024)

    Chiriaco FC- UPSL (2023-2024)

    Golden State Force- USL League Two (2022)

    UC Riverside All- West Second Team (2024)

    Big West Champions Regular Season & Tournament Champions (2022)

Sarah Lopez

  • Club Atletico International (Present)

    i2i Academy New Castle, England (2024- Present)

    Surf Hollywood (2022)

    Surf South West (2021)

    Beach FC (2020)

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