Sporting Director

Coach Roberto Aguas is the President, Founder, and Executive Director of Coaching of FC Copa Academy. Coach Roberto has coached SIX FC Copa Academy teams to the #1 Ranking in the Country (via GotSoccer). He has developed and mentored a large number of 325 players who are now playing collegiate or professionally around the world from FC Copa Academy. Most recently Coach Roberto lead the FC Copa 00s to the NPL National Championship in 2017, his second National Championship having lead the FC Copa Academy Real U17G to the 2012 US Club National Championship in Chicago.

Head Coach

Barboto joins New Jersey Copa FC with an extraordinary amount of experience, and he is the current men’s Head Coach of the NCAA Division I program at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Barboto is the fourth NJIT head men’s soccer coach in the program’s Division I era. He has produced many players who have moved to the next level including Mamadou Guirassy who led the nation in goals (16) and was selected ASUN Conference Player of the Year in 2017. Guirassy was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 Major Soccer League (MLS) SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers. In his most recent season, he was named 2019 ASUN Conference Coach of the Year, and, along with his coaching staff, was named United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year, having led the Highlanders to the first NCAA appearance at the Division I level (first round; at Providence on November 21, 2019).

Performance Coach

Over the past decade, Steve has gained extensive experience in various areas of the fitness industry and has continuously pursed further education. He keeps himself up to date with the latest developments in exercise science so that he can share his knowledge and educate our players. Steve has coached collegiate and high school athletes, as well as youth sports teams and players, and his expertise lies in injury prevention, speed, agility, strength and conditioning. Steve is excited about the opportunity of joining FC Copa, which sets the standard for soccer clubs. With his expertise, our athletes will be able to enhance their physical performance and reach their full potential.

General Manager

Coach Lori Berman joined FC Copa Academy in 2007 and serves as the FC Copa Academy Director of Academic Guidance, Vice President of Operations, and Senior Coaching Staff member. Coach Lori plays a vital role in player development at FC Copa Academy. She has been influential in preparing and assisting over 200 FC Copa Academy alumni for the transition to playing college soccer across all levels. Prior to joining FC Copa Academy in 2007, she served as a guidance counselor and freshman seminar instructor for 20 years at St. Peter’s Preparatory High School in Jersey City, NJ.

Associate Head Coach

Alongside Fernando, Matthew is there assisting coaching the USL2 team. He is the Assistant Coach at NJIT since 2016 and also was the assistant coach at Adelphi University, which made its first appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament in 2015. Matthew has helped guide the Highlanders at NJIT to the first NCAA appearance at the Division I level(first round; at Providence). The men's soccer program became the first NJIT team to capture an ASUN Tournament and Regular Season title since competing in the ASUN Conference (first season 2015-16).

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Medical Director

Dr. Vincent Codella serves as both the Academy Medical Director of FC Copa Academy as well as the Official Team Doctor for both the UWS and USL2 New Jersey Copa FC teams. Dr. Codella is board certified in family practice by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practitioners. He received his medical training from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, and completed his residency in family practice at Union Hospital, where he also served as a teaching-attending physician. He works closely with Union Hospital today.