Experience, Passion, Dedication.
Greg Simmonds, Founder and President
Greg Simmonds - Before turning professional, Gregory Simmonds was his high school's (Sherwood High School, Olney, Maryland) first ever All-American athlete - the second is US National stand-out Oguchi Onyewu. He also still holds the record for goals scored at his alma mater, Howard University. Simmonds began his professional soccer career with the Hershey Wildcats where he scored 35 goals, had 16 assists and was named USL-1 Rookie of the Year in 1999 and Team MVP in 2000. Simmonds also played for D.C. United in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1999.
Simmonds also boasts international experience, having played with the Jamaican National Team youth and senior teams (Reggae Boyz) in 1999. Signed by the Miami Fusion in 2001, he tallied 4 goals and 2 assists in league and Open Cup matches. After the Fusion folded in 2001, he signed with Rochester Rhinos in 2002 where he led the team with 9 goals and 6 assists. In 2003, he played in 27 games with the Richmond Kickers. Simmonds played for USL First Division team Charleston Battery for the 2004 and 2005 seasons and was the team’s leading scorer both years with 18 goals and 9 assist. In 2006 joined Virginia Beach Mariners where he was team MVP after leading the team with 9 goals and 5 assist and being named to the league’s ALL STAR TEAM.
Simmonds finished his professional career with 75 goals and 37 assists, last playing for the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Simmonds retired from professional soccer shortly after he founded the Soccer and Futsal programs at U-TURN Sports Performance Academy where he served as Director for over 3 years. Simmonds then became the Co-Founder and President of Own Touch Soccer, as well as Co-Founder and President of FutsalRVA. Simmonds holds a US National A License Coach. FutsalRVA has produced four US Youth National team players from and currently has five US Youth Futsal National Championship titles.
André Graham, Technical Director
André brings years of familiarity with the technical aspect of the game and how to incorporate it within our youth. Within his role as the Technical Director, he will be responsible for research, development, implementation, and management of the training curriculum for Own Touch in efforts to continually improve and enhance training programs.
Within his role as The Advanced Mentee Director, he will help incorporate a program that creates a unique and personalized training environment designed for motivated players who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and passion for the game. André will be helping to provide a technically advanced curriculum to our mentees that will accelerate player growth and development.
André is a Richmond Native who played club soccer for Kickers academy/ FC Richmond and went on to enjoy a 4-year collegiate career at Hampden-Sydney College. After college, he stayed heavily involved in the game in multiple facets including playing NPSL as well as coaching for Chesterfield United under Joe Farrell. For the past 8 years, he has quickly expanded his coaching resume within outdoor and indoor soccer/futsal which includes a position as the Technical Director for FutsalRVA.
Bob Jenkins, Assistant Technical Director
Has worked exclusively with Greg to develop an in-depth training program. Bob was US Soccer’s Director of Coaching Education and Youth Development from 2005-2008. He also coached the US National Team U-18 team and was a head coach for the Richmond Strikers Academy team. Bob played at Duke University and works with Arsenal Soccer club in England, scouting the United States for young talent who want to train at Arsenal. He currently works with PUMA and Arsenal directing the technical aspects of the PUMA Powered by Arsenal Program in the USA.
Bob is responsible for research, development, implementation, and management of training curriculum for Own Touch in efforts to continually improve and enhance training programs. Along with unparalleled coaching experience and an impressive dossier of national credentials, Bob’s knowledge and understanding of the game will be invaluable to the Own Touch Family. In addition to his time spent with the Richmond Strikers Arsenal Program, Bob has held various top-level coaching and administrative positions to include:
United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Director of Coaching Education
U18 US Men’s National Team Head Coach
American University Men’s Soccer Head Coach
University of Virginia Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach
PUMA/Arsenal TCC Elite Coordinator
Technical Director for the Richmond Strikers
Bob also comes to Own Touch with a USSF Youth Technical Director License, USSF A Coaching License, as well as a National Youth License.
Sally Fotovat, Director of Operations
Sally moved to the US from England in 2000 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in this field for 20 years both in Virginia and Colorado. Sally’s background and experience is in Early Childhood Education, Office Management and Customer Service. Sally, as General Manager, concentrates on the organizational, administrative and operational development of Own Touch. Sally also collaborates with leadership staff, on a regular basis, to optimize operational strategy, process and planning.
Sally more importantly works closely with parents and children and her superior Management and Customer Service skills enables her to keep everything running smoothly at Own Touch.
