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.
Bob Jenkins, Technical Director
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 enhances 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.
Trainers and Office Staff
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. Years ago, Sally made a career change and started working for U-TURN Sports Performance Academy in Customer Service. There she met Greg Simmonds. After a short spell in Newport News as an Office Manager, Sally made the move back to Richmond and reconnected with Greg at Own Touch. Sally’s background and experience in Early Childhood Education, Office Management and Customer Service enables her to keep everything running smoothly at Own Touch.
