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.
André Graham, Assistant Technical Director & Director of the Advanced Program
Andre will be assisting Bob Jenkins/ Own Touch Technical Director and will be responsible for research, development, implementation, and management of training curriculum for Own Touch in efforts to continually improve and enhance training programs.
The Advanced Mentee Program creates a unique and personalized training environment designed for motivated players who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and passion for the game. Andre 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 which includes an Assistant Director position with the Chesterfield Strikers as well the Director of Coaching position for FutsalRVA.
Joe Farrell, General Manager
Born in Scotland, Joe is a former collegiate and youth professional player. Joe has had an extensive youth development career most recently serving
as both Director of Coaching and Technical Director of Chesterfield United, where he helped develop the structure and delivery of many youth grass roots and elite programs in Richmond for the last 15 years. Joe has also worked with the Olympic Development program, holds a USSF A license, a USSF National Youth license, a NSCAA Advanced National diploma, Director of Coaching Diploma, Higher National Diploma in Sports coaching and a degree in sports science.
Joe is a highly talented Director with energy and enthusiasm that impacts and inspires all who work with him. Joe brings a wealth of technical knowledge and youth development experience, and embodies the philosophy, passion and understanding of individual skill development that is so critical to youth soccer. Joe’s positive, infectious approach has made him highly respected and successful throughout the Richmond community. Joe has built a reputation of being a true player’s coach and Director, relating easily to the needs of players and parents both on and off the field. Throughout his coaching career, Joe has had many successes in boys, girls and adult programs.
Joe, as General Manager concentrates on organizational, administrative and operational development of Own Touch. Joe collaborates with leadership staff, all own touch owners on a regular basis, to optimize operational strategy, process and planning.
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.
