Our Team
I have worked in the soccer industry for 20+ years as a club coach, private soccer trainer, and ODP coach. I have worked with all age groups, genders, and players at the recreational, select, and academy levels.
Soccer training is my passion, so I have put together a program, along with my staff, to help young players reach their full potential as soccer players.
The program's foundation is that 1A Soccer trainers guide young players in learning the skills that will make them more technical soccer players.
When the players bring the right attitude and enthusiasm, we can provide the necessary training and extra motivation.
1 A Soccer trainers use state-of-the-art exercises. We pride ourselves on always studying the latest youth soccer training methods: repetition, explicit instruction (on the how and why, making practice fun, and teaching players how to self-train.
This combination will help the players build the confidence to use their skills in practice and games.
All of the 1A Soccer coaching staff and I believe that experience counts.
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you do some of the time you will do all of the time.”
I am currently not taking new clients.
Chris Brown, Owner/Head Coach
Coach David Brathwaite - Trainer
I am from Richardson, and I’m a very family-oriented man. I love all sports and the tactics behind them. I am currently a golf enthusiast though I am bad at it.
Soccer Experience :
I played UPSL in California
I played Semi-pro in Spain
Playing in USL 2 in Round Rock
International Team Candidate for BVI
Education :
Degree in Criminology and Sociology from Arkansas State University
USSF Grassroots License
Coaching Experience :
Film Analysis Assistant for High-school in Memphis
Favorite Quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” - Tim Notke.
Coach Vanessa - Trainer
I grew up here in Austin, Texas. I’ve been playing soccer since I was three years old, and I am currently playing at the collegiate level at Concordia University here in Austin. I’ve been training at 1A Soccer since 2017, and working since 2019 where I have worked directly under Coach Chris. Outside of soccer, I love spending time with my family and exploring the city.
Soccer Experience:
Austin Texans Soccer Club
FC Westlake
Hendrickson HS Varsity Alumni
University of Texas Permian Basin
Concordia University Texas
Coaching Experience:
Private lessons
Been a part of the 1A Soccer family since 2019.
Education:
Currently studying to obtain a Bachelors in Kinesiology
Obtained a CPT License in March 2024.
1A Soccer Fitness - Powered by Coach Evan
Dr. Evan Lessuk D.C., C.P.T., S.T.Y.S.
Education:
D.C. Cleveland Chiropractic College, December 1994.
Honors: Who Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
S.A.C.A. for Outstanding Service 1992, Delta Tau Alpha Scholastic
Honor Society, Certificate(s) of Appreciation: S.O.T. Club, Technique Club,
Research Club, Library / Audio Visual Committee.
South Texas Youth Soccer certified (USYS).
24-hour Olympic lifting certification program.
Athletics and Fitness Association of America C.P.T..
Taoist Institute 2nd degree/instructor.
Practical Experience:
Father of Elizabeth Annabelle Lessuk (since 2008 ongoing).
Assistant soccer coach Courage GSA rec. league (2021).
Assistant soccer coach Falcons 3rd in region AYSO (2019, 20).
Elite Trainer 24 Hour Fitness (over 8,000 hours. Does not include private clients).
Athletic testing of high school athletes Newberry Health Club.
3 times all stare P.S.L. All City (N.Y.C.), P.A.L. Manhattan All Stars, Big Apple Games.
American Federation of Motorcyclists road racing F4.
My extensive clinical, and practical experience and knowledge allow a comprehensive and positive impact on an athlete’s performance.
***Please bring running shoes and soccer shoes to your training session with Coach Evan
Soccer Experience :
10 years of playing experience, 5 of those years professionally between outdoor and indoor as a goalkeeper.
Coaching Experience :
9 Years of coaching experience as a youth coach
US Soccer National D license
Favorite Quote: “Before kids can play like a pro they must enjoy playing the game like a kid.”
Coach Michael - Trainer
1A Goalkeeping - powered by coach Justin
Soccer Experience:
New Mexico ODP player
Hardin Simmons University NCAA DIV 111
Colorado State University-Pueblo Colorado D11
ABQ Asylum Semi-Pro
Goalkeeper New Mexico AUFC 86
4X NM State Champion
2004 2nd place in US Youth Soccer Region IV Championship US Youth Soccer Regional Tournament
Semi-Finalist every year in Region IV US Youth Soccer Regional Tournament
National-ranked goalkeeper and club team
Played USL semi-pro
Education:
MBA - Strategic Business Management, University of the South West 12/2014
BA - is- Management Information Systems, New Mexico State University - 12/2011
Coaching Experience:
Gk Director Of Coaching for Various Clubs
US Soccer National D license
US Soccer Goalkeeping license
US Soccer Grass roots
Favorite Quote: Train Hard, Win Easy
Coach Ricky- Trainer
I’m from NYC and have been passionate about soccer since I was young, with Manchester United as my favorite club and Cristiano Ronaldo as my football icon. Aside from soccer, I have a love for anime and films.
Soccer Experience: • Division 3 at Emerson College • DIFL in New Delhi, India • Baichung Bhutia Football Academy • TEAM B in the GD Goenka Trident Tournament • Preferred position: Left wing
Coaching Experience: • YMCA Youth Soccer Coach • Sportball Youth Coach
Education: • Bachelor’s Honours in Film and Screen Studies • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Favorite Quote: Sometimes the best training is to rest! - Cristiano Ronaldo
Coach Ray - Trainer & 1a video expert.
Soccer Experience: As a player, Ray has over 40 years of experience and helped lead his youth teams to 2 City Championships and 3 State Cup Finals and was named the 1975 MVP of the "Livermore City Championship". With professional soccer coming to an end in the United States in the early 80s, Ray moved his game to "Italia "78" based out of San Jose, California, where he played in the famed "San Francisco Soccer Football League" During his four years with "Italia" Ray, twice led his team in scoring including 25 goals and ten assists in 1983. Continued knee problems ended his career in 1984.
Coaching Experience: Ray holds a USSF C license and started his coaching career in the 1980s. He has coached many great players, including current Texas Longhorns Lexi Missimo, Trinity Byars, Ashlyn Miller. Lauren Lapomarda, Hannah Waesch and USWNT player Jaedyn Shaw. As head coach for Monache High School in Porterville, California, Ray led his girls' varsity team to the East Yosemite League championship crown in 1989 and 1990.
Moving to Dallas in the Early 90s, Ray coached numerous Lake Highland Girls Classic League teams. As a club coach in the DFW metroplex, his teams compiled 19 championships, three finalist awards, were a semi-finalist seven times, and won a consolation championship! Between 2013 and 2016, Ray coached West Coast Fury based out of Livermore, California (a 2002 girls team). Over three years, Ray's Fury compiled a 110-23-16 record. They were a State Cup finalist in 2015 and were ranked 27th in the nation for their age group in 2016.
Professional Career: On the professional side, Ray has been a radio and television broadcaster for 40 years. During that time, he spent five years as the radio and television play-by-play announcer for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer and 19 years as the radio and television announcer for SMU Basketball, soccer, and football.
