Spartans Coaching
Lea Westlake
Director of Coaching / Head Coach 2002 Boys
Hometown: London, England. Resides in NOLA
Philosophy
I am a firm coach that is loyal, hardworking and determined. I use soccer to teach kids the same beliefs. I believe all children should be given equal opportunities; as coaches we must strive to give our all to the youth of today. I am also a firm believer in being able to demonstrate what you teach.
Bio
Playing Experience (30 years+)
- Charters Sports and Science College (4 years)
- Europe – Amateur & Semi pro (25 years)
- USA (New Orleans Jesters) – Amateur & Semi pro (5 years)
Coaching Experience (10 years+)
- New Orleans Spartans FC – Director of Coaching
- Olympic Development Program Louisiana – Head Coach
- New Orleans Soccer Academy (NOSA) – Head Coach
- Baton Rouge Capitals (PSL – UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES) – Assistant coach
- Academy of the Sacred Heart (Girls High School) – Assistant coach
- Louisiana Fire Soccer Club – Head Coach
- UE Cornêlla (Barcelona) – Assistant Coach*
- Espanyol / Chelsea (ISLANO Mens league) – Head Coach
*I spent 1 month in Barcelona working alongside the academy directors and assisting the 19U boys team. A game against Barcelona 19U whist there (1-1 draw).
Licenses
-
USC National Youth Diploma – Distinguished pas
-
USYS Club Technical Leadership License Lvl 1
-
USYS B license
-
USYS C License
-
USYS D License
Josey Portillo
Head Coach 2008 Boys
Hometown: Kenner, LA
Philosophy
My philosophy as a coach is to make sure I create an environment where the kids have fun and learn to be better everyday. I also teach them to respect the game and to treat their teammates like brothers and play for each other. I strive to have my players perform together as a team with a style of football that is possession based.
Bio
Playing Experience (20 years+)
- Grace King High School
- New Orleans Soccer Academy
- Olympic Development Team Louisiana
- Region 3 ODP Team
- Excelsior – Netherlands
- New Orleans Shell Shockers
- Baton Rouge Capitals
- DC United (Pre Season)
- Atlanta Silverbacks
- Chicago Fire Reserves
- VSI Tampa
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – Selected Pre-season All American and nominee for Mac Hermann Trophy – Full Scholarship – Team Captain
Coaching Experience (5 years+)
- New Orleans Spartans FC
- Louisiana Fire Juniors – Head Coach
- St Charles FC – Head Coach
- Brother Martin High School – JV Coach
Marvin Buendia
Head Coach 2010 Boys
Hometown: Kenner, LA
Philosophy
I am a loyal, hard working, dedicated coach who shares a love for the game with my players. I encourage character development, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-worth, and joy for life. I foster strong partnerships with my players, driven by appreciation, compassion, and integrity. I enjoy coaching for the New Orleans Spartans because we focus more on development than game results.
Bio
Playing Experience (20 years+)
- Played in an Academy in Honduras for 3 Months every year, May 1996 – August 2000
Coaching Experience (5 years+)
- New Orleans Spartans FC – Head Coach
- Motagua Juniors – Head Coach
- Morris Jeff High School – Head Coach
License
- US Soccer – National “F+” License
Sofia Lopez
