Makan Keita
Coach
Coach Makan brings a wealth of international playing experience and a lifelong passion for developing soccer players. A former Mali National Team player and captain, Coach Makan competed at both the junior and senior international levels and represented Mali in major competitions, including the African Games and the African Cup of Nations.
During an accomplished professional career spanning Africa, Asia, and Europe, Coach Makan played for top clubs in Mali, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, France, Oman, and Greece. His achievements include multiple Mali League Championships, Cup Championships, league scoring titles, and several Best Player honors. Coach Makan also helped lead Djoliba AC to the African Cup Winners’ Cup Final and reached the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup Final while playing for Al Sahab Club in the UAE. In Japan, he won the national cup with Nagoya FC and later captured a league championship in Oman, where he was also named Best Player.
Today, Coach Makan is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential through individualized coaching, strong communication, and a positive learning environment. He focuses on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and confidence—both on and off the field.
Fluent in English, French, and Mandingo, Coach Keita connects with players and families from diverse backgrounds and is committed to inspiring the next generation of soccer players through hard work, discipline, and a love for the game.
Matar Faal
Coach
Coach Matar Faal has dedicated more than 20 years to developing young soccer players and sharing his love for the game. A father of three soccer players himself, Matar understands the positive impact sports can have on young athletes both on and off the field.
Raised in The Gambia, West Africa, Matar grew up immersed in soccer, playing the game whenever and wherever he could. His talent and passion led him to compete in leagues in Europe and the Middle East, providing him with valuable experience that would later shape his coaching philosophy. Soccer excellence runs deep in the family—his brother, Tony Sanneh, enjoyed a distinguished professional career in the United States, including time with Major League Soccer clubs such as the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew.
After immigrating to the United States in 1994, Matar made it his mission to share the knowledge, discipline, and joy that soccer had given him. Over the years, he has coached hundreds of players, helping many advance to high school soccer programs and guiding others toward collegiate opportunities and scholarships. Since immigrating to the United States in 1994, Matar has been committed to using soccer as a vehicle for teaching life lessons, building confidence, and creating opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.
Matar spent more than 15 years coaching with Santos Futbol Club, where he built and developed successful teams while mentoring countless young players. Through that experience, he established a reputation for emphasizing strong technical foundations, character development, and a genuine passion for the game.
Driven by a desire to introduce even more children to soccer and create a player-centered environment, Coach Matar founded Youth Discovery and later launched Upper Arlington United. His vision was to build a club grounded in the values and teaching principles he had developed throughout his coaching career—one that prioritizes long-term player development, teamwork, sportsmanship, strong character, and a love for the game. He believes soccer should help young athletes grow not only as players, but also as confident leaders, resilient teammates, and positive members of their community.
Today, Coach Matar remains committed to helping players of all ages reach their potential while enjoying every step of their soccer journey. His goal for Upper Arlington United is to create a thriving soccer community where players, coaches, and families share a commitment to growth, inclusiveness, excellence, and respect. Through his leadership, he strives to ensure that every player has a pathway to participate, develop, compete, and succeed both on and off the field.
Danielle
Danielle’s love for soccer began at the age of four. She grew up playing on a competitive club travel team and spent every opportunity she could on the field—whether at practice, with friends, or even during school recess. Soccer quickly became more than just a game; it became a place where she found joy, confidence, and peace.
That lifelong passion inspired Danielle to dedicate herself to helping young athletes develop not only their soccer skills but also their confidence, character, and love for the game. She believes coaches have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a child’s life by creating a positive, encouraging, and safe environment where every player can grow.
After getting married and starting a family, Danielle stepped away from the game for a season. However, her passion for soccer never faded. She introduced her own children to the sport and began volunteering as one of their coaches. From there, she started leading soccer training sessions through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, helping children build fundamental skills while fostering a love for the game.
Today, Danielle continues to stay actively involved in soccer by coaching youth players, refereeing matches, and competing in adult recreational leagues throughout the Columbus area. She is committed to serving the soccer community and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of players through positive coaching, encouragement, and a genuine love for the sport.
James
Hello, my name is James, I’ve been playing soccer since I was 5 years old, building nearly two decades of experience and a lifelong passion for the game. Now 24, I’ve competed at the semi-professional level, gaining valuable experience in high-level training, teamwork, and match competition. As a coach, my goal is to help players develop strong technical skills, confidence, discipline, and a love for the game while creating a positive, challenging, and supportive environment for every athlete.
Josh Kumi
Coach
My soccer journey began at age five on a dusty neighborhood field in Ghana, where countless games with my cousins sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. Those early experiences taught me not only the joy of the game, but also the values of teamwork, resilience, and perseverance that continue to shape me today.
As a player, I evolved from an attacking forward and winger into a strong, physical center back, competing at both the high school and club levels before continuing my career at Denison University. Soccer remains a big part of my life, and I still enjoy competing in adult leagues today.
For more than 10 years, I have had the privilege of coaching players of all ages, from energetic toddlers taking their first kicks to high school athletes striving to reach their full potential. I believe every player deserves the opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the game, regardless of their starting point.
My coaching philosophy centers on creating a positive, engaging environment where players can develop strong technical skills, build confidence, and foster a lasting love for the game. I focus on age-appropriate development and creating a supportive atmosphere where players feel challenged, encouraged, and valued as teammates.
Whether a player is just beginning their soccer journey or looking to take the next step in their development, my goal is to help them grow as athletes and teammates while ensuring they have fun every time they step onto the field. Nothing is more rewarding than watching young players gain confidence, improve their abilities, and discover the excitement that makes soccer such a special game. At Upper Arlington United, I am proud to be part of a club that believes success is measured not only by results, but by player growth, character, and a lifelong passion for soccer.
Build Skills Through Soccer
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