Nothing is given, everything is earned.

Warriors Soccer Academy provides purposeful soccer development for players ages 5–13.

We focus on teaching the game the right way from the start — with clear coaching, structured sessions, and high standards. Every practice has intent. Players are challenged to think, compete, and improve, not just run drills or chase results.

Our environment is demanding but supportive. Players are taught to work, take responsibility, and grow through effort and consistency. Team matters. Individual development matters. Shortcuts don’t.

WARRIORS CORE VALUES

01

CHALLENGE

WE CHOOSE HARD. EASY BUILDS NOTHING.

02

SELFLESSNESS

TEAM FIRST. ALWAYS.

03

APPRECIATION

RESPECT THE GAME AND OPPORTUNITY.

04

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

BETTER THAN YESTERDAY. EVERY DAY.

05

COMMITMENT

SHOW UP. LOCK IN. FINISH.

Meet Our Coaches

Founder & Director

Mirko Ugrenovic

Coach Mirko Ugrenovic is the founder and Academy Director of Warriors Soccer Academy. Born in Croatia but raised in Serbia, with more than 14 years of experience, he has coached at every level of youth development throughout Tampa Bay, leaving a lasting impact on hundreds of players across all ages and abilities.

Mirko began his coaching journey by helping build HappyFeet Tampa Bay from the ground up. He played an important role in establishing its structure, developing its curriculum, and raising its coaching standards. Within a year and a half, the organization was recognized as HappyFeet Franchise of the Year nationwide.

Ready to build something independently and according to his own vision, Mirko founded Sunshine Soccer Stars in 2019. He later served as Academy Director and curriculum developer at Sporting Wesley Chapel while continuing to expand his own programs. Sunshine eventually became Warriors Soccer Minis and laid the foundation for Warriors Soccer Academy.

Mirko has also mentored and developed numerous coaches, helping them improve their teaching, session delivery, and understanding of player development while sharing his infectious passion for the game.

His philosophy extends far beyond winning games. Mirko is committed to developing technically capable, intelligent, disciplined, and confident players while helping every child grow in character. That vision continues to shape the players, coaches, culture, and future of Warriors Soccer Academy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• USSF C License

• USSF B License Candidate

Coach

Danny Torres

Coach Daniel “Danny” Torres grew up in Germany, where he developed his love for the game while playing academy soccer in Nuremberg. After moving to the United States in 2009, he began a coaching career that has taken him through every level of youth development—from introducing young children to the game to coaching advanced and semi-professional players.

Danny has coached boys and girls throughout the Tampa Bay area and held leadership positions including Technical Director and Director of Coaching. He has also led coaching staffs, developed curriculums, organized session plans, and supported coaches throughout their professional journeys.

What truly separates Danny is his unique talent for teaching. His passion and love for the game are immediately felt, but his greatest strength is his ability to connect with children and communicate in a way they understand. He knows how to get his message across while keeping players engaged, challenged, and excited to learn.

Danny takes tremendous pride in his physical fitness and personal discipline. He leads by example, means what he says, and brings honesty, energy, and purpose to every session. As our academy mentor said, Danny has a genuine gift for teaching—and that is a rare quality we are proud to have at Warriors Soccer Academy.

Coach

Miguel Cerpa

Coach Miguel Cerpa brings 36 years of soccer experience to Warriors Soccer Academy as both a player and coach. His playing career included competing at the NCAA Division I level and representing the United States Armed Forces in soccer.

For the past 15 years, Miguel has dedicated himself to coaching and player development, working with players at the U10, U12, and high school levels. His approach emphasizes technical development, tactical understanding, discipline, teamwork, and helping players grow both on and off the field.

A United States Coast Guard veteran, Miguel brings organization, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything he does. He is also a skilled electrician whose meticulous approach to his work reflects the same qualities he brings to coaching: preparation, attention to detail, problem-solving, and pride in doing things the right way.

Miguel has a creative and deeply curious mind. He is always looking to learn, understand, and find better ways to communicate the game to his players. A hardworking and devoted family man, he values commitment, accountability, and being someone others can depend on.

His coaching philosophy centers on developing intelligent, hardworking players who understand the game, compete for one another, and play with purpose.

Coach

Njaun Matis

Coach Njaun Matis was born and raised in Jamaica, where he developed a passion for sports from an early age. As he continued his education, that passion grew into a love for teaching and helping young students take their first steps in movement, physical activity, and sport.

As a Physical Education teacher at ZCA, Njaun brings valuable experience working with children in the beginning stages of their development. His calm and patient approach allows young players the time and space to explore, make decisions, and grow without unnecessary pressure. He understands that children do not need constant instruction and refuses to over-coach them, allowing learning to happen naturally while providing guidance when it is truly needed.

Outside of teaching, Njaun possesses an extraordinary range of knowledge and curiosity. He follows soccer across numerous leagues, is an avid student of the game, and is always willing to share what he knows while remaining open to learning from others.

Njaun’s journey has required genuine strength, courage, and purpose. Moving to the United States represents the greatest adventure of his life so far, and he has embraced the opportunity with positivity, humility, and an open mind.

Above all, Njaun is an exceptional human being. His calm presence, accountability, knowledge, and sincere commitment to helping children develop bring tremendous value to Warriors Soccer Academy.

Coach

Shaun Brooks

Coach Shaun Brooks has played a foundational role in the development of Warriors Soccer Academy. A trusted mentor, adviser, and close friend of the academy, Shaun is the founder of The Brooks Method—the player-development philosophy and coaching methodology that Warriors proudly follows.

A former Premier League professional with more than 400 senior appearances, Shaun brings a lifetime of experience at the highest levels of the game. After his playing career, he became a UEFA Pro Licensed coach and held influential leadership positions including First Team Coach at AFC Bournemouth and Academy Director at both AFC Bournemouth and Southampton.

Throughout his coaching career, Shaun has worked within the academy systems of Southampton, Bristol City, Brighton, and AFC Bournemouth. He has contributed to the development of players including Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Ings, Luke Shaw, Matt Ritchie, and Joel Ward.

Shaun’s influence reaches far beyond tactics and technical instruction. His methodology centers on understanding how players learn, building strong developmental foundations, and creating intelligent, confident footballers who can solve problems for themselves.

Although Shaun is now based in Nashville, he remains closely connected to Warriors Soccer Academy and continues to provide mentorship, guidance, and support to our leadership and coaching staff. His knowledge, friendship, and belief in what we are building have helped shape the identity of our academy.

We are proud to carry The Brooks Method forward and honored to have Coach Shaun Brooks as a continuing adviser to Warriors Soccer Academy.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

400+ professional appearances with Premier League clubs Crystal Palace & AFC Bournemouth
UEFA Pro Licensed coach with extensive experience at youth and senior levels
Former First Team Coach, AFC Bournemouth
Academy Director at both AFC Bournemouth and Southampton
Coaching experience with Southampton, Bristol City, Brighton & Bournemouth academies
Helped develop players such as Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Ings, Luke Shaw, Matt Ritchie & Joel Ward

QUALIFICATIONS:

USSF 'Pro' License, Child Protection Certified