ABOUT

COACH ANTONIO VISCUSO, AV Soccer Academy Founder
With more than 20 years of professional coaching experience, I have worked with soccer players at every stage of development—from toddlers just learning the game to collegiate athletes competing at the highest levels. My coaching journey has included running a successful “tots” soccer program at a local library for children ages 2–5, as well as coaching in competitive premier club environments for both boys and girls across all age groups. I have also coached at the NCAA Division II and Division III collegiate levels.

Over the past two decades, I have developed a deep understanding of the game through hands-on experience in training session design, in-game coaching, tactical classroom instruction, recruiting, scouting, and building successful programs from the ground up. My coaching philosophy focuses on player development, motivation, and creating an environment where athletes can grow both technically and personally.

I am a fully licensed and insured soccer coach and operate a fully insured soccer training facility, providing a professional and safe environment for players of all ages and skill levels.

EXPERIENCE

President & Coaching Director | AV Soccer Academy | Sandy Hook, CT

Head Soccer Coach | A.C. Connecticut Soccer | Danbury, CT

Girls Varsity Head Soccer Coach | Pomperaug High School | Southbury, CT

Founder & Director | Southern New England Elite Soccer | Cheshire, CT

Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach | University of New Haven | New Haven, CT

Technical Director | Cheshire United Soccer Club | Cheshire, CT

Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach | College of Mount Saint Vincent | Bronx, NY

Director of Recruitment/Head Soccer Coach, NAL & Pre-Academy | FC Westchester | Purchase, NY

Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach | Westchester Flames USL 2 | New Rochelle, NY

Head Regional Coach | Westchester Flames Youth Teams | New Rochelle, NY

Technical Director, Soccer | Monroe AYSO, Cubs Program | Monroe, CT

Varsity Head Soccer Coach | Masuk High School | Monroe, CT

Coaching Director, Soccer | Monroe Soccer | Monroe, CT

Head Coach | FUSA (Fairfield United Soccer Association) | Fairfield, CT

Junior Varsity/Varsity Soccer Coach | Fairfield Warde High School | Fairfield, CT

LICENSES

Praxis Certification

Connecticut Coaching Permit

NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma

Certified CPR, Concussion and First Aid

USSF C-License Coach

USSF B-License (currently enrolled)

ACCOLADES

2025 SWC Semi-final Appearance | Pomperaug High School, CT

2025 CIAC State Quarter Final Appearance | Pomperaug High School, CT

2024 NE10 Conference Finalist | University of New Haven, CT

2024 NCAA Division II Appearance | University of New Haven, CT

2021 Skyline Conference Champion | College of Mount Saint Vincent, NY

2021 NCAA Division III Appearance | College of Mount Saint Vincent, NY

2018 East All-American Boys High School Soccer Coach

2017 SWC Runner Up | Masuk High School, CT

2017 CIAC State Finalist | Masuk High School, CT

Hearst Connecticut Media’s 2017 Boys Soccer Coach of the Year

2010 FCIAC Finalist | Fairfield Warde High School

MY PHILOSOPHY
AV Soccer Academy’s staff is committed to providing the highest quality training to help every player succeed. We create an environment that demands a strong work ethic, focus, passion, and respect for one another.

Our training methodology is centered on the individual player, tailoring development to each athlete’s goals and areas of growth. Our experienced coaching staff sets a standard of excellence on the pitch while guiding players through a structured and supportive development process.

Our primary mission is to prepare and develop players of all ages to reach their fullest potential, empowering them to compete at the highest level and supporting those who aspire to take their game to the next stage.

It was June 18, 1994. I was 13 years old. My grandparents came over to visit for the day and I remember flipping through the channels on TV, and for some reason stopping at a soccer game. I wasn’t a big fan at the time, but something intrigued me about that game. My mother over heard the commentator on the TV and immediately told me to tell Grandpa that the game was on.

What Game was she talking about? Why was my grandfather so interested in this particular game?

I knew at the time my grandfather was a big soccer (Lazio) fanatic. Born in Frosinone, Italy, soccer was in his blood. But why for the first time was I watching my Grandfather run into the house to watch a game? I never shared his passion for the game before, but when he entered the living room, it was clear that this day would change my life forever.

Being very close with my Grandfather, I looked at him as a god. I would mimic everything he did. The way he would whistle whenever he entered the house or the way he always crossed his legs when he sat down. I remember the epic debates he used to have at the dinner table where he would bang his fist down on the table, like a judge with his gavel enforcing authority. He was a born leader, who didn’t take crap from anyone.

So, what was the importance of this game?

It was the World Cup group stage match between Italy and Ireland. The World Cup had finally taken place in the States, a place where soccer was looked at as a joke. When I was growing up, soccer was not a big sport in our town, so naturally I looked to other sports. The whistle blew to begin the match and my Grandfather turned into a man possessed by a crazy person! Before this game, I had watched other sporting events with fanatics, but never saw anyone react to a game in this manner. It was like he was playing in the game. With every pass, every tackle, every shot and every call, he reacted to it. I was hooked!

The game ended with a historic 1-0 loss for Italy. During the match, I discovered this player on the Italian team who had a long ponytail that was braided with beads and wore the #10 jersey. The name on the back of his shirt read R. BAGGIO. Like my grandfather, this player would have a huge impact on my life. After the game I felt exhausted, like I had run a marathon. I was sweating and didn’t understand what I was feeling. I immediately went outside and started kicking a soccer ball around.

Thirty-two years later and the ball hasn’t left my foot.

- Coach Antonio Viscuso

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