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KEY PEOPLE
ANDREI GOTSMANOV
JOY OMAHA
Founder / Coach
As the Founder and a Coach of Joy Omaha Soccer & Futsal, Andrei Gotsmanov has developed The Joy Omaha Development Balance Model—a player-centered philosophy that helps young players reach their full potential through the intentional balance of freedom and challenge.
A former professional player, Andrei was a First Team All-American at Creighton University, a Hermann Trophy semifinalist, and the 24th overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He played professionally for Minnesota Stars FC and Minnesota United FC, winning the 2011 NASL Championship.
With more than 15 years of coaching experience, Andrei has worked with players of all ages and abilities, including youth recreational players, elite club athletes, MLS academy players, futsal national team players, and collegiate athletes. Before founding Joy Omaha, he served as the General Manager and Program Director at Joy of the People in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he helped develop an innovative player-centered approach to youth soccer.
Today, Andrei's coaching philosophy is built around creating purposeful learning environments where players can explore, compete, and grow. Through the Joy Omaha Development Balance, he aims to develop confident, creative, resilient, and independent players who develop a lifelong love of the game.
651-214-7017
TED KROETEN
JOY OF THE PEOPLE
(St. Paul, MN)
Artistic Director and Co-Founder
Ted leads the way in rethinking and delivering player development --always championing kids and possibilities based on his experienced, dedicated, and innovative soccer career. Ted holds the highest level coaching diplomas including the Brazilian Institute of Futebol "A", United Coaches Master diploma, and FC Evolution Pro, he has studied at the top academies around the world including Santos, Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Fluminese, Cerra Porteno, FC Porto, Cali, Hajduk Split, and Dinamo Zagreb. He is considered a leader in the understanding and the delivery of play (street soccer), how it works and how to apply it to provide a healthier and more sustainable sport experience. Ted is a sought after speaker and his many podcasts and interviews continue to inspire the next generation of coaches and players.