Maribelia Avalos
President/Founding Executive Director
Maribelia Avalos founded CASA FC in 2008 with only a laptop, a vision for a brighter future for youth throughout Colorado, and eight players who formed the initial team. Today, there are more laptops, a team of staff and volunteers, and more than 7,000 youth players from the Denver Metro Area and surrounding areas who have been enrolled in what has become a hard-driving competitive program known statewide as an emerging elite club.
Maribelia believes in empowering youth to come into their own, fulfill their greatest potential and become successful leaders. As an athlete who competed in every sport she could when she arrived in this country, Maribelia knows how sports can alter someone’s life course in powerful ways. After all, through her high school sports program and academics, she was awarded several scholarships to be able to attend college on a full scholarship.
Of course, her sport of choice has always been soccer. But, after college, she wanted to create the same opportunities for young people in her community. Therefore, she created CASA FC with two guiding principles: that it would be affordable to the community and where talent from often overlooked communities can come and thrive. She was right. CASA FC has become one of the most competitive clubs in the state and country, and CASA FC players are often recruited to play at the highest level for their age group, like MLS Next.
Maribelia didn’t just create CASA FC from scratch; she served in all the roles for the organization - coach, director, manager, volunteer, driver, mentor, field coordinator, scheduler and everything in between. She knows the club like the back of her hand. This also means she knows the story and lives behind every player, the strengths and opportunities each coach and team manager brings, and the challenges parents from the community must overcome to ensure their child gets the best opportunities in life. For Maribelia, it’s about centering quality over quantity.
Another role Maribelia is serving is as board member of the Soccer For Life Foundation which aims to ensure soccer access for all young players in Colorado. Maribelia’s involvement will further promote her mission and expand opportunities for young soccer enthusiasts.
Maribelia is also a business owner. She is the founder and owner of Masfit, an independent lifestyle, fitness, and well-being facility in the heart of The Highlands neighborhood in Northwest Denver. Maribelia possesses more than 20 years of experience as a personal fitness and group fitness instructor.
Maribelia and CASA FC have been featured in 9News, Colorado Public Radio, VoyageDenver, La Voz, The Denver Post, Viva Colorado, Univision, and Telemundo, among other notable media. In 2013, Maribelia received the “Woman Who Has Changed the Heart of the City” Award from the Denver Rescue Mission.
Maribelia is from Michoacán, Mexico. She graduated from Adam’s State University in 2008, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and Business Management. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Mathematics.
Ramiro Avalos
Technical Director - Girls
Ramiro Avalos joined CASA FC in 2016 and was quickly promoted to Coaching Director of the Girls Program. For the last several years, Coach Ramiro has coached many of our girls’ CASA FC SUPERSTARS teams. His leadership and coaching style have been critical to the teams’ achievements in winning their way to Premier One after several championship wins. Several of his teams have reached Premier One with undefeated records. He has always gone above and beyond to make sure all the teams have the support they need, and all the players know that they are important talented individuals with unique skills, and that each of them bring something different to the team. His dedication as a coach is admirable. He leads with a strong and steady hand, and a gentle and kind spirit. His role in building the girls soccer program and giving every girl an opportunity to become better athletes and play the game they love, is what truly makes all of us at CASA FC proud.
Coach Ramiro graduated from Adams State University in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting. He is a Partner at Triumph Business Services, LLC in Denver.
ramiro@casafc.us
Karol Bird-Gomez
Director of Operations
Karol Viviana Bird-Gomez, known in the soccer community as Coach Karol, joined CASA FC in 2021. Her passion for the game and commitment to serving her community has driven Karol to dedicate her life to soccer.
Soccer has not only changed Karol's life, but improved it since the moment she fell in love with the game at the age of 11. From pioneering her hometown's first U13 boys traveling team in her adolescence all the way to coaching and directing programs as an adult, Karol strongly believes soccer can change lives. She strives to come together with a team of passionate, like-minded leaders to provide those same opportunities to as many youth players as possible.
Bringing over a decade of expertise in the realms of business administration, property management, and commercial real estate, Karol integrates this wealth of knowledge with her coaching and leadership experience as she assumes the position of Director of Operations.
She also believes in giving back to the community and working together to make things better for athletes in their daily lives. This is the reason why she fits in so well in CASA FC. As a woman, she believes it's very important to show young female athletes that they can be anything they want.
Born in Pereira, Colombia, Karol came to the US in 1993 at the age of four. Karol was raised in Fairview, New Jersey and attended Georgian Court University.
karol@casafc.us
Lily Kusumah
Administration/Registrar
Lilly Kusumah joined CASA FC in 2019 becoming part of the team behind the scenes. Her love for soccer and the community prompted her to join the CASA’s team as an Administrator. She is passionate about continuing to create a program for all kids of any background. Growing up playing sports she believes every child should have an opportunity to build bonding relationships and find their love for soccer.
Carles Gil
National Director
Carles Gil, a seasoned professional with an illustrious 18-year career in soccer worldwide, took on the role of National Technical Director at CASA FC in 2023, making a significant impact on the club's development. His diverse experience spans various roles, including Head Coach, GK Director, Director of Scouting, and, most recently, a successful six-year stint as a Technical Director and College expert.
Carles Gil's soccer journey began as a goalkeeper with E.C. Granollers in Spain's Division de Honor, earning a spot in the Catalonia national team during his U14-U16 years alongside stars like Andres Iniesta. After excelling in futsal's División de Plata Liga Nacional de Fútbol Sala, Carles transitioned to focus solely on soccer, leaving behind a successful 15-year career as a sports journalist in Granollers.
At FC Barcelona's La Masia, Carles coached talents like Lamien Yamal and nurtured stars like Gavi, Oscar Mingueza, Andrei Onane, Take Kubo, Ansu Fati, and Ilaix Moriba. His family's deep connection to soccer, particularly through his father Isidre Gil, a prominent FC Barcelona scout for 30 years, added to his rich soccer legacy.
In 2016, Carles moved to the U.S., driven by a desire to enhance his English skills and create optimal conditions for his family. After contributing to various soccer projects in Colorado, he joined CASA FC, attracted by the club's strong soccer community, tradition, and commitment to developing players at all levels.
Despite his extensive professional soccer career, Carles remains deeply committed to his family, cherishing his role as a husband and father to three beloved children.
carles@casafc.us
Judd Demartini
Director of Coaching - Boys
In the summer of 2023, CASA FC welcomed Judd Demartini, a genuine soccer enthusiast hailing from Detroit, Michigan. Judd's love for the beautiful game has been a lifelong journey, starting at a young age and intensifying as the years passed. At the age of 16, he discovered his innate joy for coaching, effortlessly connecting with players and inspiring them to unlock their full potential on the field.
Armed with a Psychology degree from the University of San Francisco and a professional background in Education, Judd possesses a unique skill set to impart valuable life lessons through soccer to the new generation of young players. Eager to expand his coaching knowledge, Judd earned his US Soccer C license in the Fall of 2023.
Beyond coaching and mentoring, Judd finds joy in exploring the Colorado outdoors, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and occasionally indulging in a friendly soccer match. His multifaceted interests reflect his well-rounded approach to life and soccer.
Thrilled to be a part of CASA FC, Judd sees the club as a perfect alignment of his passion and values. With a steadfast focus on player development, family support, and teamwork, Judd, along with the CASA FC team, is actively fostering a vibrant community of passionate soccer enthusiasts.
judd@casafc.us
Christian Solis
Director of Coaching - Girls
Christian Solis, the Girls Director of Coaching (DOC) at CASA FC, is a dedicated figure in the youth soccer scene. With a coaching journey that commenced in 2015, Christian has been passionately guiding and mentoring young athletes, and fostering their growth on and off the field.
Soccer has been a transformative journey for Christian, leading him to remarkable places and providing him with invaluable experiences. Beyond shaping his own life, the sport has been a profound teacher of life lessons.
Thrilled about the prospect of continuing his coaching career at CASA FC, Christian is excited to take on a new role within the club. This presents an exciting opportunity for him to contribute significantly to the development of young athletes, assisting them in discovering their potential through the medium of soccer.
Christian's deep appreciation for coaching stems from his love for leading youth through the beautiful game of soccer. Recognizing the sport's power to impart valuable skills, both on and off the field, he values its ability to instill discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the capacity to overcome challenges.
Grateful for the opportunity to be a part of CASA FC, Christian is committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment that facilitates growth, both as players and individuals. Together with the CASA FC community, he aims to build a strong foundation for young athletes, enabling them to thrive in their soccer journey.
christian@casafc.us
Matt Hays
Field coordinator / Tournaments Director
A true Colorado native with 18 years of coaching experience, Matt Hays brings a wealth of soccer expertise to CASA FC. After his time at Brighton HS, Matt played for Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, WY, marking the beginning of his coaching journey at Brighton HS. Over the years, he has earned prestigious qualifications, including the US Soccer National B License, United Soccer Coaches National Diploma, and USC Goalkeeping Level I, II, and III Diplomas. Matt has been a key figure in the Colorado Soccer Association's Colorado Select (ODP) program for the past 6 years, contributing to the success of the 2009 Boys at the ODP Far West Regionals in January 2023.
Outside of soccer, Matt immerses himself in outdoor activities, indulging in hiking, camping, and conquering 14ers with his loyal companion, Arrow. Notably, he completed the Leadville Silver Rush 50-mile ultramarathon in 2019. Beyond sports, Matt is a talented musician, proficient in both drums and guitar, and also enjoys a game of disc golf.
Choosing to join CASA FC, Matt was drawn to the club's commitment to providing community-centered soccer opportunities for players. He appreciates the passion and skill demonstrated by CASA teams, and his decision to be part of a club that shares his fervor for the game is evident. Matt envisions CASA FC becoming one of the leading youth clubs in Colorado and eagerly anticipates contributing to the club's growth in the upcoming years.
matt@casafc.us
David Addison
Director of Recreational Programs
David brings a rich background to CASA FC, having played college soccer as a goalkeeper at Seattle Pacific University and accumulating two decades of coaching experience. As the former owner and Director of Coaching at the International Academy of Soccer (IAS) in the Seattle area, he spearheaded professional soccer coaching services with a primary focus on coach education and youth player development, specifically catering to 5 to 10-year-old players and teams.
Equipped with a USSF "B" License, NSCAA "National" and "Youth" licenses, and a notable stint as a USSF Coach license instructor for three years, David places immense value on individual player development, coach advancement, and the incorporation of enjoyable yet competitive soccer-specific activities.
David's excitement about joining CASA FC stems from his profound passion for fostering soccer within his local community. His specialization revolves around developing coaches and nurturing younger players, particularly those in the early childhood age group (5-10 years old). Aligned with CASA's vision to provide accessible soccer opportunities at a low cost, David is committed to ensuring that high-level soccer is available to all children in the United States. His extensive experience, aligned philosophy, and deep-rooted passion make him a valuable addition to CASA FC's mission and vision.