Tarynn Gifford

First Touch Director

Gulf Coast Soccer Club is delighted to welcome Tarynn Gifford as the First Touch Program Director within our Center of Excellence. 

With an extensive background in youth coaching and a lifelong passion for athletics, Tarynn is dedicated to providing young players with the best possible start on their soccer journey.

A Lifelong Passion for Sports and Youth Development

Tarynn’s love for sports began at an early age. 

As a multi-sport athlete, she participated in a variety of sports from the age of three, competing through varsity and high-level competitive programs. This diverse athletic background instilled in her a strong appreciation for the role sports play in childhood development—teaching essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Her early exposure to athletics fueled a desire to give back to the next generation, leading her to pursue coaching as a way to help young athletes grow both on and off the field. Over the past 11 years, Tarynn has dedicated herself to coaching foundational-age players, guiding them through the critical early stages of development.

Experience and Expertise in Foundational Soccer Development

Tarynn brings a wealth of experience in youth soccer development, particularly in coaching the earliest age groups. 

She has worked extensively with First Touch programs in Iowa, where she honed her ability to create engaging, age-appropriate training environments that promote skill development, confidence, and a love for the game.

She firmly believes that early exposure to sports is crucial in shaping well-rounded, active, and resilient children. Her coaching philosophy centers on fun, inclusivity, and skill-building, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability level, develops a positive connection with soccer.

Vision for the First Touch Program

As the First Touch Program Director, Tarynn is committed to fostering an environment where young children can learn, explore, and develop fundamental soccer skills in an enjoyable and encouraging setting. 

She is passionate about bridging the gap between First Touch and the next stages of player development, ensuring a seamless transition into the Pre-Academy and Academy programs here at Gulf Coast Soccer Club.

Tarynn sees First Touch as more than just an introduction to soccer—it is the first step in a long-term developmental pathway that helps young players gain confidence, coordination, and a love for being active. 

By connecting players and parents with the Gulf Coast Youth Soccer League, she aims to provide a structured yet fun-filled introduction to the game.

Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every player who starts in the First Touch Program has the skills, knowledge, and excitement to progress confidently into the next level of the Center of Excellence; The Pre Academy and Academy programs.

Beyond Coaching

Outside of soccer, Tarynn enjoys an active and family-centered lifestyle. 

She and her husband, Ben, are proud parents to their two young sons, Renan (4) and Colter (2). 

As a family, they love spending time outdoors, playing sports, going on walks, and enjoying quality time with friends. Their shared love for athletics and movement is something they embrace daily, making them strong advocates for keeping kids active from an early age.

Tarynn is eager to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Gulf Coast Soccer Club family. 

She looks forward to working closely with parents and young athletes to create a positive, engaging, and developmentally rich experience for all First Touch players.

Please join us in welcoming Tarynn Gifford to Gulf Coast Soccer Club!

Jamahel "Yama" Alfaro

Director of Academy

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

• USSF C License
• USSF D License
• USSF Grassroots Licenses: 4V4,7V7,9V9,11V11
• TOVO Methodology Course
• Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma
• 3-Years Coaching Adult Soccer
• 10-Years Coaching Youth Soccer, including State Classic League, Fronteir League, State Champions, US Regional Qualifier. 
• Semi-Pro Professional in Honduras

Paddy King

Director of Coaching & Methodology

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

• UEFA A & B License, United Kingdom
• Masters in High Performance Coaching, Football Science Institute, Madrid, Spain
• Masters in High Performance Football, MBP Coaching School, Barcelona, Spain
• Scouting & Analysis, MBP Coaching School, Barcelona, Spain
• Premier Diploma, NSCAA, USA
• La Liga Methodology Course
• TOVO Methodology
• Coerver Coaching Instructor Course

EDUCATION

• Master of Science, Performance Analysis in Football, Global Institute of Sport
• Master of Science, Football Coaching, Ohio University, 2016
• Bachelor of Science, Sport Science, Southampton University, 1998

COACHING EXPERIENCE

FC Dayton, Dayton, OH

• Executive Director – Managed the day-to-day operation of the club, including club operations, business administration and marketing.

FC Dayton, Dayton, OH | 2018-2023

• Director of Coaching - Was responsible for instituting a club wide Game Model and Methodology to improve the standard of playing and training across all ages and playing levels including in-house coaching education, performance analysis, strength & conditioning, speed & agility training, Individual Development Plans (IDP).

FC Cincinnati Academy (MLS) | 2019-2023

• FCC Academy Performance Analyst
• FCC Academy Assistant Coach for U12, U14, and U17 boys
• Lead Coach for the Academy’s Discovery Program (FCC Academy player ID & selection process)

Arizona Soccer Club, Gilbert, AZ | 2015-2018

• Director of Coaching – developed and implemented a club wide game model based on positional play and age-appropriate player development.

Olympic Development Program (ODP), US Youth Soccer | 2013 – present

• ODP state head coach in New Jersey, Arizona, and Ohio

New York Red Bulls (MLS) | 2012 – 2015

• Sr. Youth Coach
• Red Bull Academy videographer and performance analyst

PUBLICATIONS

Alchemy Coaching: Turning Training Into Gold. A Primer on Rondos and Positional Play, Patrick J. King and Grant Knight, 2020