SERGIO RAPUANO NAMED WEST FLORIDA FLAMES DIRECTOR OF GOALKEEPING AND ACADEMY STAFF COACH.

West Florida Flames welcomes our new Director of Goalkeeping, Sergio Rapuano. A former professional goalkeeper in Europe and the United States, Rapuano possesses a lengthy coaching resume that includes positions such as: goalkeeping coach for Professional soccer team, Indy Eleven, U.S. Soccer Region 1 talent identification scout, and, most recently, the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team goalkeeping coach. At the Club level, Rapuano served as a Director for various nationally recognized clubs such as; Texans Soccer Club, Weston FC, Chargers Soccer Club and, most recently, as coach and college placement Director at Pinecrest Premier FC (Miami, FL). Sergio Rapuano also has served as assistant coach at colleges and universities throughout the United States including Columbia University, Longwood University, University of New Haven, and the NCAA DII national champion Southern Connecticut State University men’s program.  Presently, Rapuano serves as an assistant coach (defender and goalkeeper specialist) as well as recruiting coordinator at the Broward College (NJCAA) in Pembroke Pines, FL.  In his time at Broward College, Rapuano has produced the NJCAA all-conference goalkeeper of the year on both the men’s (twice) and women’s sides as well as an all-American defender.  

Rapuano is excited to join West Florida Flames because of its unwavering dedication to player development and looks forward to utilizing his experience to complement the vision of the club at both the competitive and academy Level.  “It is a very exciting time to be a part of youth soccer in the United States,” said Rapuano.  “The landscape of youth soccer is perpetually evolving, and the success of the women’s national team at the world cup as well as the continued expansion of professional playing opportunities sets the stage to capitalize on the programmatic focus on player development both on and off the field at the collegiate and club levels.  The lessons learned on the pitch transcend the confines of the game, and I look forward to sharing not only what the game has taught me but also to work with a team of colleagues that share a communal dedication to developing well-rounded, problem-solving individuals.  I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to meeting you.”