Board Members
Board Members of Maccabee Futbol Academy
DROR ZILPA
President
Dror Zilpa is an experienced and passionate soccer coach with a strong international background. Originally from Israel, he spent 8 years playing in the youth system of Hapoel Beit She’an and 2 years with their first league team. After a major injury sidelined his playing career, Dror earned his coaching license and went on to study Physical Education at the renowned Wingate Institute.
Dror has spent the past 6 years coaching and directing youth soccer programs, and currently holds a U.S. B National License.
DAVID ELAN
Vice President
David Elan is the Founder of Uniquely Real Estate and brings over 30 years of experience in strategic sales, marketing, and community engagement. As a seasoned negotiator and problem solver, he has guided a diverse clientele—from first-time buyers to investors—with integrity and results.
David’s blend of business acumen, leadership, and grassroots involvement. He is committed to supporting the club’s mission, fostering community spirit, and promoting the sport’s positive impact on youth and families.
JESSICA MARTINEZ
Administrator
Jessica is an organizational culture and effectiveness leader and the founder of Tomorrow’s Office, a strategic culture consulting firm focused on rebuilding how we work for the next generation. She has over a decade of experience driving strategic planning, operations, communications, and employee experience at Fortune 500 companies (Disney, Blizzard Entertainment), including senior leadership roles through two of the largest mergers and acquisitions in tech and entertainment history.
LAUREN ELAN HELSPER
Administrator
Lauren is a soccer aficionado! Lauren started her soccer career at 8 years old and played all the way through high school as a right defender. Having hung up her cleats and shin guards, she now enjoys watching her two active sons, a 9 year old and a 7 year old, on the pitch! She holds a doctorate degree from the University of Southern California in Higher Education Administration and has worked at various colleges and universities throughout the United States in Student Affairs and Human Resources.
Coaches
DROR ZILPA
President and Director
of Coaching
Coach Dror grew up playing for Hapoel Beit She’an in Israel, spending 8 years in the youth system and 2 years in the first league. Following an injury, he earned his coaching license and pursued a degree in Physical Education at Wingate Institute. He went on to play in Australia’s first league for 2 years before moving to the U.S., where he has spent the past 6 years coaching and directing. Now holding a U.S. B National License and bringing experience from top clubs, Coach Dror is dedicated to taking players to the next level.
LUIS LUCERO
Soccer Coach
Experienced soccer coach and youth development specialist with a proven track record of identifying and nurturing young talent. Passionate about developing players both on and off the field, focusing on their soccer skills, character, work ethic, and overall potential. Aligns with modern talent identification, emphasizing personality, family support, work ethic, and learning desire alongside athletic ability.
DAVID ELAN
Soccer Coach
With over 30 years of coaching experience and a U.S. Soccer D License, David Elan has made a lasting impact at the club level, coaching and managing boys’ teams (ages 15–19) at Apex Soccer Club and So Cal United. Known for promoting a culture of positivity, personal development, and team unity, he has also led competitive squads at the Maccabi Games with Maccabi Los Angeles Girls U16, earning 7 gold and 1 silver medals. His background includes success with AYSO All-Stars and travel teams, and a Girls U19 team that placed 3rd in the city finals.
ELIRAN AGABABAYEV
Soccer Coach
With over 9 years of coaching experience in Israel and the U.S., Eliran has worked with top youth programs including Maccabi Tzur Shalom, Hapoel Haifa U13, and currently, Maccabee. He has led U15 teams, assisted in professional youth systems, and designed structured training programs that emphasize both individual growth and team success. Known for his strong tactical knowledge, technical training expertise, and dedication to player development, he brings a disciplined yet supportive approach to nurturing young talent on and off the field.
MICHAEL GOLDRIN
Soccer Coach
Coach Michael is a former player and experienced coach with a strong background in Israeli and U.S. soccer. He played for Maccabi Haifa’s U21, winning a league title, and later joined Hapoel Nazareth Elite’s U21 and senior squads before playing for Maccabi Umm al-Fahm. In the U.S., he coached with the New York Red Bulls Youth Academy and currently works with Hastings-on-Hudson High School as an assistant varsity coach and assistant athletic director. With a passion for player development, he brings both professional experience and leadership to the field.
ORI BEN BARUCH
Soccer Coach
Coach Ori is a positive and determined soccer coach who loves helping kids grow as players and as people. He focuses on building skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic while keeping the game fun and exciting. Coach Ori played for LA Surf Soccer Club in the MLS Next program for seven years, training with and learning from many national team coaches. Competing at the highest youth level taught him the discipline, teamwork, and dedication he now shares with his players. He holds a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching License and uses his experience to guide players toward their full potential. Coach Ori believes every player can improve with the right support and encouragement, and he is committed to helping them succeed both on and off the field.