Eryck has many years of coaching experience. He has been a Lonestar Soccer Club Staff Trainer and the Director of Training for the Town and Country Optimists. He coached a blind and visually impaired soccer team in Buenos Aires, coached High School JV Girls at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Academy, and coached Men's Soccer at Huston-Tillotson College. Read Eryck's article Deconstructing Youth Sports for insight into his coaching philosophy.

Eryck played in four World Cup Qualifiers for the Puerto Rican National Soccer Team in 1994. He has played for professional teams in London, Liverpool and Buenos Aires. Eryck holds a Master of Sport Science degree from the United States Sports Academy, Sport Coaching, a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Stony Brook, EMT-Paramedic certification from Scott & White Hospital, and is working towards a Doctor of Sports Management degree.

Eryck is a self proclaimed nutmeg artist and the clients are his canvas!

Erik Carrillo, Director of Training

Say hello to Erik Carrillo, our Director of Training at Avila Soccer!  Born and raised in Midland, TX, Erik has been playing soccer since he was three years old. He was a well-decorated player in high school and played with several top-level clubs in the Dallas area. Erik also played for the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) team as a freshman and played in a Professional Development League for the West Texas United Sockers in the summer of 2009.

Erik's jaw dropping soccer skills, team-focused approach to the game, and instinctive coaching help the kids at Avila Creative Soccer play their best and develop a love for the game. We're delighted to have him on our team!

Witness his truly extraordinary ball control in this unedited recording captured to his surprise.  In particular, notice his improvisation which defies the limits of choreography and clearly could not have been rehearsed!  You got see it to believe it!

When we say that Erik keeps himself in world class condition, we are not kidding.  When he isn't studying for an exam or a writing paper, he can be found in 4 places.  1) the weight room 2)  running 10 miles on Town Lake 3) boxing at Bruce’s K.O. with Coach Avila  4) or Directing coaching each day at Avila Creative Soccer....

...  Oh yeah, did we mention Whole Foods and the Oasis!

Lincoln Cabrera, Trainer

Lincoln began playing soccer at the age of 5 alongside Coach Eryck and they continued to play together in college.

He has many years of experience working with children in a variety of capacities. He holds a B.A. in Theatre and taught theatre arts/acting for many years in the U.S. Job Corps program. He was licensed in child care with the Round Rock YMCA and oversaw  the YMCA after-school program at the Wells Branch Elementary School in Round Rock.

Lincoln has the greatest reverence for the capacity of a child to learn, and his patient, down in the trenches approach to teaching has helped him to fit in quite nicely at Avila Soccer.

Originally from New York, Lincoln is new to Austin and would like to thank its residents for living up to their reputation  for good old fashion Texas graciousness!

Assertive flair.  The ability to anticipate the hard tackle, win the ball, and quickly generate  attack. These are some of the qualities that Lincoln most admires in a player.  Qualities consistent with many players on his favorite team, Liverpool. Lincoln is famous for his theatrical coaching, and is known by many patrons as " The keeper of the purple cone."....  You'll have to ask!

He also responds to Lincolnberry, Goldylocks,  Coach Shiny Head, Abe, Lincoln Logs,  the list goes on.

Rachel Valentine, Office Manager

The children at Avila Soccer have not been shy in welcoming Rachel on the field as well as in their hearts. Although new to soccer and the Avila Soccer family, the love for sports and working with children has always captured Rachel’s heart. Rachel has been a children’s church teacher since January 2005.  A published poet and photographer, born in Newark, Ohio, one of her poignant creations has even been used locally in the course curriculum at Concordia University.

 If you want to get anything resolved quickly at Avila Creative Soccer then calling Rachel directly is always the best bet....512-276-0597....   Really, in less than 1 year and 1/2 she has modernized the desk with multiple technology powered small business solutions.

 Her previous corporate experience with local credit unions continues to shine through as everything from billing to scheduling operations at Avila Creative Soccer has been overhauled and mechanized since her arrival.

So it comes as no surprise that Rachel's recently invented original soccer move quite fittingly involves a reverse 360-degree spin --- and affectionately called "The Rachel Revolution".

And you should see her shoot on goal!  

Sam Johnson, Trainer

In case you don't know about Sam Johnson, whose cult reputation precedes her at Avila Creative Soccer, then take a moment to witness what can only be described as a video of magisterial skill.   In it she showcases outrageous moves she first honed at Avila Creative Soccer in her youth.

Sam who graduated early, was home schooled with her sister Sarah in Austin, where she played her club ball.  She is currently the captain of the Women's Soccer Team at The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. 

Both Sam and Sarah can be seen training at Avila Creative Soccer during Spring Break, the Winter holiday period, and through the Summer.

Sam is applying to become a physical therapist, and enjoys the study of human movement and helping athletes reach their peak form.

Sam is still creating original moves and keeping in top physical condition, is preparing for junior year, though she is academically a senior with a 3.94 GPA. 

Coach Eryck has always said "there are glorious days ahead for Sam".  Look for her on a broader stage in the future, as creative players seem to be in short supply these days.

Sarah Johnson, Trainer

Sarah first came to Avila Creative Soccer 8 years ago as a student.

A native to Austin, she is currently a freshman at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio where she plays alongside her sister, Sam.

Blessed with equally original skill and technique, Sarah also keeps her skills sharp by sharing what she knows during the holiday camps, with young aspiring athletes.

Her speed and shooting in particular make her someone to keep an eye out for in the budding world of women's international soccer. 

Sarah is one of our most effective staff members partly because, having gone through the program, she seems to have a natural ability for deconstruction of skill.  She constantly can be found breaking down complex tricks, skills and maneuvers with the ease of a master.