Inspired by Charlie Scerbo

What I Learned About Soccer From My Dad, Charlie Scerbo

Growing up, soccer wasn’t just a sport for me—it was a way of life. The person who shaped that passion more than anyone was my dad, Charlie Scerbo. He taught me that soccer is about much more than winning games. It’s about discipline, joy, and becoming a better person on and off the field.

My dad believed that every player deserved to feel seen, valued, and encouraged. He used to tell me, “Talent matters, but attitude matters more.” That stuck with me. Today, it guides everything I do as a coach. When a young player shows effort, kindness, and a willingness to learn, that’s success to me.

He also taught me the importance of respect—respect for your teammates, for your opponents, and for the game itself. Whether we were kicking a ball around in the backyard or cheering for AC Milan, he made the game fun and meaningful.

The academy is named after him because the values he lived by are the same values I want to pass on to every young player who walks onto our field: passion, hard work, resilience, and love for the game.

Every time I coach, I feel like a little part of him is there too—helping me guide the next generation, just like he guided me.