Recent Success:

Ferdi has won 2 tournaments in 2007, the “Countryside Tournament” with the  U-17 and the “Sun-Bowl” with the  U-19 , and the “CDL League” in 2008 with the U-17. In 2010-2011 he managed and coached the IMG U19 team in league and tournament success and in coordinating their college preparation, recruitment and placement.

Playing Career:

Ferdi’s playing career started in Italy with the semi-pro team, U.S. Lucera, at the age of 16, in the Italian 4th division.  In Lucera, Ferdi won ” Rookie of the Year” honors and was part of the Italian U-17 national team, where a few Italian Serie A teams (Inter F.C., Perugia Calcio, and U.S. Avellino) scouted him. 

In July of 1981 Ferdi came to the US to visit relatives that were living in New Jersey and he had an opportunity to try-out with New York Cosmos. After a two week period of training and friendly matches, the Cosmos decided to sign him to a two year contract. Ferdi’s dream came true. He was on the same field with some of the best players in the world:  Pele’, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto, Neeskens, and Bogicevic. 

From 1985 to 1988  he played in the Cosmopalitan League with the Brooklyn Italians, Ragusa , NJ Arrows , he won two tiles and was named MVP in 1988. In 1989 signed with NJ Eagles in the ASL (American Soccer League) for one season, and he finished his professional career in Boston with the Bolts.

Instructional Videos:

Coaching Experience:

Ferdi started coaching while still playing with the semi-pro team, the New Jersey Arrows. In 1993 he was named assistant coach with the New Jersey Imperials of the United States Indoor Soccer League (USISL) and the following year, took the head-coaching job where he went on to win the Regional title and was named head coach of the highly recognized All Star Team.  During his time in New Jersey, he also lead Montclair Kimberly Academy (NJ) for two years, winning a State Championship and coaching current U.S Men’s National Team Goalkeeper Tim Howard.   Ferdi continued to attain more experience attaining his USSF “B” license and “A” license from 1995-96 respectively. 

In 1998 Ferdi was accepted to enter:  Scuola Allenatori Professionisti di Coverciano (Italy), a 3 months course where he received his “A” FIGC license and the “A”  “UEFA” license.  He coached 9 years in Italy before returning to the US:

• 1999:          U.S.LUCERA (4th DIV.) head coach
• 2000-2003: U.S. FOGGIA    Serie “C” assistant coach/ youth coach
• 2004-05      APRICENA CALCIO (4th DIV.)
• 2006-07      U.S. LUCERA (4th DIV.)  Winner’s of Coppa Italia.

Coaching Philosophy:

Ferdi’s philosophy of coaching is based on his international and American soccer experience.  A blend of tactical and technical solutions mixed with discipline, strength, speed and dynamic ability on and off the ball.

“I believe the teams should have group strength, be very disciplined and hard working for each other as well as commitment, effort and winning. I believe in bringing each player to his full potential without forgetting the group effort.”