Christos FC USL Academy
Play Alongside USL2! Join Our New Academy Program


Inside the USL Academy
The Christos FC USL Academy provides high-level training and competitive matches for players aiming to transition into USL2, collegiate, or professional soccer. This elite program allows top youth players to train and compete alongside our USL2 team, preparing them for the next level of their soccer journey.
Key Program Details
Ages:
Boys 2009-2001
Season:
May - July
Games:
6-8 games + potential scrimmages
Players:
35-45 roster spots available
Practice Location:
Long Reach High School
Game Day Roster: Selected players receive a uniform on game day
Training Schedule
What to Expect
May Practices
Mondays: 7:30-9:00 PM
Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30 PM
June & July Practices
Before USL2 training sessions:
Tuesday & Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PM
This structure allows players to train alongside USL2 athletes, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to higher-level competition.
Tryout Details
Dates & Locations:
Saturday, March 22 – 5:00-7:00 PM @ North County High School
Saturday, April 19 – 5:00-7:00 PM @ TBD
Registration Link: (To be provided soon)
$40 (Includes a tryout shirt)
Players should arrive 30 minutes early, bring water, and wear appropriate soccer attire.
Registration & Fees
Cost: $395
- Includes a training shirt
- Game-day rostered players will receive a uniform on match day
- Registration details will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Register Now! (Link to be added)
For inquiries, contact admin@christosfc.com.
USL Academy Coaching Staff
Drew Belcher
Player Development: Mentored numerous players who advanced to professional leagues, including six to Major League Soccer in the past three seasons.
- AACC Athletics
- High School Coaching Success: Led Chesapeake High School's boys' soccer team to three MPSSAA championships and one district title during his five-year tenure.
- AACC Athletics
- Active Player: Continues to play competitively, recently winning the over-50 state and Northeast regional championships with his team.
Tarik Walker
Tarik Walker is an accomplished soccer coach with a decorated playing career, currently leading Christos FC’s USL 2 and USL Academy teams. With extensive experience at the highest levels of the game, his coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, competitiveness, and a passion for the sport.
Playing Career Highlights:
Youth & College:
- Two-time Maryland State Champion with the Potomac Mustangs
- Standout at Good Counsel High School, named Athlete of the Year (1989)
- Washington Post All-Metro Team selection
- Played for Virginia Tech on a full athletic scholarship
- Earned All-Region honors at Virginia Tech
- Finished his career 2nd in goals (now 9th) and 7th in assists in school history
Professional & International:
Drafted by Baltimore Spirit (1993), earning Rookie of the Year honors
Won multiple indoor championships:
- Las Vegas Dust Devils – CISL Champion (1994)
- Milwaukee Wave – NPSL Champion (1997/98)
- Baltimore Blast – MISL Champion (2003, 2004, 2006)
Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame:
- Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame (2007)
- Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame
- Baltimore Blast Hall of Fame (2013)
Earned World Cup caps with Grenada National Team (1998)
Amateur Career: Two-time Over-30 National Champion with Christos FC
Coaching Career:
Assistant Coach for ASA Charge – 2013 USASA Women’s Amateur National Champions
Player development and coaching experience at:
- FC USA
- Loyola Blakefield
- Baltimore Celtic
- Christos FC
With a lifetime of experience in the game, Tarik continues to bring his knowledge, leadership, and passion to developing the next generation of soccer talent.
Michael Lookingland
Michael Lookingland brings 20 years of coaching experience to Christos FC, along with an impressive professional playing background. As the Summer Junior Academy Director, he is dedicated to developing young players in a fun, competitive, and educational environment.
Coaching Experience:
- 20 years of coaching experience across multiple levels
- Christos FC Summer Junior Academy Director
- Holds a USSF A License, the highest-level coaching certification in the U.S.
Playing Career:
- Loyola Blakefield HS (Baltimore, MD)
- Bucknell University (Division 1)
- Real Salt Lake (MLS) 2005-2006
- Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) 2007
- Baltimore Blast (MISL) 2006-2014 – Multiple Pro Championships Winner
Coaching Philosophy & Development Approach:
- Focuses on building confidence and comfort on the ball
- Creates a learning-driven and competitive training environment
- Ensures every player enjoys sessions while improving their skills
- Uses engaging games to teach both individual technique and team concepts
Larry Sancomb
A championship-winning coach and respected leader, Larry Sancomb has built a legacy of success at Christos FC and beyond. With numerous national and regional titles, he continues to shape the future of the club while playing a key role in its expansion into USL League Two.
Coaching Achievements:
- 2019 NPSL Coach of the Year
- 2019 NPSL Regional Champion & Final 8
- 2020 NPSL Regional Champion & Final 4
- 2020 National Coach of the Year Runner-Up
National & Cup Titles:
- 2016 US Amateur Cup National Champion
- 2016 US Open Cup National Champion
- 2019 US Open Cup National Champion
- 8 State Cup Championships
- 4 Regional Titles
Coaching & Development Experience:
- US Development Academy Coach – Coached for the #1 club in America for four years
- Head Coach, Christos FC – Led the team on a historic 2017 U.S. Open Cup run, reaching the fourth round
- Varsity Head Coach, Mount Saint Joseph High School (since 1996) – Multiple MIAA Championships winner
Coach Sancomb’s commitment to excellence, player development, and championship success continues to define Christos FC as a top-tier program.
Jereme Raley
Jereme Raley brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Christos FC, having excelled at various levels of soccer.
Playing Career:
University of Maryland (2010–2013): A versatile player, Raley contributed as both a midfielder and defender, helping the team secure the ACC championship and reach the NCAA College Cup semifinals. umterps.com
Professional Career:
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2015): Competed in the USL Championship, showcasing adaptability across multiple positions.pressboxonline.com+2umterps.com+2stlambush.com+2
- Baltimore Blast (2015–2024): Over nine seasons in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), Raley appeared in 145 regular-season games, recording 39 goals, 18 assists, and 89 blocks. He also played in 30 playoff matches, contributing to multiple championship runs. stlambush.com
- St. Louis Ambush (2024–Present): Recently acquired by the Ambush, Raley continues his professional career, bringing veteran experience to the squad. stlambush.com
Coaching Experience:
AC Southern Maryland: Served as a coach, focusing on youth development and fostering local talent.
Mount St. Mary's University (2024–Present): Appointed as an assistant coach for the men's soccer team, Raley contributes his extensive playing knowledge to collegiate athletes. facebook.com
Coach Raley's diverse background as a player and coach enriches Christos FC, where he is committed to developing players' technical skills and tactical understanding, drawing from his extensive experience at collegiate and professional levels.
Fred Sporrer
With 15 years of coaching experience, Fred Sporrer has played a pivotal role in developing youth players at the highest levels of club and high school soccer. His extensive background includes coaching in EDP, NCSL, and ECNL as a staff technical trainer, shaping players through elite training environments.
Current Coaching Roles:
- Head Coach – Archbishop Spalding Boys Varsity (MIAA "A" Conference)
- Head Coach – 2008 Baltimore Celtic Boys ECNL
Previous Coaching & Leadership Roles:
- Director – Celtic South AA
- Liverpool FC MD Pre-Academy Director
- Liverpool Academy Nike Camp Director
- Arundel Soccer Association Head Coach
Certifications & Achievements:
- USSF "D" License
- United Soccer Coaches DOC Diploma
- United Soccer Coaches High School Diploma
- United Soccer Coaches Sports Psychology Certificate
- Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma
- Inducted into the Arundel Soccer Hall of Fame (2014)
Coach Sporrer brings a player-first development approach to Christos FC, emphasizing technical excellence, tactical understanding, and the mental aspects of the game. His experience at both the club and high school levels makes him a key asset to our coaching staff!
Billy Wardle
Billy Wardle brings decades of coaching experience to Christos FC, with a strong background in player development at the high school, college, and club levels.
Coaching Experience:
Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Harford Community College (2019–Present)
Over 20 years coaching high school soccer at:
- Aberdeen High School
- North Harford High School
15 years coaching local club teams, including:
- Baltimore Bays
- Harford Football Club
- Abingdon Football Club
Certifications & Achievements:
- NSCAA & United Soccer Coaches certifications for college and club coaching
- Proven track record in player development across multiple levels
- Deep ties to Maryland soccer, mentoring players from youth to college