About

Benjamin Ziemer

President

A founding member of NorCal Premier Soccer, Benjamin has coaching experience at the club, high school, collegiate, id2, youth national team, adult amateur and professional levels of the game.

His last coaching position was as Assistant Head Coach of Sacramento Republic FC’s USL Championship team, which he held for two years (2017-2019). Before the Republic first-team position, Benjamin coached three seasons in U16/17’s and U18/19’s in the Sacramento Republic Academy where he was the 2016 Development Academy West Conference U-18 Coach of the Year. He was also Lead Phase Coach for the U15-17-19’s for the Republic.

Prior to his five-year stint within Sacramento Republic FC, he served as assistant to Hugo Perez on the U-14 and U-15 U.S. National teams (98 & 99’s) that included a Christian Pulisic-led golden generation of youngsters. He also served as assistant to Gerry Mckewon, with US Club Soccer’s id2 team, where he coached against U15 teams from Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, Borrussia Dortmund, Celtic, Man City, Everton, Real Madrid, FC Barca, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, ACF Fiorentina, Boca Jrs, San Lorenzo, Argentina Jrs and more.

In youth soccer, Benjamin has also held positions as Director of Coaching at Rohnert Park Express, Assistant and Academy Director at Santa Rosa United, Technical Director U13-19’s at Sonoma County Alliance and was National Director of Education for Ajax Orlando. He was an assistant coach at Sonoma State University for seven years and Technical Director/Head Coach at Sonoma County Sol, where he won an NPSL National Championship.

He holds a US National 'A’ license, he obtained his German (DFB) B license in 1994, was recently awarded his La Liga Level 1 Diploma, ACF Fiorentina Masters Diploma and Hoek Level 3 Diploma. He has studied at over 60 soccer clubs worldwide since 1994. Benjamin has coached since age 14.

Shawn Blakeman

VP Business Development

A founding member of NorCal Premier Soccer, Shawn is currently the Program Director for Los Gatos United and holds a National 'A' license. He worked for 16 years as the Technical Director for Sacramento United. A former IMG Academy Staff Coach and Director of Coaching for the El Dorado United Soccer Club, Shawn began an 11-year professional career at age 17 with the San Jose Earthquakes, followed by a four-year stint in West Germany. He played professionally in the US until 1999.

Paolo Bonomo

Vice President

A founding member of NorCal Premier Soccer, Paolo is currently the Director of NorCal PDP and holds a National ‘B' license. He started coaching over 20 years ago at the club level and worked as a Technical Director. He grew up in Italy where he played soccer up to age eighteen at a local club.

Tom Ginocchio

With over 20 years of youth coaching experience, Tom has been a Coaching Director for the past 11+ years and is currently the Director of Coaching for Impact Soccer Club. His background includes playing and coaching for Saint Mary's College of CA and US Amateur playing experience. Tom holds his USSF National 'B' coaching license, the NSCAA Director of Coaching diploma, as well as having his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Finance.

Jodi Washington

With a coaching background spanning over two decades, Jodi's passion for soccer hasn’t wavered. After tenures at North Valley YSL, Central Valley YSL, the San Jose Earthquakes, and San Jose Surf, Jodi is now in her 3rd year at the helm of MVLA San Jose. As one of the few female-led organizations in Northern California, her dedication to the growth and development of young players and female coaches is evident. She aims to use her knowledge and experience to contribute positively to the NorCal Board's mission of promoting and advancing the sport at all levels.

Andy Hulbert

With over 25 years of youth coaching experience, Andy has been a Coaching Director for the past 13 years and is currently the DOC at Association Football Club (AFC). Andy’s background includes coaching for Wimbledon FC and Leeds United in England before moving to the US in 2003. While here he founded 24-7 UK Soccer Academy which is a soccer coaching company that currently employs over 50 local coaches. Andy has worked predominantly in Castro Valley Soccer Club and AFC where he has held various positions and coached many teams. Andy holds his USSF A License, his NSCAA Master Coach Diploma, and has his Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Science through Ohio University.

Zeca Neto