In his fourth season as a member of the coaching staff, Rafael Verdin brings over 15 years of coaching and operations experience across all levels. With a U.S. Soccer D License, Verdin is recognized as one of Southern California’s most respected soccer minds and has focused on player development focus and leadership across youth, high school, club and college soccer.

Verdin began his career with the LA Galaxy as their equipment manager from 2010-19. During his time, he worked alongside soccer legends including David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keene, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Landon Donovan, Nigel De Long and was mentored by two of the most iconic coaches in U.S. soccer history – Bruce Arena and Sigi Schmid. He has also contributed to the Galaxy Academy under coach Mike Munoz, playing a part in the development of elite youth talent.

From 2012-14, Verdin was also an assistant coach at Long Beach Millikan High and also led the boys JV program.

In 2020, Verdin stepped into the club soccer scene, beginning at Beach FC, where he quickly built a reputation for elite player development. In 2024, he took on the role of Branch Director and head coach at CDA Slammers Long Beach, where he oversees team operations and player pathways for the next generation of Long Beach athletes.

At the high school level, Verdin joined the staff at St. Joseph High in 2022, and in his first season, helped lead the team to the CIF and State Championship. He is now an associate head coach with the program.

Along with coaching on the Cerritos staff, Verdin has also coached at St. Joseph High since 2019 and helped them win the CIF Championship in 2022 and advanced to the state championships.

Off the field, Verdin is the founder at CEO of RVFA Summer Camp, one of the region’s top youth development camps, and hosts over 125 players each summer and winter providing high-level training opportunities in a fun and energetic level.

Verdin is also owner of RVFA Ready Summer Camp, which provides indoor soccer camps and private clinics.

A graduate of Long Beach Millikan High, Verdin played four years of soccer in high school and then spent two seasons playing at Cypress College.

Verdin, 34, and his wife Tiffany have been married for nine years and have five children – Santiago (9), Camila (7), Valeria (5), Natalia (3) and Ximena (1). Verdin’s wife, Tiffany (Hollis) was a goalie on the Cerritos women’s soccer National Championship and State Championship team in 2008. They reside in Long Beach.