OUR COACHES

LESH SHKRELI

Director of Coaching and Training

A USSF A–licensed coach, Lesh Shkreli co-founded Blast FC and has guided its player-development pathway since 1986. His background includes a successful NASL and AISA playing career and collegiate coaching experience at Ohio Dominican University.

ARBEN “BENNIE” YMERAJ

Head Coach

A UEFA PRO–licensed coach, he brings decades of international experience to Blast FC. With a background leading clubs and national teams in Albania, he now develops elite ECNL and NPL players, known for his high standards, tactical expertise, and commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential.

EDDIE KANOUN

Head Coach (U7-U10 Teams)

Kanoun is a USSF C–licensed coach with professional playing experience in North Africa and the United States, including Etihad FC in Tripoli. He now leads Blast FC’s U7–U10 teams, bringing strong technical foundations and player-development expertise to the club’s youngest athletes.

OMAR KAMARA

Coach

A former standout player at Tiffin University, Omar Kamara brings a strong blend of collegiate playing experience and a calm, player-focused coaching style to Blast FC. Known for his technical ability, work rate, and leadership during his collegiate career, Kamara now channels that same competitive mindset into developing young players. He emphasizes fundamentals, intelligent decision-making, and a love for the game in every training environment.

GINO PALOZZI

Coach

Palozzi is Blast FC’s Executive Director of Marketing & Communications and a coach with more than 25 years of experience across club, high school, and college levels. He recently led Westerville Central High School to a Regional Championship and the program’s first Final Four appearance, and previously served as an assistant coach at Babson College.