Coaches

Varsity Coach: Jon Bradley

Jon Bradley serves as the Coaching Director for the town of Darien and is the Head Coach of the Darien High School Boys Varsity Soccer team. A highly respected figure in Connecticut soccer, Jon was named FCIAC Coach of the Year in 2011 and MSG Varsity CT Coach of the Year the same year for his work with the boys varsity team.

Previously, Jon led the Darien High School Girls Varsity Soccer team from 2006 to 2010. His leadership earned him FCIAC Coach of the Year honors in both 2005 and 2008 for girls varsity soccer.

In addition to his high school coaching roles, Jon is the Director of BWK Soccer and is actively involved in player development across multiple levels. He coaches various Travel Teams and Premier Girls teams at Shoreline Soccer Academy, bringing his expertise to a broad range of youth athletes.

Originally from London, England, Jon played football (soccer) for Leyton Orient and the Essex County School Boys before moving to the United States to attend Ithaca College, where he earned a degree in International Business in 1995.

Jon holds a USSF D License, is an NSCAA Youth National certified coach, and is CIAC certified, reflecting his deep commitment to coaching excellence and youth development.

Varsity Assistant coach: Linda velaj

Linda Velaj brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Varsity program as an Assistant Coach. A former standout player at both the collegiate and high school levels, Coach Velaj is committed to developing athletes on and off the field.

College Playing Career:
Coach Velaj played four years at the University of Bridgeport, where she made an immediate impact as Rookie of the Year and went on to earn All-American Second Team honors. She was a key contributor in leading Bridgeport to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and helped the team qualify all four years during her time there.

High School Career:
A four-year varsity player at Westhill High School, Coach Velaj played a pivotal role in guiding the team to its first state tournament appearance. Under her leadership, Westhill made the state tournament every season during her high school career.

Coaching Background:
In addition to her role as Varsity Assistant Coach, Velaj has coached with the Northeast Girls Association (NOGA), where she’s helped develop young athletes through technical training and competitive play.

Coach Velaj’s experience as both a player and coach makes her a valuable asset to the program. Her leadership, dedication, and love for the game inspire those around her every day.

Junior varsity coach: anthony fraioli

A native of Norwalk, Connecticut, Coach Anthony began his soccer journey at a young age with NJSA and quickly developed into a standout athlete. A proud alumnus of Beachside Soccer Club and four-year varsity starter at Norwalk High School, he earned numerous accolades during his high school career, including Athlete of the Year, All-State, All-FCIAC, and League MVP honors. During his time at Norwalk, the team reached two FCIAC Championships—winning one—and advanced to the State Championship Final.

Coach Anthony continued his playing career at Southern Connecticut State University, competing for one of the region’s top collegiate programs. While at SCSU, he contributed to a team that captured the Northeast-10 Conference Championship, earned the title of New England Regional Champions, and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

He holds a degree in Physical Education from SCSU and a Master’s in Instructional Technology from Western Connecticut State University. A certified K–12 Physical Education teacher with over a decade of classroom experience, Coach Anthony brings a strong educational foundation to his coaching.

With over 15 years of coaching experience and CT State Cup titles both as a player and coach, Coach Anthony currently serves as the JV Head Coach at Darien High School, where he continues to mentor and develop student-athletes on and off the field.

Freshman coach: Matt Surace

Coach Surace brings more than 15 years of coaching experience to the Darien High School Boys Soccer program as the Freshman Head Coach. A lifelong member of the Connecticut soccer community, he began his playing career with the Norwalk Junior Soccer Association (NJSA), where he helped lead his team to a Connecticut Cup championship.

At Norwalk High School, Coach Surace was a four-year varsity player, serving as team captain his senior year. He earned All-FCIAC honors and was selected to compete in the Senior Bowl.

His coaching career has spanned multiple programs and levels, including leading the boys varsity team at Rudolf Steiner School in Manhattan, coaching the girls varsity team at Norwalk High School, and developing young players with NJSA.

A graduate of Hunter College, Coach Surace currently works in special education at Brien McMahon High School. His commitment to fostering both the athletic and personal growth of his players makes him a valued member of the Darien coaching staff.

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