Meet the Team
Julien Dimastromatteo
Co-Founder & Coach
Julien grew up in the French Alps, where “football” was part of daily life. He spent his childhood playing with friends after school and later joined his local club, where he learned structure, discipline, and the deeper skills of the game.
Julien moved to Charlottesville in 2011 and quickly became part of the local soccer community. He has coached players of many ages and levels, including:
Head Coach – Middle School Girls, Tandem Friends School
Travel Team Coach (U12–U15) – SOCA
Private and small-group youth development
With an academic background and a passion for teaching, Julien focuses on helping young athletes build real skills, gain confidence, and reach their goals. His coaching blends clear instruction, strong fundamentals, and a mentor-style approach that supports each player’s growth.
Julien co-founded Blue Ridge Soccer Academy to give players in Charlottesville a structured, supportive place to train outside of their regular team practices.
USSF Certified Coach
Sahil Mehra
Co-Founder & Coach
Originally from the Northern Virginia area, Sahil has had his foot on the soccer ball from age 3. Starting in McLean Youth Soccer’s programs, Sahil played for various travel teams and eventually his high school team.
Sahil started coaching in 2010 with DC United Academy (U8), US Soccer Foundation (U5-U13), and later started his own soccer academy (U4-U16) which was had affiliations in Central and South America before moving to Charlottesville.
With over 10 years experience coaching soccer, Sahil is able to quickly identify your child’s strengths and areas of improvement, and create a personalized training curriculum to capitalize on the strengths and improve the areas that need attention.
Children respond extremely well to his sense of humor and he strives to create meaningful relationships with each child.
NSCAA Certified
Ryan Emison
Head Coach
As a military child, coach Ryan grew up playing the beautiful game at a high level around the world, including in England with future professionals, and four years of state cup soccer in Florida.
He gained coaching experience from a young age with his father, a former college soccer coach who emphasized the importance of fundamentals for soccer success. After graduating from UVA, coach Ryan has worked as a children's soccer coach and trainer for over a year.
He especially enjoys helping players develop their mental game, their footwork, and their conditioning.