Founder Brian Kelly has 20 years of experience working with children of all ages, from preschool through college. He created Be Ahead of the Game (BAOTG) to provide opportunities for movement, sports, games, and FUN to children of all ages. His belief is that teaching children the value of physical fitness at a young age instills healthy habits that will last a lifetime.  Brian has been offering sports and exercise programs in numerous area preschools, elementary schools, after-school programs and rec centers in MA for over 12 years now with BAOTG. 

Originally from New Hampshire, Brian has significantly influenced Boston and the Central MA area youth soccer through his love for the game.   With experience in all levels and ages, youth soccer is his true passion.  Starting the players out with the foundation for what they need to succeed and then watching them progress is what he enjoys most about coaching.  What makes Brian’s coaching style so unique is he coaches to build character and to be a thoughtful player on and off the field.  Scoring the most goals is not his goal; building strong individuals is his goal. Brian was named "Number One Soccer Tutor" by Boston Globe Magazine in 2006.

Brian has coached soccer for a number of organizations throughout Massachusetts including Mass Youth Soccer, Newton Youth Soccer, Delta Football Club, FC Greater Boston Bolts, was the Assistant Men's Soccer Coach for Mount Ida College (2006-2009).  Brian current holds the position as Director of Coaching for NEFC in their Metro North Region.

Coaching Licenses
NSCAA Advanced National Diploma
NSCAA National Diploma
USSF E License
NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 3
CPR and First Aid Certified

Cisco came from Brazil at such a young age. He has over 20 years of soccer experience. Cisco graduated from American International College (AIC) with a degree in Sports Recreation & Management. Previous to AIC, Francisco went to Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) where he was the captain of the soccer team for two years as well making it to the Nationals final his sophomore year. Francisco won All-American along with other achievements. At AIC he was the soccer captain his senior year. Francisco graduated with a GPA of 3.81.  

Francisco currently holds his C coaching license. You can always expect high quality of works and unique perspectives from Francisco.  He works hard on and off the field while valuing the fun and enjoyment of life. 

Playing Summary

• 2022 - 2023, Santa Cruz FC Professional Team, United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)
• 2016 - Current, Safira FC Futsal, U.S. Futsal Regional and National Championships
• 2019 - 2022, Boston City FC, National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
• 2016 - 2018, American International College Men’s Soccer (NCAA DII)
• 2014 - 2016, NJCAA Bunker Hill Community College Men’s Soccer, (NJCAA DIII)
   

Certifications

• 2023, U.S. Soccer Federation National C Coaching License
• 2021, U.S. Soccer Federation National D Coaching License

Honors and Awards 

• 2016 - 2017, NCAA DII Northeast-10 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Springfield, MA 
• 2016 - 2017, American International College (AIC) Men’s Soccer Coach’s Player of the Year, Springfield, MA
• 2015 - 2016, NJCAA All-American, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), Boston, MA
• 2015 - 2016, NJCAA Regional Champions, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), Boston, MA
• 2014 - 2015, NJCAA All-Region Selection, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), Boston, MA
• 2014 - 2015, NJCAA Regional Champions, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), Boston, MA

John Carver-Gustin has been working for Be Ahead of the Game since 2009. He runs Creative Movement and Introduction to Sports classes, as well as flag football clinics and private/small group athletic trainings.  John graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Sport & Recreation Management. He enjoys working with all types of kids, playing all types of games, and most importantly having a lot of fun! John is also a NASM certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast and is CPR and first aid certified.

Raphael Guimaraes was born and raised in Anapolis, Goias, Brazil, where he started playing soccer at a young age and developed his skills through playing the beautiful game on the streets of Brasil.  Raphael was an Ashland High School (Ashland, MA) varsity starter for 4 years, earning two Southern-MA All-Star awards and MVP of the Southern-MA Div 1 All-Star Game in 2003, with a record of 56 goals and 27 assists over four years. Following high school he attended Franklin Pierce University 2005-2008 where he was a NCAA Div2 National Finalist as a freshman in 2005, and earned NCAA Adidas First Team All-American Honors as a sophomore in 2006. Raphael transferred to Central Connecticut State University in 2008 and played there as a senior, during which he was invited to play in the New England All-Star Game. After graduating college, Raphael played professionally for Närpes Kraft FF in Finland in 2010.

Raphael has working with BAOTG for over three years.  In addition Rapheal is the owner of Elite Soccer 1-on-1 which offers private soccer training services to boys and girls ages 8 and up in all of Massachusetts. Started in 2010, Elite Soccer 1-on-1 has helped hundreds of players reach their soccer goals by emphasizing the technical training aspect of their game.  We have all heard the phrase “Practice Makes Perfect” but at Elite Soccer 1-on-1 we believe “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”.  Elite Soccer 1-on-1 has developed a training approach that is personalized to each individual’s need. Raphael and his staff coaches will provide a fun and positive learning environment with emphasis on technical details. This environment allows for players to learn, execute, motivate and reach their individual goals.

Taylor Witherbee has been working for Be Ahead of the Game for over three years. Taylor works with Introduction to Sports classes, School PTO classes, and Junior Elite Soccer programs. Taylor graduated from Lasell College with a degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities. While at Lasell he played soccer for four years, was a senior captain and continues to play soccer today. In addition to coaching for BAOTG and NEFC, Taylor teaches Kindegarten in the Newton Public Schools.