Maximiliano Navarro is a Uruguayan-born former professional and semi-professional soccer player and a highly accomplished coach with over 25 years of experience in player development and education. Raised in Uruguay as the son of a professional referee, he was immersed in elite-level football from an early age and recruited at just six years old by La Rinconada SC.

In 1992, he was recruited by Defensor Sporting Club, a Uruguayan First Division team. He continued as a semi-professional player with MVCC from 1994–1999, the oldest professional club in Uruguay.

Navarro relocated to the United States in 2000, where he competed with Oceanside United (LISFL), winning State Championships in 2002 and 2003. In 2010, at age 32, he captured the NJCAA National Championship while playing for Suffolk County Community College.

He later earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Stony Brook University, was named to the Dean’s List, and completed a minor in Special Fitness.

Coaching & Leadership Experience

Navarro began coaching in 1993 in Uruguay as part of a professional rehabilitation program, working with youth select teams under the mentorship of: Ladislao Mazurkiewicz – legendary Uruguayan goalkeeper for Peñarol and Uruguay national team Ildo Maneiro – former midfielder and coach for Danubio SC and other professional teams

Director of Coaching / Program Leadership Long Beach Recreation Soccer Program (2002–2004) – Director of Coaching, supporting and mentoring volunteer coaches

• Long Beach SC (2004–2007) – Intramural Director and Travel Program Head Coach

• Bay Shore SC (2008–2011) – Intramural DOC, overseeing 300+ players, winning local and regional competitions

• Inter Soccer Academy (2008–2011) – Founder; worked closely with Bay Shore SC, focusing on player development, coaching education, and intramural programs

• Americas Soccer Academy (2012–Present) – Founder and Director of Coaching;

  • Program grew to 160+ players, competing locally, regionally, and internationally

  • Coaching Education & Licenses

• USSF National Coaching Licenses

• NSCAA Regional Diploma

• Eastern New York Coaching Diplomas

• Coaching Achievements

• State Champion Head Coach – 2015, 2016

• State Cup Champion – Bay Shore Lions (2015, 2016)

• LI Cup Premier Champion – Bay Shore Lions (2016), Central Islip Liverpool (2020, 2021, 2022), Central Islip PSG (2024)

• LI Cup Silver – Central Islip Liverpool (2020, 2021, 2022)

• Massapequa Showcase Premier Champion – Bay Shore Lions (2014, 2015, 2017, 2019)

• EDP League & EDP Cup Champion – East Islip Lions (2019)

• NYSCL Cup & League Champion –

• LIJSL – Multiple league titles

• Philosophy & Impact

Beyond results, Maximiliano Navarro is deeply committed to using soccer as a vehicle for education, personal growth, and opportunity. He believes the game teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, and he strives to instill these values in every player he coaches. For Navarro, success is measured not just in trophies or titles but in the development of character and the ability of players to face challenges on and off the field.

As an educator and mentor in New York, Navarro has guided countless youth, providing academic support, life skills coaching, and pathways to college. He takes pride in helping players from all backgrounds, ensuring that talent and passion, not resources, determine opportunity. By connecting athletics with education, Navarro empowers his players to reach their potential, pursue their dreams, and grow into confident, responsible adults.