Coach Kia Zolgharnain
Bio
Born on November 10, 1965 in Meshad, Iran and then later moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in August of 1978, as his family fled the revolution from Iran, and became US citizens via political asylum.
In 1983, at 17 years old, following his time at Coronado HS where he was an all American, He signed as a free agent for Phoenix Pride of the MISL, and became the youngest player to sign a professional soccer contract in the US at that time. He also started his coaching career at that point 41 years ago.
He played for 17 illustrious years, in which during that time he played in 9 finals, was a 9 time all star, won 3 Championships with Canton Invaders and Cleveland Crunch and was a member of US National Futsal team in 1996 scoring 2 goals vs Italy in tournament in Brazil.
He became the 7th player in Indoor history to score 500 goals and notch 1000 points. Kia finished his career with 623 career goals in 615 games, also operated Kia’s Kids charities that provided assistance to at-risk children. He is considered to be one of the most elite trainers in all of Ohio and Midwest.
55 male and 5 female players have turned professional under his training in the last 30 years. He currently has 7 active players playing in MLS, USL and abroad.
Coach Kia is a main staple of Go2Goal where he provides supplemental training throughout the year. His countless hours of work, experience, and passion for soccer and children drive him to be a top professional.
He is married to Nancy and has 4 children ages 27-31
Coaching & Training Experience
- GlenOak Varsity Coach 1987-1994
- 1999-2003 assistant coach Cleveland Crunch
- 2007 Assistant coach Cleveland City Stars USL
- National Director of O.D.P for Super Y league 2004-2006
- Force Technical Director 2007-2019
- Director of Coaching for Internationals US Soccer Developmental Academy 2014-2019
- USSF B License 1991
- USSF A License 1992, 1998, 2005
- NSCAA DOC License 2010