Mark Girard
Founder/ Head Coach

Mark, the founder of The Edge Soccer Programs, has over 25 years coaching experience. Many players whom he trained have advanced to the top level clubs, colleges, and professional teams. Mark has coached and trained teams for CASL (including U23s), TFC, Cary Clarets PDL, and Raleigh Elite. He was also an Assistant Coach for the Carolina Railhawks.

Karen Retzlaff
Business Operations

Karen is The Edge's office manager that handles all aspects of day-to-day business operations including our go-to "mom" for anything and everything. She has worked in the soccer industry for over 17 years and a true soccer mom at heart. Her oldest son played for NCFC's Academy team, NC State University, the U23 North Carolina FC team (during the summer) and played professionally for the Richmond Kickers in Virginia. He has since retired and works full time in the financial industry now. Her youngest son played for NCFC and Heritage High School.  He currently plays for Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte and you can find Karen at the games cheering him on!

Jared Girard
Lead Coach
Jared played youth soccer for CASL and was named 2009-2010 CASL Club Captain. He played college soccer at Campbell University and Drexel University. Jared played professional in Sweden and Germany. He has coached and has provided youth technical training for 3 years.
Chris Girard
Lead Coach/Business Development
Chris played youth soccer locally for CASL and Green Hope HS. He graduated from UNCC with a B.S.B.A in 2010. His background includes 10 plus years of youth soccer coaching experience. Chris concentrates on developing and growing businesses and has several years of experience devloping and maintaining professional relationships.
DJ Taylor
Coach

Dj grew up playing for Casl and the NCFC academy teams. He also has played professionally in Spain and for 2 years with NCFC's Professional team.  He currently plays for the Minnesota United FC MLS team. DJ graduated from Panther Creek Highschool and obtained his UEFA B Coaching license in Spain.

ERIN BRATCHER
Sports Performance Coach

Erin holds a Masters in Exercise Science with concentrations in Performance Enhancement and Corrective Exercise Prescription. Erin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, one of the most highly regarded certifications in the industry.  She has worked with a wide range of athletes and adults across the Triangle from middle school to the professional level. The combination of her athletic background and education, along with her coaching experience over the years not only makes her one of the most qualified coaches in the area but also allows her to provide optimal programming and intentional training methods to help EBA athletes reach their individual goals.

Josh Coan

Josh played youth soccer for the NCFC academy teams before playing collegiately for the University of Pittsburgh and Marquette University. Josh is a second year professional who played for FC Tucson in the USL and currently plays for NCFC’s professional team.