Toni Hernandez
Academy Director
LAFC Academy Director Toni Hernandez is responsible for overseeing all technical and developmental aspects of the academy, and maintaining a player pathway from the academy to LAFC’s professional levels, including the LAFC first team.
Hernandez began his role with LAFC in July, 2025, joining the Black & Gold after spending nearly four years as the Academy Manager for Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy.
The Valencia, Spain native previously worked as the Director of Methodology for the Valencia CF Academy of La Liga, working with Valencia CF World Academies in numerous countries.
Christopher Cuellar
Academy Coach
A California native, Cuellar adds a wealth of knowledge in player development with 15 years of experience working for the Mexican Football Federation. In his time in Mexico, Cuellar led various youth national team age groups and helped prepare players for the highest levels of competition. He now brings his passion and experience to LAFC and looks to guide players on their career path to the professional ranks.
Abraham Jacinto
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Academy Coach*
Originally from Boyle Heights in Los Angeles, Jacinto focuses primarily on the Academy’s U-12 and U-11 age groups. He joined LAFC from Boca OC. He currently holds a USSF ‘A’ license.
Marius Rus
Academy Coach
Originally from Romania, Rus was a standout youth coach in Southern California with AC Brea before joining LAFC. Rus adds an important layer to the Academy’s player identification and developmental process and currently holds a USSF ‘B’ license.
Academy Staff Coach: Michael Jacobson
Academy Goalkeeper Staff Coach: Adrian Padilla
Academy Scout: Gabriel Lucatero
Academy Scout: Mario Ayala
Academy Scout: Hector Garcia
Academy Scout: Joey Yusumas