Directors
Nick Mulvaney
Founder & CEO
My love for sports began back home in Dublin, Ireland, where I grew up surrounded by family deeply involved in both soccer and Gaelic football.
As I formed a close bond with my granddad, I learned about his time playing professionally for Aston Villa and Shamrock Rovers, eventually representing our country.
Naturally, I became a Villa fan and was raised within one of Ireland's top clubs, St. Kevin;s Football Club, where my uncle was heavily involved. From the age of six, I found myself immersed in a unique club environment built on family and community, which played a crucial role in shaping my character both on and off the field.
At 18, my soccer journey took me to the United States, where I pursued an education while playing collegiate soccer at William Carey University in Mississippi (NAIA).
Over the years, I've been fortunate to be around the professional game in cities like New Orleans, Chicago, Dublin, and London. This exposure allowed me to develop a personal framework centered on culture, family, and community—principles that have been essential to my growth both personally and professionally.
In 2024, I was proud to be one of just 12 candidates in the U.S. to earn a Master’s in Sporting Directorship from GIS/UCFB.
On a personal note, I married a local Chicago girl in October 2023 in Ireland. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, running or biking by the lake, snowboarding in the winter, and traveling to new places.
Go City!
PEER REVIEW
- leads with empathy and compassion while creating a family culture within the club.
- knowledgeable, caring, easy to talk to, innovative, authoritative, hard worker, invested, reasonable, team player, driving force of CITY, great personality.
- leader of the team, makes it a priority to be connected with staff and instill a vision, culture, and community.
- visionary with the ability to create a great club and culture to lead Chicago.
- a trailblazer within the industry, raising the standards, and continuing to develop new opportunities for Chicago.
Simone Lodge
Head of Club Operations
I am originally from Huddersfield, England and I have been in the USA involved in the soccer industry in Chicago since 2010.
In 2021 I had my first baby and so I have transitioned into an administrative role throughout the organization.
My favorite team is Manchester City and my favorite players are Kevin De Bruyne and Lauren Hemp.
PEER REVIEW
- quality personality, so helpful and sweet, has a great understanding of the inner workings of the club and leagues.
- hard worker, kind, caring, willing to help others, prime example of a team player and one that really gives everything for the club, goes above and beyond for others.
- is undoubtedly the glue that holds everyone together. She is constantly asked questions and never says no. Her kind soul and hard work make our jobs easier out on the field and on match days.
- approachable, great attitude and personality that makes everyone comfortable.
- always available to help and is a problem solver!
Craig McDonald
General Manager
In 1998, I began my coaching journey which began with cricket in my hometown club of Arbroath, Scotland. I had the opportunity to work alongside a fantastic coach who opened my eyes on how rewarding coaching could be as it would help provide positive pathways for players at an early age. I had experienced firsthand how players can develop and grow within the right environment.
Due to this positive experience I wanted to learn more and so I enrolled in a Sports Coaching and Development course at a local college.
As my main passion was in soccer, I found opportunities within local schools and clubs, and after 2 successful years of growing these programs, I was proud to see the positive impact it was having on the kids and how quick they were developing. I was sold and decided to pursue soccer coaching stateside.
My journey began in Dallas, Texas, and took me to Maine, Vermont, and finally Chicago where I began working in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates.
I had the opportunity to work within the Chicago Fire's Regional Talent School throughout Illinois and after three years of invaluable experience I felt it was time for a change.
I had met and worked with our Founder Nick in summer camps over the years and it was clear to see we were very like minded in the ideas of how youth soccer should be implemented. Through my experiences with Nick and speaking with him about his plans for the club here in the City, I decided to make the move and have never looked back.
CITY is an organization that provides a positive structure for players and coaches of all levels and I was really keen to work with like minded people to help elevate my career on and off the field.
I joined the year the club rebranded and it has been truly amazing to see the growth throughout Chicagoland. We have been able to create opportunities for both players and coaches, and through our pathway, we have experienced so many success stories.
I have been with CITY for over 10 years in various roles and I love that we are always looking to improve the landscape of soccer in Illinois,
This is down to the beliefs and like minded coaches within our organization, I could not find a better club to be with that cares so much about the players and the coaches.
Lets go City!!
PEER REVIEW
- Helpful and funny person. Connected with him because he is quite light hearted but has a high standard of operation and is very helpful.
- very dedicated and doing a fantastic job with the younger girls bringing them higher level coaching
- A phenomenal coach who displays a high level of focus in training and games to give specific feedback for each player to help their development.
- Hard worker, kind, caring, willing to help others, prime example of a team player and one that really gives everything for the club,
Ryan Rogak
Coach Development Officer
I am from Chicago, IL and I joined CITY in 2015 as I believed it was an organization leading the way in developing soccer throughout Chicagoland.
I started coaching with UK International as a summer camp coach while coaching AYSO Extra programs around Chicago. Before joining CITY I was the Director of the Manchester City FC Community Program at Haas Park in Logan Square.
My ambitions are to win a national hot dog eating competition and continue to develop my coaching skills in youth soccer. I attained my USSF B License in 2022. My favorite team is Manchester United and my favorite food is Chicago's own deep dish pizza!
PEER REVIEW
- has a helpful mentality about him as he wants to assist those around him to try & help in their growth & development. Has good intentions to help everyone.
- working hard to help support coaches development, understands how to get through to coaches with different personalities. He cares about his teams, works on self development constantly, very invested.
- wants to support everyone & make us all better.
- hard working, incredibly dedicated to improving coaching standards across our club. One of the good guys!!
- hardworking in all aspects, helps raise the standard
Pedja Maksimovic
High School Director
I was born in Novi Sad, Serbia (at that time the country was called Yugoslavia). Growing up, I adored football (soccer) and when I was 7 years old I joined FC Novi Sad (2nd division club), which was always one of the top youth programs in the country. During my time there, through the high level of expectation I realized quickly I would have to work hard, no shortcuts, which taught me the value of doing things the right way.
I passed all of the levels in the youth program at FC Novi Sad and every year I was a part of the regional team and when I was 17 years old I joined the 1st team and signed my first professional contract. I was part of the 1st team for the next 6 years and then made one appearance for the National U-21 team of Yugoslavia. It was a dream come true and I was on the right path in my career.
I developed minor back problems, and over the years the pain worsened. Doctors eventually gave me a tough choice: stop playing or risk ending up in a wheelchair. Determined to improve, I worked with a physical therapist, followed a strict workout regime, and managed to play for two more years.
In 2003 my wife and I received the opportunity to come to Chicago so she could start her PhD studies. This led to me starting to coach my daughter's preschool team, just for kids to learn the game and have fun.
I began my club coaching career with Chicago Premier SC who were based in the city but in 2016 the club announced that had to fold. I was approached by multiple clubs and when I was introduced to our Founder Nick, I knew CITY would be the place for me. I found like-minded people who cared about player development and I knew that the club had huge potential. I found my new soccer home where everyone is like a family.
Throughout my playing/coaching journey, three things never changed: hard work, having fun, and doing things the right way are always part of my passion for soccer.
PEER REVIEW
- the father of the group, always looking out for the team which is greatly appreciated by all.
- the warm and kind and is always on hand to offer support.
- mature and reliable, always willing to help with a great sense of humor.
- mood elevator when he walks into the room, a calm presence that helps see the bigger picture.
- great coach and role model for players he works with, putting every bit of energy into working with each player.
- very reliable, hard working, & loyal always putting people first.
Ben Galvez
Director of Coaching - Chicago Soccer Foundation
The path(s) that life takes you down are nothing short of unpredictable and, when in retrospect, fascinating. My path, the miles already traveled and the City miles still ahead of me, are no exception to the rule!
Before I was afforded an opinion, my father had laid out the foundation for what would become the greatest love of my life, soccer. Countless hours were spent between father, son, a soccer ball, and dreams of a life revolving around the beautiful game. It was his good fortune that his passion for the game was mirrored, and ultimately surpassed, by my own.
Once my Belizean parents realized my obsession with the sport, they fostered my interest and got me involved in Lakefront AYSO, which quickly led to my first experiences in travel soccer. Chicago Attack, Chicago Lakefront-Attack, Ecuadorian Leagues, Mexican Leagues, Caribbean Leagues, and the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Patriots all comprise various teams and leagues I played for in the Chicagoland area during my youth. If my love for the sport itself wasn’t enough, my appreciation for the cultures that the universal language of soccer afforded me exposure to was enough to convince me that this sport was to be in my future at any cost.
After graduating from Lane Tech High School, my father pushed me to follow another pair of passions I had, English/the study of literature, and teaching. Thankfully, I was exposed to yet another culture through my studies and play, as I chose the University of Nebraska - Lincoln for my higher education. With this in mind, and entering my final two years of undergrad, I was at a crossroads as the demands of my program and student teaching disallowed me from continuing to follow my first and greatest love.
It was a heartbreaking decision, but with the input of my parents I decided to stop playing and focus on my studies. As it tends to happen, my parents were absolutely correct in their assessment as the combination of my teaching background and love for soccer ultimately led me into coaching. I’ve coached around various organizations and schools in the Chicagoland area, serving from roles as low as part-time coach to as high as Technical Director.
My greatest motivator is to give back to the communities in which I was raised, and that shared goal is what drew me to CITY. CITY's dedication to their membership, staff excellence, and the communities they serve, are entities I could not ignore nor pass up when deciding where to dedicate my time, energy, and potential. Though I’m nowhere close to reaching the end of my path, I look forward to embarking down the countless City miles that are ahead of me still!
Darren Davis
Director of Locations & CITY Western Suburbs
Originally from Kildare in Ireland, I moved to Chicago in the summer of 2021 and have been working for Chicago City Soccer Club since.
I joined Chicago City SC because they shared my philosophy on player development, taking a holistic approach to coaching and player wellbeing as well as their ambitions to be a true club for the community.
My coaching journey has taken me from Ireland to Australia and from London to Chicago. I have coached across a broad range of ages and levels of play but my real passion is developing relationships with players and families and seeing them get the most from the beautiful game.
I am a Tottenham Hotspur supporter. My favorite players growing up were Maradona and Gazza. My other hobby is music, I have been playing guitar for almost 30 years!
My wife is Diana and I have two beautiful daughters, Elodie and Juliette.
PEER REVIEW
- works so hard to grow and oversee the West, has good ideas and very organized in his work.
- an insightful coach creates a great learning environment.
- hard worker, positive, invested, team player, knowledgeable.
- always wants to help everyone and does not say no. He is hard working and has a strong desire to support his players on the field.
- has a great knowledge of the game and has shared this with me on a few occasions.
- A fountain of worldwide experience that the West is lucky to be working under.
Conor Walsh
Academy Director
I am from a small town called Ennis in the West of Ireland. Throughout my life I have been heavily involved in a multitude of sports.
Gaelic Football, Hurling & Soccer have all played a prominent role in my upbringing. However it was the sport of soccer which captivated the imagination.I have witnessed first hand the influence which a coach can have on a young persons life and that inspired me to begin my coaching journey at 15 years of age.
Over the last 14 years I have coached in full time and part time roles across all age groups in the male and female game. I am very fortunate to have combined my love of travel with my passion for football having coached in England, the United Arab Emirates & Canada prior to moving to Chicago. There is nothing which fulfills me more than watching former players move up the ladder in their sporting or professional careers. I am even more lucky to have worked with esteemed educators over the years to this day who's guidance I still regularly seek.
It is this passion to improve and learn which drives me on a daily basis. Chicago City as an organization represents many of these values and upon speaking to Nick several years ago I have been drawn by the club's journey. Now I am honored and delighted to play my role in the continued progress of Chicago City.
My hobbies include the outdoors, podcasting and Chelsea Football Club where I held a season ticket for 2 seasons.
Marie Zenere
CFO & HR