Mission Statement
From Coach Ony -
"My Goal is to help kids improve, from ages 5-17. No matter where you are in your soccer journey, I am here to help. I am dedicated to providing a safe training environment for kids to fall in love with the game of football."
About Ony Duru
Ony is passionate about sharing his love for soccer with the community, inspiring players to grow both on and off the field. He emphasizes a philosophy of unselfishness and bravery, encouraging his players to develop technically, mentally, and physically. Influenced by legendary coach Arsène Wenger, Ony incorporates these values into his own coaching style.
Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Ony fell in love with soccer at the age of seven and has never looked back. He played for Benicia Arsenal FC 93 (2004–2011) and Diablo FC 93 during his youth and represented Benicia High School on the varsity team from 2009 to 2012. After high school, Ony continued his soccer journey at Feather River Community College in Quincy, California, before transferring to Chico State, where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering and played for the Chico State team.
As a lifelong Arsenal fan (go Gunners!), Ony draws inspiration from Arsène Wenger’s coaching and philosophy. Some of his favorite players growing up include Nwankwo Kanu, Zinidine Zidane Thierry Henry, Cesc Fàbregas, and Theo Walcott. Today, his favorite player is Bukayo Saka, a standout midfielder for Arsenal and England’s National Team, admired for his creativity, attacking prowess, and status as one of the world’s best young talents.
When Ony isn’t coaching or playing soccer, you can find him enjoying a round of golf, swinging the club on the course.
Licenses:
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USSF C - (2024)
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USSF D - (2023)
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USSF 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 (2021-2022)
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TOVO V1 - (2025)
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Football Coach Evolution - 1 Day Reverse Engineering - (2023)
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Coerver Youth Diploma 1 - (2025)
Education:
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Master of Science Engineering, San Jose State University (2025)
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Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, California State University, Chico (2018)
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Associates in Arts, Liberal Studies Feather River College (2014)
Coaching History:
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Corte Madera FC (2021 - Present)
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Marin Academy Men's Soccer Varsity Assistant (2022-Present)
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Walnut Creek Surf Men's Head Coach (2020-2021)
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Benicia Arsenal FC (2017)
