Tampa Bay United LEVEL-UP Camps

Ben Sweat

Ben Sweat's illustrious soccer career spans over a decade, marked by significant achievements at both club and international levels. A former member of the U.S. Men's National Team, Ben's journey began at the University of South Florida, where he became the all-time leader in games played. Selected 14th overall in the 2014 MLS Draft, Ben has since showcased his exceptional skills with over 200 professional games across various teams, including the Inter Miami CF, Austin FC, Sporting KC, and New York City FC Now, as he transitions into coaching, Ben brings his wealth of experience and passion for the game to his new role as a USL 2 Assistant Coach, where he will inspire and mentor the next generation of soccer players. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to player development, Ben Sweat continues to make his mark on and off the field.

Fernando Gonzalez

Fernando Gonzalez is a dedicated and results-oriented coach with a passion for soccer and a commitment to player development. With over a decade of coaching experience, Fernando brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Level Up program. His tactical acumen, personable approach, and drive for excellence make him an asset to this new program. Before transitioning into coaching, Fernando had an illustrious playing career, representing the University of South Florida, the Puerto Rico Youth National Team, the Puerto Rico National Team, and the Atlanta Silverbacks. As a soccer coach and NAL Director at Tampa Bay United, Fernando has managed numerous teams, overseeing all aspects of team development, including practice, game, and tournament planning. He has developed and implemented curricula for Tampa Bay United teams, ensuring player growth and success both on and off the field. Additionally, Fernando has served as the Camp Director for Tampa Bay United, organizing 26 camps across three sites. His leadership ensures that every camp provides a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Eric Clermont

Eric Clermont is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in soccer coaching and leadership. As the Founder of a coaching consultancy, Eric specializes in helping professional athletes achieve their goals through personalized performance and mental skills coaching. At Tampa Bay United Soccer Club, Eric serves as the Director of Coaching Education, leading initiatives to elevate coaching standards and develop the next generation of soccer coaches. Additionally, as the Technical Director, Eric has played a pivotal role in shaping development pathways for young talents, ensuring they receive the guidance they need to thrive. Eric's contributions extend beyond the club level as he serves as a Coach Educator for the U.S. Soccer Federation, actively raising coaching standards nationwide. With a strong foundation in sport psychology and a commitment to coaching excellence, Eric Clermont continues to inspire athletes and coaches alike.

Blake Wagner

Blake Wagner brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the soccer world, with a distinguished 10-year professional playing career. Having represented teams such as FC Dallas, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Real Salt Lake, Blake's journey in soccer also includes stints with the Carolina Rail hawks, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and San Antonio Scorpions. Blake's talent has not only been recognized at the club level but also on the international stage, where he was part of the USYNT U17 World Cup Team and attended USMNT U20 and U23 camps. Transitioning into coaching, Blake has held various roles, including U17 and U15 USYNT Assistant Coach, USYNT U17 Scout, and USL Academy Head Coach. His extensive coaching experience also includes roles as a USL2 Assistant Coach and the current MLS NEXT Director at TBU, where he continues to make a significant impact in player development and coaching excellence.

BJ Johnson

BJ’s soccer experience spans the globe in both the youth and professional landscape. A former member of the U.S. Youth National Teams at the U18, U20 and U23 levels, BJ started and played every minute for the US in the U-20 World Cup losing to eventual champion Brazil. A Livermore, CA native who was a 4-year starter at Fresno State University and was an All American in his senior year. BJ’s professional playing career was capped with winning the coveted MLS Cup Championship in 2001 while playing five seasons with Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer. BJ also has an extensive coaching resumé that includes club soccer, US Youth National Teams, Division 1 College Soccer and in the professional ranks. Shortly after his retirement from playing, he began his coaching career which included stints at Ohio State University, West Virginia University, Head Coach of the U14 US Youth National Team, Assistant Coach of the U18 US Youth National Team and another MLS Cup Championship earned while being a coach for five seasons with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.

Jeff Attinella

A Tampa native, Jeff Attinella retired after an eleven-year professional soccer career, during which he played for the Portland Timbers for five years, Real Salt Lake for four years, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies for two years. Attinella began his career after being drafted from the University of South Florida, where he was a First Team All-American
and recently inducted into the University of South Florida Athletics Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Attinella achieved significant milestones, including being a three-time Major League Soccer Western Conference Champion (with the Portland Timbers in
'18 and '21, and Real Salt Lake in '13). He started in the MLS Cup Final in 2018, was named to the Best Eleven for the entirety of the MLS Cup Playoffs, and won the inaugural MLS is Back Tournament with the Portland Timbers in 2020. Attinella made his MLS debut in 2013 with Real Salt Lake, where he was recognized multiple times as Team of the Week and Save of the Week Winner.

Before joining Major League Soccer, Attinella played two seasons with his hometown club, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. In 2012, he was named to the NASL Best XI, was the runner-up for league MVP, and notably saved three penalty shots to help the Rowdies clinch their second-ever NASL Championship.

As a youth player, Attinella played his highschool soccer at
Countryside Highschool where he was named Pinellas Country Player of the Year and led Countryside to a state championship his junior year. He grew up playing at both the Clearwater Chargers and Hillsborough County United.

Tim Mann

Tim Mann has been instrumental in helping goalkeepers in the Tampa area hone their skills since he arrived in 2008.  As the Goalkeeper Director for Tampa Bay United, he created the “TBU GK Union” and has worked with all levels and ages of goalkeepers over the past decade.  Tim has helped guide many of these goalkeepers to successful college and respective youth national team careers.  He is also currently the TBU USL W Goalkeeper Coach and oversaw the USLW Golden Glove Winner in 2023 (Bailey Herfurth – West Virginia University).  Tim will continue to push the goalkeepers to reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Sean Connolly

Sean Connolly is a seasoned goalkeeper coach with a wealth of experience both on the field and on the sidelines.  As a former junior college All-American at Herkimer County Community College and an NCAA Division 1 player at James Madison University, Sean understands the demands and intricacies of the game at the highest levels.  Currently serving as the MLS Next, NAL and USL 2 goalkeeper coach Sean brings a unique blend of professional insight and hands-on expertise to his coaching role.  With three years of coaching experience under his belt, Sean is dedicated to nurturing the talent of the next generation of goalkeepers, sharing his passion, knowledge, and expertise to help them excel on and off the field.