Our Coaches

The West Side Stars Coaching Staff consists of local high school, college and Ohio-North Olympic Development Program coaches who are all certified by the United States Soccer Federation.  The Coaches are all former players and were high school, college and professional standouts.

Mike Besu

Mike came to the United States in 1974 from old Yugoslavia.  His coaching career began in 1983  coaching at Tri-C College and coaching premier teams.  In 1988, Mike began a girls premier club called the West Side Stars.  Besides coaching with the Stars, Mike also coaches the Westlake High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team for the past 22 years, and he started the girls soccer program at Lake Ridge Academy.  He was also the owner and coach of the Cleveland Eclipse W-League semi-pro league for 4 years.  He has acquired USSF and NSCAA coaching licenses and coaches children from the ages of 5 to 22.  Mike currently belongs to the National Coaches Association, and actively helps his players obtain college scholarships.

Soccer Background:

Played in Yugoslavia as a Junior Player; plaid at Lakewood High School - MVP; Ohio State and Bowling Green, and Cleveland Cobras Outdoor Professional League

Years Coaching Soccer:  27 years

Coaching Honors:

1993 Westlake High School Coach of the Year

2002 Plain Dealer Locker Room - Recognized as one of the top five coaches in the area for youth soccer development program

2004 Plain Dealer Coach of the Year

2004 Cuyahoga County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year

2005 Lorain Morning Journal Coach of the Year

2005 Bob Hersman Coach of the Year Award

2008 Greater Cleveland Coach of the Year and Southwest Conference Coach of the Year for Varsity Boys Division I

Licensing:

USSF B License

NSCAA National Advanced License

Brian Salco

Brian started coaching while still in college in 1992 with youth teams.  In 2002-2005 Brian was the Girls Varsity Head Coach for Rocky River High School Girls Soccer Team.  Beside coaching with the Stars, Brian is very active with coaching Avon Lake's soccer youth program.

Soccer Background:

Plaid at Westlake High School, Bowling Green State University Club Soccer Team

Years Coach Soccer: 18 years

Coaching Honors:

1999 Greater Cleveland Boys Assistant Coach of the Year

2000 Greater Cleveland Girls Assistant Coach of the Year

2003 Rocky River High School Varsity Girls DII Sectional Championship

2004 Rocky River High School Varsity Girls DII Sectional Championship

2005 West Shore Conference Girls High School Coach of the Year

Licensing and Certifications:

USSF National Coaching License

NCSAA Goalkeeping I and II National Licenses

NSCAA Youth Coaching and Special Topics Certifications

Memberships:

United States Soccer Federation (USSF)

National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)