Latif Affini

Truly a cornerstone of the Dayton soccer community for over three decades, influencing generations of players and coaches alike, Latif Affini serves as the Director of Training for Dayton Futbol Academy. He brings an unparalleled depth of experience as a former collegiate player, seasoned coach, and elite trainer. His long-standing commitment and insightful guidance have been instrumental in helping countless players from the Dayton area unlock their true potential, guiding them towards achieving their personal bests on the soccer field and beyond.

Latif's own soccer journey was forged during his impactful collegiate playing days at Wilmington College from 1983 to 1989. A key contributor whose skill and competitive drive were crucial to the team's success, he played a significant role in helping Wilmington reach the NCAA Division III Final Four in 1988 – a remarkable achievement highlighting his dedication and ability as a player competing at a high level.

Following his impactful collegiate career, Latif seamlessly transitioned into coaching, embarking on a comprehensive coaching path that would span numerous levels of the game. He began honing his leadership as the Head Coach at Wilmington High School in 1990, followed by successful head coaching roles at Clinton Massie High School (1991-1993) and Miami Valley School (1994-1996). His expertise in identifying and developing talent was further recognized with a prestigious coaching position in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) starting in 1997. Alongside his high school and ODP roles, Latif has been deeply involved in grassroots and competitive youth soccer, coaching teams for several prominent area clubs, including CUSA, Warriors, ISC Storm, and Metro FC Rapids, gaining broad experience with various club cultures and player pools. His foundational coaching credentials include a US Soccer Youth F License, underpinning his understanding of age-appropriate development principles.

Beyond team coaching, Latif has established himself as a highly sought-after personal trainer, known for meticulous attention to detail and for fostering both advanced technical skill and crucial mental toughness. His focused, individualized one-on-one training has a proven track record of success, guiding numerous athletes to secure coveted Division 1 scholarships and even paving the way for local talents to reach the professional ranks, with former trainees playing in the MLS for teams like the Montreal Impact and Sporting Kansas City. This dedicated, personalized training continues today, as Latif remains passionate about working individually with many high school boys and girls aspiring to compete at higher levels and maximize their abilities.

As Director of Training at Dayton Futbol Academy, Latif Affini expertly leverages his extensive playing background, diverse coaching experience across multiple levels, and proven success in elite skill development. He actively shapes the club's training methodologies, contributes to curriculum design, and helps guide coach education, ensuring a consistent and effective player development pathway throughout the academy.

To inquire about individual or team training opportunities with Latif Affini, please contact him via email at laffini@daytonfutbolacademy.com.