Meet the Team
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Welcome to Garden State Elite (GSE), where our team is the heartbeat of our soccer community. Comprised of passionate coaches, trainers, and dedicated administrative staff, we're committed to nurturing talent and instilling a love for the game. Each member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and expertise to the field, united by a shared goal: to empower every player who joins our ranks.
From our seasoned coaches to our behind-the-scenes support team, we're here to guide, inspire, and challenge our players to reach new heights. Our diverse backgrounds and unwavering dedication create an environment where talent flourishes and dreams take flight. At GSE, we're more than a team; we're a family dedicated to unlocking your full potential on and off the pitch.
Explore the mosaic of personalities that make up the Garden State Elite team and discover how we're shaping the future of soccer excellence.
Our Team.


Parker Solowey
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​Parker Solowey brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and experience to our team. With a background that spans playing for renowned teams and coaching both domestically and internationally, Parker is the owner and founder of GSE.
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Player Profile
Parker's journey in soccer began at Delsea High School, where he not only excelled but left an indelible mark on the program. Among his many achievements, Parker stands as the all-time leading goal scorer, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.
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His passion for the sport took him to the next level, playing for the likes of the Philadelphia Fury, Reading United, Ocean City Nor'easters, and the Jackson Lions. These experiences helped shape his understanding of the game, providing invaluable insights that he now shares with the next generation of soccer players.​
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Parker's expertise extends beyond the field, as he has a remarkable coaching background. He had the unique opportunity to coach in England, where he faced notable clubs such as Manchester United, Bolton, and Tranmere Rovers. His coaching journey abroad allowed him to absorb the intricacies of the game at the highest levels in Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, and Spain, enhancing his coaching philosophy and approach.
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Notably, Parker's coaching experience isn't limited to the UK. He also had the privilege of coaching in the world's biggest youth soccer tournament, the Gothia Cup. This international exposure has provided him with a global perspective on soccer development, further enriching his coaching abilities.​
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Parker Solowey's dedication to the sport, combined with his diverse experiences as a player and coach, makes him an exceptional addition to our team. His passion for soccer and his commitment to nurturing young talent align perfectly with our organization's mission.​
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As a member of our staff, Parker's expertise and dedication ensure that your child will receive top-tier instruction, making them not just better soccer players, but better individuals on and off the field.

Donald B. Norton Jr
​Donald B. Norton Jr., one of the country's most respected and active soccer coaches, is a true luminary in the world of soccer. He is widely recognized by his national peers for his exclusive European and national qualifications, making him a coveted asset to our organization.
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Donald has not only dedicated himself to coaching but has also contributed significantly to the soccer community. Over the years, he has authored numerous training articles that have been published in prestigious publications such as Success in Soccer, Soccer New England, Southern Soccer Scene, NSCAA Journal, Soccer America, and the United Soccer Coaches' Soccer Journal. His articles have been invaluable resources for coaches and players alike, offering insights and expertise garnered from his extensive experience.
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In February 2023, Donald's remarkable coaching career was celebrated when he received the New Jersey Youth Soccer's Bob McNulty Coach of the Year Award at the NJYS Awards Dinner in Edison. The McNulty award, the NJYS's highest honor, is named after the legendary coach Robert McNulty, one of the original "A" licensed coaches in the nation and a member of the New Jersey City University Hall of Fame.
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Donald B. Norton Jr. has amassed an impressive array of coaching qualifications that reflect his dedication to continuous learning and improvement. His qualifications include:
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United States Soccer Federation National "A" Coaching License
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National Soccer Coaches Association of America Premier Diploma
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Football Association of Ireland National "A" License (UEFA National "A" License)
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USSF National Youth License
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Scottish Football Association National "A" Certificate
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NSCAA Regional GK Diploma
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State Level 2 Futsal License
What's even more remarkable is the distinguished individuals he trained under and alongside while earning these qualifications. His instructors included the likes of Jay Miller, former USMNT U17 Head Coach, Anson Dorrance, University of North Carolina women's Head Coach, and Trevor Adair, former Clemson men's head coach, among others.
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Donald's commitment to excellence took him across the Atlantic to the prestigious Scottish Football Association National Coaching School in Largs, Scotland. There, he honed his coaching skills and knowledge, learning alongside many of Europe's leading coaches and players. His instructors included the legendary names of Craig Brown, Walter Smith, Craig Levein, and David Moyes.
Additionally, his experience in the FA Ireland's national coaching in Dublin allowed him to rub shoulders with Ireland's leading professional and club coaches, including the esteemed Brian Kerr, former Irish Senior National Team Head Coach.
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Donald's wealth of experience and qualifications makes him a recognized authority in soccer coaching. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to the development of players is a testament to his passion. We are honored to have Donald B. Norton Jr. as a part of our coaching staff, and we are confident that his expertise will leave an indelible mark on the players he mentors.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Donald B. Norton Jr. or our coaching staff, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Patrick Raletz
​​Patrick Raletz is a dedicated and passionate soccer coach with over 12 years of experience. He is known for developing talented players and fostering high performance and a positive team culture.
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Coach Pat's coaching philosophy focuses on a balanced approach, blending technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience to create well-rounded athletes. Over the years, Coach Pat has specialized in goalkeeping, earning multiple goalkeeper diplomas, which led him to coach within the Philadelphia Union Youth system.

Leandro Louro
​With a rich background in youth and collegiate soccer, Leandro has developed a reputation for inspiring young players and elevating team performance on both domestic and international stages.
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Leandro’s journey began as a player, where he competed in college soccer for Camden County College and Wilmington University in the U.S., later advancing to play semi-professionally with the Ocean City Nor'easters. His experience on the field has translated into a deep understanding of the game, which he brings to his coaching roles.
He began his coaching journey in Germany, serving as Head Coach for a U14 team from 2017 to 2018, where he honed his skills in player development and team dynamics. His commitment to soccer coaching led him to FC St. Pauli, where he contributed to their renowned summer camps in 2018 and returned in 2024 to continue this role.
Currently, he serves as an Assistant Coach for the U13/U14 teams at Garden State Elite (Cohansey SC) and brings his expertise to Camden County College (Camden CC) Men’s Soccer, where he was appointed Assistant Coach in November 2023. His leadership and strategic insights were quickly recognized, leading him to his role as Interim Head Coach at Camden CC as of October 2024.
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Coaching Achievements
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UEFA B-License
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Named Region 19 Head Coach of the Year
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Led Camden CC to a Region 19 District A Championship
Leandro’s dedication to fostering talent and building winning teams has made him an influential figure in youth and college in the U.S. and abroad.