CFU Soccer offers a tiered pathway to support every level of player development — from beginners to advanced athletes — with clear program structures and transparent pricing.
**Additional uniform costs and flexible payment plans available.
Board of Directors
Brad Nowels is the General Manager of Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer) and Vice President – Institutional Sales North America at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. With over 15 years in Central Florida youth soccer, Brad has served as a coach, boys director of coaching, and corporate officer. He has coached at various levels, including recreational, competitive, premier, and varsity boys’ teams at Orangewood Christian High School. Brad understands that most players will not play professionally and focuses on developing the complete player on and off the field – maximizing potential so each player can forge their own pathway.
He holds a USSF B License, a BS in Mathematics from The University of Florida, and an MBA from Florida State University. Brad resides in Apopka, FL, with his wife and two sons, who also played competitive youth and high school soccer.
Cheryl Nowels is a Board Member and Treasurer for Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer). She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Calvin University and brings over 25 years of experience in the finance industry. Her background includes roles in retail banking, mortgage lending, and banking software, with organizations such as Huntington Bank and Fiserv.
Cheryl has been an active “soccer mom” for over a decade, supporting her two sons who have played both competitive and high school soccer. She enjoys being involved in the local community and is excited to contribute her financial expertise and passion for youth sports to CFU Soccer Academy.
Scott Simpson – Board Member
Scott Simpson is Vice President of Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer) and President of Raptor Consulting Services, a commercial real estate firm in Orlando.
With over 30 years of experience coaching basketball from youth leagues to the NBA, Scott founded a successful AAU basketball club in Orlando, helping players earn scholarships at top programs like Duke, Alabama, and Ohio State. He continues to assist high school teams locally.
Scott blends his sports leadership with business consulting expertise. He lives in Orlando with his wife Stacey, and they have three adult children, including a daughter who plays professional women’s soccer.
Brad Butterstein is a Board Member at Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer). He is a consultant to both local and national businesses, specializing in team development, process improvement, and revenue growth.
Brad has been active in the Central Florida soccer community for over 15 years through his sons’ involvement in the game. He previously served for five years on the Orangewood High School Athletic Booster Board and is currently the Board Chair for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. He also served on the Second Harvest Food Bank Board for eight years, including two as Board Chair.
Berry Long is a Board Member at Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer) as well as Vice President of Long Builders Inc., and Chief Operating Officer of Long Management Co., overseeing multifamily assets in the Orlando area.
With over 10 years of involvement in youth soccer—primarily as a volunteer and coach—Berry brings a strong commitment to community and player development. He also brings 15 years of nonprofit experience working with youth, fueling his passion to use soccer as a tool for building future leaders. Berry lives in Longwood, FL, with his wife, Dawn, and their four children.
Scott Perfater is the 11v11 Program Advisor for the Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer) and Coach of the U19 Boys teams. With over 15 years in Central Florida youth soccer, Scott has served continuously as a coach progressing from recreational soccer to Florida State Premier League teams. He believes the characteristics of strong quality soccer players on the field (i.e. work ethic, grit, resilience, etc.) translates to successful people off the field.
He holds a USSF C License, a BS in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Marshall University. Scott resides in Ocoee, FL, with his wife, one daughter and three sons, who also played competitive youth and high school soccer.
Brian Furgala is the 9v9 Program Director at Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer). He brings over 10 years of coaching experience across all levels of youth soccer, including 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11.
Brian holds a USSF “D” License and is committed to continued growth in coaching education. He believes that successful coaching blends on-field tactics with a strong understanding of sports psychology to support the full development of young athletes. Brian lives in Apopka, FL, with his wife and three sons – all of whom play competitive soccer.
Scott Rusin is the Goalkeeping Director and 7v7 Program Advisor and Coach at Central Florida United Soccer Academy (CFU Soccer). He also serves as Head Coach of a local boys’ high school team in Lake County, Florida, and is a dedicated high school teacher. In addition, he co-owns and manages a veterinary clinic in Eustis, Florida.
With over 40 years in the sport, Scott brings deep experience as a player, coach, referee, and club administrator. His playing background spans youth, high school, Division 1 FSSL, and semi-professional soccer in Germany. As a coach, he has worked with players at all levels—from recreational to premier—within the MSYSA and FYSA systems. He holds a USSF “D” License and has served as a Level 7 referee with FLRSC. Scott holds a BA in Business and Finance and lives in Eustis, FL, with his wife and two children.
Coaches
Brad Nowels – Director of Coaching
Brad oversees the coaching philosophy, curriculum, and player development across all CFU programs. His leadership ensures consistency and excellence at all levels. He holds a USSF B License.
Scott brings over 15 years of coaching experience from recreational to Premier League teams. He believes in building strong, resilient athletes through structured player development. He holds a USSF C License and lives in Ocoee, FL, with his family.
Brian Furgala – 9v9 Program Advisor & Coach
Brian has coached at all youth levels for over a decade and holds a USSF D License. He emphasizes both tactical development and mental strength in young athletes. Brian resides in Apopka, FL, with his wife and three sons.
With 40+ years in the sport, Scott has experience as a player, coach, referee, and administrator. He holds a USSF D License and currently coaches high school soccer in Lake County. He lives in Eustis, FL, with his wife and two children.
Game Model and Style of Play – A Summary
CFU Game Model
CFU teams defend with urgency, aiming to quickly regain possession of the ball. While always alert to counterattacking opportunities, the primary focus is on winning the ball back and transitioning into attack in alignment with strategies developed during training.
CFU Style of Play
CFU emphasizes a possession-based, attacking style of play. Our teams maintain control of the ball with purposeful intent to progress forward, break defensive lines, and create frequent scoring opportunities.
Defensively, CFU players remain focused and organized, prioritizing the disruption of the opposition’s build-up play. We defend with physicality and intensity, working to close down time and space, making it difficult for opponents to operate effectively.
CFU System of Play
While CFU can adapt to specific opponents as needed, our base system of play is the 1-4-3-3 formation.
- Build-up phase: 1-4-2-1-3
- Attacking phase: 1-4-1-2-3
- Defensive phase: 1-4-4-2 diamond
Partnering with High School and Middle School Programs
At CFU Soccer, we strongly support our players’ participation in high school and middle school soccer programs. We recognize the important role these school-based teams play in shaping well-rounded athletes and individuals.
Our staff makes every effort to coordinate training and game schedules to ensure players can fully engage in both their club and school commitments. We view school soccer as a valuable extension of a player’s development, especially in fostering leadership, teamwork, communication, and character.
The majority of our athletes will participate in high school and middle school soccer during their journey, and we take pride in working collaboratively with school coaches, administrators, and families to support that experience in every way possible.
CFU also incorporates physical and mental periodization into its planning, ensuring athletes can perform at a high level throughout the year while managing workload, recovery, and overall well-being.
FAQ's
Training sessions and home games are held at East Lake Community Park:
24809 Wallick Rd, Sorrento, FL 32776
In our first season, CFU will hold multiple player evaluation sessions where coaches can assess skill, effort, attitude, and potential to determine the best program and team fit for each individual.
Because CFU prioritizes player development over team-building, space is limited, and placements are made based on a player’s readiness and long-term developmental goals. All players who love the game are encouraged to attend, and placements may evolve as players grow. Visit our Player Evaluations page to register for an evaluation.
The Academy Program is designed for highly committed players who want to push their development to the next level. It includes more weekly training hours, video analysis, and increased expectations for accountability and personal growth. Playing time is earned, not guaranteed.
The Competitive Program offers a strong training environment and high-level local league play with a more traditional, team-based structure. Both programs follow the same club philosophy and style of play.
CFU’s program fees are designed to be comprehensive and transparent, supporting players at all stages:
Developmental Programs
- After-School Program – $200 per season
- Competitive Developmental Program – $400–$600 per season (plus league fees)
Includes 1–2 weekly sessions during spring or fall seasons.
Competitive Program
- 7v7 – $1,495 annually
- 9v9 – $1,795 annually
- 11v11 – $2,095 annually
Includes 2–3 weekly sessions, league play, tournaments, coaching, and uniforms.
Academy Program
- 7v7 – $1,795 annually
- 9v9 – $2,095 annually
11v11 – $2,395 annually
Includes 3–5 sessions per week, advanced training, video analysis, tournaments, and small-sided league or futsal.
Uniforms not included. Payment plans available.
CFU’s Competitive and Academy teams are not tied to a single league. Instead, teams are placed into leagues and events that best support their developmental goals, competitive level, and logistical considerations. While league and tournament play are important, they are only a small part of a players developmental pathway.
Depending on the team and age group, participation may include:
- Greater Central Florida (GCF) League (local)
- Elite Development Program (EDP) (local and regional)
- Florida State Premier League (FSPL)
- Sunshine Conference
- State Cup Tournament
- Regional and Showcase Tournaments
League and event schedules are finalized prior to each season or year to ensure proper competitive alignment.
Training takes place 2, 3, or 4 days per week, depending on the program:
- Developmental Program: Typically 2 days/week (e.g., Tuesday & Thursday)
- Competitive Program: Typically 3 days/week (e.g., Monday, Tuesday & Thursday)
- Academy Program: Up to 4 days/week (e.g., Monday through Thursday)
Sessions are held in the evenings, typically from:
- 7:00–8:00 PM,
- 7:00–8:30 PM, or
- 7:00–8:45 PM, based on age group and program level.
