Head Coach Diego Clavijo has earned both the UEFA A and Elite Youth A Licenses, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career and for Weston Villa FC as a club. The UEFA A license is one of the most prestigious coaching qualifications in world football, second only to the UEFA Pro License, and demonstrates Clavijo’s commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.
The Elite Youth A License, focuses specifically on the development of young players and the unique challenges of coaching at the youth level. This combination of qualifications makes Clavijo one of the most highly credentialed coaches in the region, positioning Weston Villa FC at the forefront of football development.
Clavijo, who joined Weston Villa two seasons ago, has already transformed the team’s playing identity. Under his guidance, the club has adopted a possession-based attacking philosophy combined with high-intensity pressing. This has translated into highly measurable, record-breaking success. During the 2025 season, he guided the men’s first team to a formidable 14-6-4 record, clinching both a UFL playoff spot in the UFL Super Cup. Under his tactical vision, the team reached the semifinals in both competitions and ended the season on an unprecedented 23-game scoring streak, setting both a season and league record.
Before joining Weston Villa, Clavijo built a formidable foundation in both the tactical and administrative sides of the game. A University of Florida Sport Management alumnus, he brings a comprehensive understanding of modern club operations. His on-field expertise was further honed in Texas, where he served as a Coaching Director in the highly competitive MLS Elite Youth Development Platform with the Houston Dynamo Academy network, proving his ability to mold and prepare top-tier talent for the next level.
Clavijo’s coaching journey also carries a distinct global influence. Having spent time coaching in both Sweden and Wales, and being heavily shaped by the FA Wales coaching curriculum, he brings a rich European tactical perspective to South Florida. This international exposure ensures that Weston Villa’s players are learning from the exact same methodologies that are respected and utilized across the globe.
Beyond the tactical boards and training pitches, Clavijo is deeply committed to the holistic development of the athlete. Through his specialized player mentorship program, Before Kickoff, he has provided personalized, one-on-one guidance to aspiring players across more than 30 US states and 13 countries. Combined with his past experience as a Head of Scouting for a sports agency, this unique background allows him to not only train Weston Villa players but actively mentor them on what it takes to catch the eye of professional scouts.
