The Coaches

Aldo Tramontozzi - BU12/BU16

James Krupa - BU16

Highly influenced by the European game and the continent's approach to youth development, Coach T believes simple soccer is the best soccer.  Consistent with this, his development philosophy reflects the view that learning and doing (via repetition) all the little things—but better, more creatively, and ever faster—is the essential foundation that enables young players to continuously advance their level of play.  It is this perspective that forms the basis for and common thread in his age- and level-appropriate training curriculum and methodology.



Aldo began coaching in 2003.  Since that time he has attended multiple coaching clinics and courses, and most recently attained the USSF "D" License as well as the NSCAA National Junior Level VI License.  Forever a student of the game, Aldo spends a lot of his *free* time reading up on all things (youth) soccer-related and watching the beautiful game.  In addition, he is an active certified referee and looks to play in the area men's league as schedules permit.

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A graduate of Newton North HS, Aldo attended Tufts University, where he earned a BA with majors in International Relations and History.  He spent his junior year in his native Italy, enrolled at the Universita' degli Studi di Firenze (Florence) and later received an MBA from WNEC.  By day Aldo works for Cigna as a portfolio strategist in corporate real estate.  He resides in North Reading with his wife Marina—a fellow Jumbo and soccer convert—and four (soccer-loving) children and is looking forward to his 16th visit back to the old country.

"When it comes to the development of the youth soccer player, it is essential to possess the ability to understand and work with all your players—they are all different and they learn differently."  In addition, Coach K believes successful player development involves three C’s: Confidence—if players know what is expected and this message is applied consistently throughout training, they will gain the confidence that is essential to their development; Concentration—especially when defending, knowing that it takes the combined effort of eleven players at all times to achieve success; Communication—creating an environment and culture so that players with a better view or in a better position help their teammates make better decisions.



A former educator, Jim’s coaching career in youth sports began in 1986 and continues with the participation of both his sons in Reading youth and club sport programs.  He has attained the USSF “F” license and is working towards his “E” license. Jim continues to enjoy the “beautiful game”, spending time watching soccer at all levels of play throughout the Greater Boston area.

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A graduate of U32 High school in Vermont, Jim was a three-year starter who led the soccer team to the playoffs all three years, including the schools' first-ever playoff appearance.  From there, he attended Norwich University where he earned both a BS in Physical Education and Health and an MA in Education with concentration in both Administration and Athletic Training.  While at Norwich, Jim was a four-year starter and helped lead the soccer team to it’s first ECAC playoff appearance in program history.  He continued his studies at Northwestern University Medical School where he earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Orthotics/Prosthetics and currently works as an orthotist at Cornell Orthotics and Prosthetics in Peabody, MA.  Jim resides in Reading, MA with his wife NovaLeigh and two sons Kyle and Kevin.