Trainers

Aaron Byrd

• Back to back national finalist with Vardar 81 club team
• 4 year starter and 3 year captain at the University of Detroit Mercy
• Successful professional career with Windsor Border Stars and Waza Flo-Pro

Aaron’s distinguished and successful soccer career largely began as a player on the Vardar 81 club team. While serving as one of the captains of the squad, the team made back to back National Tournament appearances and finished second in the country for two years. Aaron continued his career collegiately at the Division 1 level, starting every game in his 4 years at the University of Detroit Mercy. Aaron was named team captain from his sophomore year forward, becoming the only 3 year captain in school history. Aaron currently ranks in the university’s all time top 10 in career goals, assists, points, and games played. Also while at UDM, Aaron was named to the All Newcomer Team, All Conference Teams and the CoSIDA Academic All District Team. Aaron simultaneously graduated with Magna cum Laude honors, achieving a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Following his Vardar and collegiate accomplishments, Aaron went on to play five years professionally for the Windsor Border Stars and five years with the Waza Flo Pro Indoor team before his career was disrupted by a serious knee injury.

While playing for Windsor he earned the 2004 Rookie of the Year Runner Up award for the League. In 2006 he won the Golden Boot as the league’s top goal scorer and was named League MVP Runner Up. In 2007 Aaron was presented with the WESPY award (Windsor’s version of the ESPY) for the Top Male Soccer Athlete. Aaron is the all time leader in Windsor Border Stars history in goals, points and assists. During his professional indoor career with Waza the team won one National Championship and made two additional National Final appearances. Aaron’s passion for translating his knowledge and skills to the individuals he trains has earned him and Byrd Academy/Next Level Training a stellar reputation for developing each and every player’s full potential as an individual, soccer player, athlete and competitor.

Renato Susnja

• Highly decorated player in the Schoolcraft College team that finished 6th in the nation.
• Only player in University of Detroit Mercy history to be named Team MVP, Offensive MVP, and Defensive MVP in the same season.
• Back to back regional championships with Detroit United of the MPSL.

Renato was born in Bosnia and he and his family then moved to Germany, where he lived for five years. In 1999 he came to America to further his education and with a desire to participate in the sport he had excelled at while in Europe. As hoped, his soccer career, as well as his educational endeavors, flourished. His international experience paved the way to a full scholarship to Schoolcraft College. While at Schoolcraft his team finished sixth in the nation at the National Tournament and he received many All-Conference honors. In 2006, Renato transferred to Division 1 University of Detroit Mercy where he was elected team captain both years. In his first year he was named to the Horizon League All Newcomer Team and All Conference team. He also earned the Offensive Player of the Year award. Due to his versatility as a player, Renato was both a midfielder and a defender.

In his second year at UDM he again was named to the All-Conference Team, and this time his talents and ability were truly highlighted as he was honored as Team MVP, Offensive MVP, and Defensive MVP. Renato was the first player in the school’s history to receive all three honors in the same year. Renato graduated with a degree in communications and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Turnaround Management. After college Renato joined the Detroit United team and played an integral role in their back to back Regional Championships. His playing career was cut short after he suffered his second knee injury. Now, Renato has turned his focus to sharing his passion and expert technical and strategic knowledge of the game to help others excel in the sport of soccer.

Scotty Wright

• Back to back national finalist with Vardar 81 club team.
• 2 year starter for the University of Detroit Mercy Titans.
• Successful professional career with clubs including Detroit Arsenal, Windsor Border Stars, and Waza Flo Pro.

Scotty grew up in Canton and played for the Canton Soccer Club. At 15 he joined the Vardar 81 team with Aaron where they won back to back Regional Championships and finished second in the nation two years running. For years, Scotty was selected for the state Olympic Development Program (ODP). In his senior year of high school, Scotty tallied 29 goals and 10 assists. His overall exceptional performance led to him finishing fourth in voting for the highly touted Mr. Soccer award. In 2000-2002, he and Aaron were reunited at the University of Detroit Mercy. Scotty started every game during his two year career at the University, where he was an integral memberof the Titans’ squad. After leaving UDM, Scotty played for the Detroit Arsenal, one of the top amateur teams in the country.

After his time with the Arsenal he played professionally with the Windsor Border Stars where, depending on need, he started either in midfield or in defense. He currently plays professionally for the Waza Flo Pro indoor soccer team. Scotty’s success is grounded in hard work and discipline blended with a genuine love for the game. Those qualities shine through in his effective training style as he devotes himself to helping others succeed.

Dylan Dorley

Dylan is one of the most technically crafty players this state has ever seen. His feet are super quick and confident with the ball, yet he’s as humble as they come about it. He’s extremely confident in one on one situations and can easily change a game with his attacking style. Dylan grew up in the Chesterfield area where he played club soccer for Waza FC and was an Olympic Development Program (ODP) player.

A knee injury halted his youth career for a bit for rehab and as he returned he went on to play soccer at Defiance College where he had 13 points as a freshman, started all 19 games, and led the team to their best record in the school’s history.

After college he couldn’t stop playing the game he was super passionate about. He continued on for 3 years as a part of the famous Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) where he got to show off his incredible skill and love for the game. Dylan is currently a member of one of the top amateur teams in the country, Carpathia FC, where he is able to continue playing the game he loves at the level he enjoys competing. You won’t find a smoother or quicker set of feet on any dribbler out there.

Connor Ballantyne

Connor is a hard working and crafty player who is extremely knowledgeable about the finer technical and tactical aspects of the game. Connor grew up in Rochester, Michigan. He began his playing career with Vardar Soccer Club and was a participant in the Olympic Development Program at the state, regional, and national pool levels.

At the collegiate level Connor played for the University of Dayton, where he helped the Flyers to win the Atlantic Ten Championship. He then transferred to Oakland University where he was a two year starter and crucial part of the Golden Grizzlies squad for his two seasons before his career was cut short by injury.

After graduating from Oakland, Connor continued to play with some of the best amateur teams in the area including Oakland County FC, and Force FC mens teams. Presently, Connor is focused on helping the next generation of young players cultivate the work ethic, tactical knowledge and technical ability they will need to excel at the game he loves.

Belal Khoulani

Belal Khoulani grew up in Flint playing with FOB soccer. At age 12 Belal joined Vardar and, through them, was introduced to Next Level Training and fell in love with the program. While playing for Vardar his team won three State Cups, had back-to-back regional championships, and finished third in the nation.

In 2016 Belal began playing for Schoolcraft College, where he was made team captain. In his two years as captain, Belal led his team to the national championship game, where they unfortunately saw their only loss of the season (18-1), but did end up the number two team in the country. In 2018 Belal transferred to The University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, where he played starting RB his second year, and that team finished fourth in the conference.

After university Belal continued to play with teams such as Oakland County FC and the Flint City Bucks. Belal has trained with NLT throughout his career and believes he would not have had the success he has without it.

Ablaye Camara