USAFL Program Coordinators

Andrea Casillas

Secretary & Women's Program Coordinator

Andrea CasillasAndrea Casillas began playing with the Arizona Lady Hawks in 2005. Upon getting accepted into law school in New York she knew that she wanted to continue playing, but traveling back to Arizona would not feasible.

Once in New York, she founded the New York Lady Magpies which is in its third season. Even though the team is still young, it has boasted eight players on Freedom and in May 2010 hosted its first women's tournament.

secretary@usafl.com

Denis Ryan

Junior Development

Denis has been involved with the Washington Baltimore Eagles since 1998. He was appointed Coaching Director and assistant coach to the Revolution in 2001, and traveled with the team to London for the inaugural Atlantic Alliance Cup. The next year he stepped up as Head Coach of the Revolution team for their trip to Melbourne, Australia, for the first ever International Cup of Australian Rules Football where they came fifth of 11 teams.

Denis stepped down from National coaching duties to concentrate on introducing Australian Football into the US culture. He recognized that the best starting point was the US Physical Education curriculum and has developed US Footy Kids accordingly. Denis lives in Baltimore with his wife, Crystal and sons Quinn and Eddy.

juniors@usafl.com

Jeff Persson

Umpiring Director

Jeff has been a member of the USAFL since 2000. He has been a member of the Nashville Kangaroos and been with their board for 9 years (2001, 2003-2010), President - 4 years (2007-2010) and Secretary/Treasurer - 1 Year (2001). Jeff has Played 100+ Games for Nashville Kangaroos with 3 MAAFL Championships and he played for the USA Revolution in 2008. Jeff's Field umpiring experience includes nearly 200 games, 2007 USAFL Umpire of the Decade Award, 2005 and 2011 International Cup Grand Final - Field Umpire, First non-Australian to be Accredited at Level 2 and 2002 USAFL Scholarship Umpire.

umpiring@usafl.com

Leigh Barnes

USA Freedom Coach

Leigh BarnesLeigh is originally from Launceston, Tasmania, however also lived, played and coached football in Brisbane for 15 years.  He is now living in the east San Francisco Bay area with his son Kai and works as a Materials and Research Engineer. Leigh is the founding President of the Golden Gate Australian Football League, 2005 Division II champions, and has played over 400 games of football in his lifetime.

Leigh represented Tasmania three times, Queensland once, and kicked over a hundred goals in a season twice during his career.

freedomcoach@usafl.com

Matt Bishop

USA Revolution Coach

Matt is Victorian born, spending most of his childhood and football career in Central Queensland. Matt now resides in Sacramento, California with his wife Amy. As well as coaching the Revolution, Matt is also the current coach of the Golden Gate Roos, Sacramento Screamers and prior to moving to California, was the coach of the Baltimore Washington Eagles.

Matt has lived in the United States since 2005 and has played and coached senior football in both Brisbane and Sydney.

revolutioncoach@usafl.com