Coach Danny Bernstein

Danny Bernstein is the founder and creator of Backyard Sports. Raised in Long Island, Danny received his inspiration from the joy of playing in the schoolyards, driveways, and backyards of suburbia. He played goalkeeper on the 1978 Roslyn High School Soccer team that won the first New York State Soccer Championship. He received his BA in Economics from Amherst College where he played and was elected captain of the team his senior year. After spending over 20 years in a family garment business, he left the industry in 2005 to begin Backyard Sports. Danny lives in Scarsdale, New York with his wife and two school age children. Currently he is a candidate for a Master’s Degree in Physical Education at Manhattanville College.

Coach Vin Minotti

Coach Minotti spent his early years of life watching his father teach elementary physical education and coach high school soccer. By the time Minotti entered his freshman year at Fox Lane High School he already knew his chosen profession. Minotti earned both his undergraduate and Masters Degree from Springfield College. At SC, Vin taught physcial education courses and became the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. After his college teaching tenure, Minotti's passion led him to coaching High School Basketball and teaching both elementary physcial education and health. Vin brings a wealth of knowledge and expereince to BackYard Sports. Vin infuses both solid teaching progressions and dyamic lessons that enables our Backyard Sports Athletes to develop love of the game and increase thier maximum potential. Minotti is currently teaching health education for the Mamaroneck Public Schools and is the head boys coach at Rye Country Day. Vin lives in Bedford New York with his wife Lorraine and children Katherine (6 years old) and James (3 years old).

Coach Mike Simon

Mike Simon joined Backyard Sports in the Fall of 2009 as it's General Manager. After a long career in corporate America Mike decided to turn his passions and interests in sports into a new career. Having already developed one of Long Island's newest lacrosse programs, Mike has stepped in to build develop the business end of Backyard Sports. He has been instrumental in developing the new website and creating new initiatives and programs. Mike plans to open Backyard Sports Long Island in the Spring of 2010.

Coach David Villalobos

Born in Chile, Coach Villalabos brings over 30 years of playing and coaching experience to Backyard Sports. He has coached all age levels from Pre K through college. He is a former professional player and received all American distinction in his collegiate career. In addition to Backyard Sports, Coach Villalabos coaches at Edgemont High School and trains many travel soccer teams in the WYSL. He has a masters in education and currently works as an assistant principal in the New York City school system. He resides with his family in Yonkers, New York.

Coach Lyn Istorico

Lyn has been coaching soccer, basketball and baseball at Backyard Sports since 2008. In addition to coaching and teaching, Lyn also schedules and runs the Backyard Sports birthday party program.
She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Physical Education at Manhattanville College in Purchase. Backyard Sports has allowed her to incorporate all that she has learned at school and apply it in the gym.
"Besides interacting with children from all different age groups and stages of development, the guidance of Coach Danny and Vin is beyond anything I could ask for. Backyard Sports has touched the lives of many young athletes and I feel grateful to be a part of it."

Coach Danny