Jesse Cerda joins Waubonsee’s men’s soccer staff as a Volunteer Assistant Coach, bringing more than 15 years of coaching, player development, and leadership experience to the program. A lifelong Aurora resident, Cerda is the founder and director of Aurora Juventud Futbol Club (AJFC), where he has transformed a small community club into one of the Midwest’s most respected youth soccer organizations. AJFC has been built on a philosophy of discipline and hard work, integrity and accountability, technical excellence, character development and a relentless pursuit of success. AJFC has become known for competing with and defeating many of the nation’s top clubs. Cerda’s passion for player development extends beyond wins and championships, focusing on preparing young athletes to succeed both on the field and in life.

Under Cerda’s leadership, AJFC captured the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Championship, earned multiple Midwest Regional Championships, and reached the US Youth Futsal National Championship Final. Cerda has developed numerous players who have advanced to collegiate soccer, professional club academies, Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams, and regional and national competitions. In addition to his club success, Cerda has coached at the middle school and high school levels. He holds a U.S. Soccer C License and is recognized for his ability to build competitive team cultures, identify talent, and maximize player potential. Away from the field, Cerda is an accomplished bilingual elementary educator in Aurora.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in ESL and Bilingual Education from National Louis University.