The Staff
Student-athletes at the Academy Pro Residency are immersed in an environment that elevates their football skills, academic prowess, and personal development thanks to the excellence of PSG-certified staff on-site.
The dual focus on football and classroom success guarantees that each student-athlete is prepared to pursue future opportunities both on and off the field.
Sebastien Kaercher
Technical Director
Sebastien Kaercher embarked on his coaching journey at the age of 18 and, over the past 12 years, has cultivated talent from youth to senior levels within France’s national leagues. Six years ago, he began his career with Paris Saint-Germain Academy, amassing a wealth of experience in developing young players. In addition, Sebastien has successfully overseen Paris Saint-Germain Academy camps across the U.S. and Europe, steering the growth of young international talent.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA B License
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
Professional experience:
- Physical Trainer FAIG (France – National 3)
- Performance Coach ASP Vauban (France – National 3)
- Reserve Coach Thonon Evian Grand Geneve (France – National 2)
- Head Coach Salesian of Paris (France – Regional 3)
- U15 Coach Paris Saint-Germain Academy France
Languages spoken: English, French
Leandro Cruz
Academic Director
Leandro Cruz, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, has an impressive international football career, playing professionally in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, France, and Argentina. After retiring, he has dedicated over 15 years to the French school system as an educator, ensuring student-athletes not only achieve academic success but also playing an instrumental role in securing college placements for high school graduates.
Education – Certifications:
- Liberal Arts Degree
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Master’s Degrees in both Specific and Adapted Physical Activities
- UEFA B License
Teaching experience:
- Collège Privé Le Sacré-Cœur, Thonon-les-Bains, France
- Collège-Lycée St François, Ville-La-Grand, France
- Lycée Jeanne d’Arc, Thonon-les-Bains, France
- Lycée de la Versoie, Thonon-les-Bains, France
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, French, Spanish
Lucas Pigeroulet
Head of Performance
Lucas Pigeroulet, armed with a master’s degree in training and performance optimization, launched his career by nurturing university-level talent in France. Appointed as Head Coach of PSG Academy Strasbourg in 2021, he simultaneously fulfilled the role of physical trainer for the U15 team at Ligue 1’s esteemed Racing Club of Strasbourg to excel in player development.
Education – Certificates :
- UEFA B License
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Master’s degree in Performance Optimization
Professional experience:
- Physical trainer for RC Strasbourg U15 (France – Ligue 1)
- Physical trainer in Drusenheim (France – Regional 2)
- Head Coach PSG Academy Strasbourg
Languages spoken: English, French
Laura Magnin-Feysot
PSG-Certified Coach
Laura Magnin-Feysot is a professional football player, having competed over the past 15 years. Her playing career has seen her wear the colors of Besançon, Dijon, Nancy and Strasbourg, offering her D1 and D2 experience, the highest French divisions. Drawing on her own playing experience, she shares invaluable insights with the players, giving them a competitive edge at the highest level.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA B License
- Professional certificate in Youth, Popular Education and Sport
- Football instructor certificate
Playing experience:
- Professional football player for Dijon FCO (France – Division 1)
- Professional football player for RC Strasbourg (France – Division 2)
- Professional football player for TEGG FC (France – Division 2)
Languages spoken: English, French
Jeremy Burquier
PSG-Certified Coach
Jeremy Burquier brings a wealth of coaching experience from France, guiding players from the U10 to the Senior level in the National 3 division. Over the past 6 years, he has honed his skills in imparting strategic and tactical knowledge essential for top-tier success.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA B License
- Coaching Certificate for Football, from Nouvelle-Aquitaine Football League
- Master of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities – Sports Training
Professional experience:
- Assistant Coach, Youth Teams, Pau FC (France – Ligue 2)
- Team Manager and Coach, U12 through Senior Level, Pau FC (France – Ligue 2)
Playing experience:
- U19 National League – Pau FC (France – Highest Youth Level)
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
Ryan Leblanc
PSG-Certified Goalkeeper Coach
Ryan Leblanc, originally from the Greater Geneva area, transitioned from an eighteen-year career as a top-level goalkeeper in France to coaching in 2019. Notably, he played for Thonon Evian Grand Genève’s senior team before deciding to impart his extensive knowledge in a coaching capacity. He now serves on the coaching team for the Women’s D2 at Thonon Evian Grand Genève, and works closely with the Academy Pro goalkeepers to enhance their skills, refine their techniques, and prepare them for competitive play.
Professional experience:
- Goalkeeper Coach Thonon Evian Grand Genève Women’s team (France – Division 2)
Playing experience:
- Thonon Evian Grand Genève Senior team (France – Regional 2)
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
Steven Leick
Physical Trainer
Steven Leick ensures players develop key physical attributes tailored to their specific field positions throughout the season. His expertise encompasses high-athletic performance, strength, endurance training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Education – Certifications:
- Degree in Physical Preparation
- Degree in Sciences and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports
- Bachelor in Sciences and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
ROMAIN GIROUD
Sports Nutritionist
Romain Giroud, brother and nutritionist of FIFA World Champion Olivier Giroud, embodies the creed “Nutrition at the service of Excellence.”
With a lifestyle dedicated to the importance of a healthy diet, Romain empowers our student-athletes to perform to their best on the field. Leveraging his 25 years of experience, Romain specializes in crafting nutritional programs that not only optimize physical health but also advance competitive capabilities.
Education – Certifications:
- Certified Nutritionist
Professional experience:
- Nutritionist for AS Monaco (France – Ligue 1)
- Nutritionist for FC Grenoble Rugby (France – Rugby Pro)
- Nutritionist / Dietitian for professional players including Olivier Giroud
- Educator at the University of Grenoble
Languages spoken: English, French
CHRISTIAN DI DOMENICA
Physiotherapist
With a career spanning over 30 years as a specialized physiotherapist , Christian Di Domenica is a reference and leading expert in sports recovery in France. He’s been attached to the Thonon Evian Grand Genève senior teams since their iconic French Ligue 1 era, and importantly currently leads all recovery phases for players at the Academy Pro.
Education – Certifications:
- Masters in Physiotherapy
Professional experience:
- Physiotherapist French National Ski Team
- Clinical Physiotherapist with 20+ years of experience
- Head Medical Manager for Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC (France – Ligue 1)
Languages spoken: English, French, Italian