meet our founding coaches
At Idaho Lions FC, our founding coaches bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the field, but are united by the same purpose: a deep love for the game and a desire to use soccer to positively impact the next generation. Our heart is to create an environment where children are not only developed as athletes, but are also encouraged in character, confidence, community, and faith. We believe the game can be a powerful tool to build leaders, strengthen families, and point kids toward something greater than themselves.
ross carvalho
Founder / CoachRoss is a man living out his childhood dream of wearing the three lions on his chest. Growing up just outside of London, he learned to play the beautiful game by dribbling around plant pots under the direction of his grandfather. Ross played from an early age through lower league (semi-professional) football in England before continuing to play and coach across both men’s and women’s teams at the collegiate level.
Since moving to the United States over a decade ago and starting a family with his wife, Miah, Ross has spent several years coaching at the grassroots level with both recreational and competitive teams. He is also continuing his development through the US Soccer coaching pathway and currently holds a D License.
As a husband and father of three, Ross’ vision extends far beyond the game itself. His passion is to help build a community where families can connect, young athletes can grow in confidence and character, and more people can encounter Jesus through the platform of soccer. Deeply shaped by his own faith journey, Ross believes the game provides a unique opportunity to develop not only strong players, but strong young men and women who will impact future generations.
Blake oliver
Co-founder / CoachCoach Blake is a US Soccer Grassroots licensed coach with decades of playing experience and a deep passion for developing young athletes — not only for what they face on the pitch, but for who they become off of it.
As a player, Blake competed extensively in tournament play and was a four-year varsity athlete, varsity captain, multiple-time all-star selection, and High School Second Team All-League honoree. He also received significant opportunities to continue his playing career at the collegiate level. His foundation for coaching the beautiful game began early, as his father coached multiple teams throughout Blake’s youth and modeled the lasting impact that strong leadership, quality instruction, and character-driven coaching can have on young athletes.
As a coach, Blake has helped lead teams to multiple tournament championships and futsal league titles. His coaching philosophy is rooted in faith and guided by integrity, accountability, respect, and servant leadership. He believes coaching is about far more than developing skilled players — it is about helping young athletes grow in character, confidence, discipline, resilience, and love for the game.
Luke Callahan
Co-founder / CoachCoach Luke grew up in Southern California and now proudly calls Middleton home, where he and his wife, Justine, are raising their two sons, Caleb and Brooks. As a founding coach of Idaho Lions FC, Luke brings a unique blend of competitive passion, mentorship, and faith-centered leadership to the field.
He is deeply passionate about helping young athletes grow — not only as soccer players, but as confident, resilient individuals who discover their God-given potential. Luke loves watching children learn, improve, and experience the joy of the game, and he is committed to creating an environment where every player feels encouraged, challenged, and genuinely known.
Luke believes sports are one of the many ways God shapes character, teaches perseverance, and builds community. His desire is for Idaho Lions FC to be a place where players develop both on and off the field — growing in skill, confidence, integrity, and love for others.