I currently coach youth soccer ages 3-16 at the New Rochelle, New York YMCA from Spring 2006 to present. I have also set up Youth Indoor Soccer League for ages 6-8 and 9-12. Additionally, I teach children fitness.

As an example of what I can teach your child, please see the Video section or our Gallery page

KAMEL AYARI (The Person/Athlete)

Coming from the capital of Tunisia, Tunis, myself and my mother were dealt a huge shock when I was just three years old.  Due to ilness, doctors said I would never walk again.

Throughout my childhood I used my wheelchair, which I disliked, and often accompanied my friends to play soccer. Even though I could only use my hands, I never gave up and my determination made me stronger. With each passing day, I became stronger and stronger. In fact, so strong that I soon rose from my wheelchair and began doing the very thing doctors said I would never do - WALK!

In my early twenties, I was selected for my country's professioal wheelchair division athletics national team. I have been in the wheelchair division 'running' for the past 13 years. I have competed in marathons and short distance races from North Africa to Europe, Asia and the United States.

Achievements
The following are just some of my achievements to date.

• Marine Corps Marathon (26.2 miles/42km) - 10/2000 & 10/2001 - 1st place
  
• New York City Marathon (26.2 miles/42km) - 11/2000 - 1st place
  
• New York City Marathon (26.2 miles/42km) - 11/2001 - 3rd place
  
• New York City Marathon (26.2 miles/ 42km) - 11/2002 - 10th place
  
• New York City Marathon (26.2 miles/ 42km) - 11/2007 - 22nd place
  
• Twin Cities Marathon (26.2 miles/42km) - 10/2003 & 10/2004 - 2nd place
  
• Boston Marathon (26.2 miles/42km) - 4/2003 - 7th place
  
• Broad Street Run (10 miles/16km) - 5/2000, 2001 & 2002 - 1st place
  
• Falmouth Road Race (6.25 miles/10km) - 8/2001 - 1st place
  
• Utica Boilermaker (9.38 miles/15km) - 7/2002 - 1st place
  
• Beach to Beacon (6.25 miles/10km) - 8/2003 - 1st place
  
• Athletes Foot (3.13 miles/5km) - 3/2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 - 1st place and many others ...
  
• Competed in more than a 150 competitions country wide
  
• Presented with “Key” to the New York City Hall by Mayor Rudolph Guliani (click on the link below).
  
• 10/2002 Oita (Japan) International Wheelchair Marathon. Represented Tunisia for the first time in Marathon’s 22 year history.

Monarchs, Presidents and Athletes are Among Recipients of a Symbolic Key - Kamel Ayari, November of 2000 (The New York Times)

In First Official Race, the Winner Stays Clear of Controversy (The New York Times)

2007 New York City Marathon Photos