The team

Aleks Mihailovic

Founder & CEO

During his illustrious coaching career, Aleks Mihailovic has made significant contributions to the game at all levels in the United States. His game management skills and ability to translate tactical and technical concepts to his players are very impressive. One of his strongest qualities is the ability to evaluate and focus on individual strengths and improve players' performance and the tactical ability for higher playing levels.

Aleks has served U.S. Soccer as the National Coaching Director for the adult level and has licensed over 1000 coaches both youth and adults throughout the United States. Additionally, he has served Bora Milutinovic as a consultant for the Costa Rican National Team, U.S. National, and World Cup Teams.

Domestically, Aleks has strong ties with MLS, US Soccer, and top collegiate-level programs. Internationally, Aleks has strong relationships within professional soccer reaching Europe, South America, Central America, and South America. Additionally, Aleks’ extensive interpersonal network extends to professional programs and clubs in England, Germany, Greece, Spain, Chile, and Mexico.

Aleks has helped many players reach collegiate and professional levels, however, his passion is providing life-lasting experiences for those who never would have had the opportunity.

President and Founder of, Soccer Made in America training program
Founder, SAFE (Soccer Arts for Education)
Founder, SMIA (Soccer Made in America)
Hall of Fame Inductee, United States Adult Soccer Association
National Director of Coaching, United States Adult Soccer Association
United States Adult Soccer Association Men’s National Select Team Coach
United States Soccer Federation “A” License Coach
Illinois State Soccer Association Director of Coaching Education
International High-Level Coaching License holder
Former professional player, Washington Diplomats, Jacksonville Tea Men, North American Soccer League
NCAA Division I All American
East-West Senior Bowl Selection
Two-time All-American Division I, and Hall of Fame Inductee
Author of the 1994 World Cup US Soccer M&M Mars USYSA Coaching Manual
Illinois State Soccer Association Hall of Fame Inductee 2009
All-time leading scorer at Jacksonville University

Milos Mamula

Director of the Girls’ Division & Player Development

Coach Milos has been involved with the Chicago Blast since 2003. He serves as Director of Player Development and oversees the girls’ soccer division. He is a graduate of Jacksonville University where he played soccer for the Dolphins. After, Mios went on to play for the Jacksonville Cyclones, where he was named to the Sunbelt All-Conference team. He is a nationally licensed coach for the adult and youth levels.

Former Division 1 Player, Jacksonville University
Former professional player, Jacksonville Cyclones
Licensed U.S. Amateur Coach – adult and youth
U.S. Soccer D- license

Todd Burrows

Todd graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.S. in Human Health Development. Todd’s knowledge and passion for soccer help him train his players to reach their maximum potential.

B.S. Human Health Development
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
US Soccer Federation Coach
Certified F.I.G.H.T. Instructor
John Clarke Combat Wrestling Instructor System Certification
Haganah 1st Degree Black Belt
Certified Speed and Agility Trainer

Milenko Popovic

A standout at Jacksonville University, Milenko helped the Dolphins reach the Sweet 16, including a victory over the nation’s #1 team.

He brings extensive experience coaching youth players in New York and a long history with Soccer Made In America. His positive personality and ability to connect with young players make him an effective and trusted coach.