Meet the Team

Colin Gallagher

Founder / CEO

Colin Gallagher founded Forge Athletics Group to bring structure, transparency, and accountability to the college soccer recruiting process. A D1 collegiate goalkeeper, Colin completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Duke University. Having navigated high-level college athletics firsthand, he understands the demands athletes face on and off the field. At Forge, Colin oversees athlete strategy, college placement, and long-term advisory support.

Albin Gashi

Director of Marketing & Content
Co-Head of Europe Divsion

Albin Gashi brings firsthand experience as a high-level collegiate midfielder with extensive exposure to both U.S. and European soccer pathways. He made 67 starts at the University of Virginia and served as a two-year team captain, gaining a deep understanding of leadership and performance at the Division I level. As an international student from Sweden, Albin has navigated the college recruiting and development process himself, providing him with a clear and practical perspective on what athletes need to succeed. At Forge, he leads marketing, content strategy, and Europe-to-U.S. pathway development.

Expertise: Team Leadership | Athlete Mentorship | Recruiting & Development Strategy | U.S.–European Pathways | Academic Navigation

Umberto Pelá

Director of Mentorship
Co-Head of Europe Divsion

Umberto Pela brings elite collegiate playing and leadership experience to Forge Athletics Group. A former Division I standout at the University of Virginia, Umberto served as a two-year team captain and was recognized as a Second Team All-American and First Team Scholar All-American. He was selected by FC Dallas in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, reflecting both his on-field performance and professional readiness. At Forge, Umberto leads athlete mentorship and development, working closely with players on preparation, mindset, and the transition into high-level college and professional environments.

Miguel Adoboe

Mentor

Miguel Adoboe brings a calm, relatable presence to Forge, shaped by his own experience navigating competitive soccer environments and the pressures that come with them. Having been in the same position as many of the athletes he now supports, Miguel understands how confidence, mindset, and consistency play a critical role in long-term development. His mentorship is centered on building trust, encouraging self-belief, and helping athletes stay grounded through both progress and setbacks. At Forge, Miguel works closely with players to support their personal growth, helping them develop resilience, accountability, and a healthy relationship with the game.

Expertise: Athlete Mindset | Confidence Building | Accountability | Resilience | Personal Growth

Mitchel Varley

Mentor

A top East Coast talent, Mitchel brings a transparent, player-first perspective to Forge Athletics Group. A current Division I athlete, he’s navigated every stage of the modern recruiting process, from high school and prep school soccer to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Mitchel developed with Seacoast United, competed four years in the Big East at Providence College, and now finishes his eligibility at Northeastern while pursuing a Master’s degree. His experience across recruiting, transfers, and high-level summer competition, including a USL2 National Championship, allows him to guide athletes with honesty, clarity, and real perspective.

Expertise: Athlete Mentorship | Expansive Network of Coaches | Strategic Goals for Success | Post Graduate Career Path

Aidan Melville

Adviser / Mentor

Aidan Melville brings resilience and real perspective to the modern college soccer landscape. Growing up in Maine with limited opportunities, he made early sacrifices to develop within the MLS academy system, with both the New England Revolution and D.C. United. His Division I journey included time at Providence College, Coastal Carolina University, and James Madison University, navigating multiple transfers, injuries, and the NCAA Transfer Portal before finishing as a captain in the Sun Belt Conference. Having experienced both setbacks and success, Aidan specializes in recruiting and transfer guidance, mentoring athletes to stay consistent and prepared while offering honest insight into today’s changing college soccer landscape.

Expertise: Athlete Placement | Transfer Portal | Team Leadership | Personal Growth | Expansive Network of Coaches