CKLA: Soccer Revolution Sweeping Northeast Ohio True To Form

Cleveland Kickers Lakewood Academy will be the new force in soccer in Spring 2010.  A true to form academy aimed at developing student athletes from youth.  Unlike current Premier and “Academy” organizations, CKLA is geared towards training youth players in every aspect of the game, physical, mental, tactical and technical, then feeding them into the highest caliber level of play with the Cleveland Kickers. 

“I’ve studied our current approach to soccer here in Northeast Ohio area and saw a need for better, more complete training; to really create opportunities for these kids, something more efficient and effective.” says, CKLA Sporting Director Vladimir Godosev. “We currently have a system of premier soccer, then the academy in some programs.  To me this is backwards; an academy is used to develop players then push them onto the premier in the true sense, or as in Europe, “academy / 1st team / senior team”, adds Vladimir.  This is where CKLA and the Cleveland Kickers, with owner Thom Clark, look to change the system of soccer in Northeast Ohio. 

CKLA’s training focus incorporates total soccer training.  Vladimir states, “You won’t just come to practices, put on a penny, go on the field and be told to,” play””. “My approach is that kids need to have it all, really balance the equation.  Practice is tactical and mental, including foot skills for technical practice, kinetics for physical, and games to bring it all together.” Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking for more advanced training, CKLA offers all aspects.  It offers soccer specific camps, clinics, and events.

Currently you see recreational soccer, travel soccer, high school and premier programs as the progression tier for soccer athletes.  Each offers a transition, or stepping stone to the next level.  There is no proper transition or program that feeds correctly to the high school and premier programs, which are used to spring board kids to the college level.  On this Vladimir states, “you need harmony between the programs.  Recreation introduces kids to the sport, travel introduces players to outside competition, the academy is used to nurture and develop players, high school and premier offer advanced training as a preparatory towards college or professional soccer.  All should work together to give the best opportunity to those who wish to take it to the next level.”

Everything CKLA does revolve around values including soccer athlete, student athlete, and citizen.  The academies approach and charitable plans help guide that vision of getting kids involved to better themselves and people, as well as make them soccer athletes and students.

CKLA is holding its current Foot Skills Camp lasting eight weeks and Soccer Kinetics.  Information for both programs can be found on-line at www.cklasoccer.com.

Tryouts for this upcoming spring will encompass a four week tryout period for girls in January and four weeks for boys in February. Tryouts are being held on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Harding Middle School located at 16601 Madison Avenue.  Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.  Register by calling the Lakewood Recreation Department at 216-529-4082.    

To be a part of the SOCCER REVOLUTION, come and try out the Cleveland Kickers Lakewood Academy.  Visit their website at www.cklasoccer.com for more info, or register for events at the Lakewood Recreation Department located at 1456 Warren Road, by phone at 216-529-4082 or visit us on-line at www.lakewoodrecreation.com.