Sporting Padula Soccer Academy

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Sporting Padula Soccer Academy - SP-

WHAT SP IS ALL ABOUT

SP Coaches

	Kevin Headly has been a Columbus resident for the last ten years, and a member of the SP Soccer Academy coaching staff since the 2014-2015 season. He began playing soccer at the age of 7 in his native Guyana and has had the joy of playing all over the world including the US, England as well as throughout Latin America, and the Caribbean. Kevin moved to the United States with his family at the age of 12 and attended high school in Silver Spring Maryland. He is a graduate of Bucknell University where he was also a member of the wrestling program and is an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club. A former Guyanese international, Kevin grew up admiring Brazilian legend Pele and dreaming of playing in the World Cup. His playing days now long behind him, Kevin’s present focus is sharing his immense passion for the beautiful game with the kids he coaches. He holds coaching licenses from both the NSCAA and the US Soccer Federation and hopes to continue his coaching education in Europe at some point in the future.
	Miguel Limon joined SP Soccer Academy in 2017 and holds a Class E Coaching license with the USSF and a coaching license with United Soccer Coaches Association. Miguel began playing soccer at an early age. When he was 14 he was offered a position in the Club America U15 Academy and played until he was 17 at which point he was selected to play for the Club American reserves. As a Contracting Officer for the Defense Logistics Agency Miguel enjoys being able to support our Armed Forces and provide support to our troops. Miguel loves the atmosphere at SP Soccer. The coaches are there for each other and are willing to help oneanother. He also likes that they don't stress winning. but helping players truly Become Better. Miguel and his wife Cathy have 3 children Marie, Cruz, and Cali. Cruz plays at SP Soccer Academy. He would also love to attend a World Cup someday with his son.
	Gerardo Martinez is one of our youngest coaches in SP Soccer Academy. He has been playing soccer since he was little, and over time soccer became one of his biggest passions. He loves watching, playingand now coaching soccer, He has played soccer at a recreational club, and high school level. He knows our philosophy on soccer development and technique very well since Gerardo grew up being part of one of our teams at the academy and now he continues to be part of the SP family as a coach. He knows very well our vision about soccer Aside from soccer, his favorite hobbies are going to parks, playing music and video games as well as reading. He has recently graduated with a degree in biology from Ohio State.
	Chris Zaj with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Technology from The Ohio State University, Chris Zajd has seamlessly blended creative vision with cutting-edge technology. Specializing in 3D marketing and spatial experiences, Chris has made significant strides in the industry as an Associate Creative Director. This role notonly showcases Chris's ability to lead and innovate but also reflects a deep commitment to transforming spaces and experiences through artistic and technological lenses. Chris's academic and professional journeys are marked by a dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital and physical realms, creating immersive environments that captivate and engage. Outside of the professional sphere, Chris Zajd's passion for soccer has been a lifelong journey. Beginning at the age of 8, soccer has been more than a hobby; it's a part of Chris's essence. Playing in select soccer leagues throughout childhood and high school, and continuing into adult life, Chris has demonstrated not only a love for the game but also a commitment to teamwork, discipline, and the joy of competition. Coaching soccer, particularly for his son, has become an extension of this passion. For Chris, coaching is not just about teaching the sport but also about guiding his son, and others, to grow both emotionally and physically into better individuals. It's an opportunity to instill values such as resilience, cooperation, and respect, all while nurturing a healthy lifestyle and a love for the game. This balance between a demanding career and an active participation in soccer, coupled with the rewarding role of coaching, highlights Chris Zajd's multifaceted personality — a blend of creativity, leadership, athletic prowess, and paternal dedication.
	Dr. Parker Huston is an enthusiastic soccer coach, player, and parent and has been playing and coaching soccer for his entire life. A native of Central Ohio, he has watched the local soccer community blossom over the past 40 years and is excited to help continue growing the game he loves here in Columbus. He is passionate about teaching not only the fundamental skills and strategy needed to play soccer, but also the character and mental skills required for success on and off the field. He focuses on leadership, resilience, and self-improvement in order to help young athletes achieve their potential. Parker also works as a pediatric psychologist here in Westerville, helping children and families improve their mental health and wellbeing. He previously worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University before leaving to start his own practice. He specializes in complex behavioral and medical conditions as well as sports performance and issues related to giftedness. Parker has two children who are avid soccer players as well. When he's not coaching he might be at the field helping with their training, watching a game, or playing in one of his own league
	Morgan Brown has over 30 years playing experience and 10 years coaching experience. Morgan played college soccer at Muskingum University and played recreationally abroad indifferent countries. Argentina, Spain, and Brazil are all world soccer venues where Morgan has enjoyed playing this wonderful sport called soccer. As a Coach, his experience covers teams from U9 to U15 levels. He is definitely a great addition to the SP Soccer Academy Coaching Staff.
	Mohamed Abdulkadir, a dedicated soccer coach and educator, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the SP Soccer Academy. Born and raised in the local community for the past 25 years, Mohamed has cultivated a deep understanding of the soccer culture and values that resonate within the community. His roots run deep, and this local connection uniquely positions him to connect with aspiring young athletes at the academy on a personal level, fostering not only their soccer skills but also instilling a sense of community pride. With a solid foundation in coaching, Mohamed Abdulkadir has spent several years honinghis expertise in high school soccer. His commitment to player development goes beyond the field, emphasizing the importance of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As a result, his coaching philosophy goes beyond the technical aspects of the game, aiming to shape well-rounded individuals both on and off the soccer pitch. Mohamed's dedication to the sport and his community makes him an invaluable asset to the SP Soccer Academy, where he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of soccer talents.
	Coach Mark Lundine has been coaching for more than 12 years mostly with the 2009 boys and girls age groups. He has really enjoyed working with the U19 boys team as they are very capable players who really love the game. Mark views coaching as an opportunity to help the kids learn soccer but more importantly learn life skills that they can keep forever. When he's not coaching, Mark is spending time with his family or playing in "old man" soccer leagues across Columbus.
	Jonathan Jasso born and raised in Columbus Ohio. fell in love with the beautiful game at a young age. Played club soccer throughout his teen/high school years. Loves the Columbus Crew, has been a proud supporter his whole life. He is ready to use his knowledge to help players grow mentally / physically.
	Kyengo Munywoki With over a year of coaching experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with both 13 and 10-year old players, focusing on fostering their growth development. I strongly believe that player development should always take precedence over winning, as the foundation for future success lies in continuous improvement by skill-building. Holding a US Soccer D license, I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge and experience in the game, with aspirations to earn my A license and coach at the professional level in the future. As a coach, my goal is to create an environment where players not only learn technical skills but also develop a love for the game that will stay with them throughout their soccer journey.

Letter from Gino

Welcome to SP Soccer Academy.

Objectives:

Players improve technically, physically, mentally, and tactically every day at training. This is how we “Become Better” every day.

Our players must have fun while training. Soccer is a beautiful game and if the players are enjoying themselves they will improve much faster.

Our players must play without pressure to win every game. Winning is a byproduct of our training but not a major emphasis. We teach our players to have a winning attitude and emphasize playing your best every time you take the field.

SP Parents should not pressure the kids. Parents should support the kids in victory and defeat and allow the coaches to help them improve. Kids improve much faster with the support of their parents and without fear of making mistakes.

Commitment at SP, commitment is a high priority. We look for commitment not only for games and tournaments but for training as well. Training is the most important element of a player’s development and the best way for a player to improve is with commitment to our training.

All coaches at SP go through a review system with me where they are evaluated not only on their ability to lead, but also in the way each coach interacts with the players. This interaction is vital to the players improvement as they must feel comfortable and enjoy their training sessions in order to improve. All our teams are trained in the same way no matter what level team or player. Tactically all our teams are trained to play the same style no matter what level – Blue, Yellow, or White. Our training method is based on Technique, Tactics, Fitness, and Knowledge of the game.

I have worked hard to create a Family-Style atmosphere at SP Soccer Academy. It is important to me that we create a good atmosphere for our kids to grow not only as soccer players but as members of our community as well. This environment has proved to be a key factor in the success of our players and their enjoyment of the game.

We have built a strong reputation in Central Ohio as a soccer academy dedicated to developing youth soccer and I look forward to working with even more kids in the future.

Best Regards,

Gino Padula

Director

SP Soccer Academy
BECOME BETTER

2008 MLS CHAMPION

COLUMBUS CREW FORMER PLAYER

SP BECOME BETTER

SP Soccer Academy
Become Better

Become Better is the motto of our academy. Under the direction of Argentine international soccer professional Gino Padula, our academy creates an environment where young players can learn, play, and value friendship and teamwork in a supportive soccer community. There is no pressure to win at SP, instead the focus is on playing with a "Winning Mentality" and dedicating yourself to Become Better.