Soccer Chance Academy
Soccer Chance Academy (SCA) uses the power of soccer to inspire young people, through their development both on and off the field. Players at SCA are encouraged to be creative problem solvers and diverse thinkers in an unconditionally supportive environment. Our approach is holistic and embraces the ‘whole’ person; we recognize and celebrate the technical, physical, psychological, and social differences that make each and every player unique. The SCA development team offers players a patient and individualistic approach in order to foster a passion for the lifelong game of soccer.
Innovation is sourced and celebrated by each coach at SCA. Sessions are characterized by variety, challenge, decision-making, ownership, chaos, and individuality. Coaches are committed to minimum interference and maximum impact so that players are free to express themselves in all areas of the field, irrespective of consequence.
Inclusivity and community are at the core of SCA; we make every effort to create a climate that is non-judgmental, supportive, and collaborative. The SCA development team is also invested in providing parents with consistent communication and regular educational workshops, creating a positive learning experience for all.
We are proud to stand with US Club Soccer in our mission to put players first and we are honored to be nationally recognized on the forefront of raising the standards of youth soccer, as a Players First-Licensed club.
The Individual is the Syllabus
With its shared set of principles regarding development, the SCA development team places the player at the center and permits them to follow a non-traditional pathway. Sessions are planned in accordance to where players are in their growth, and not confined by a syllabus. We recognize that some players demonstrate traits that enable them to jump stages in learning and that others may require scaffolding at a particular time.
Commitment To Communication
The SCA development team strives to provide parents and players with clear and consistent communication. We provide weekly game previews, game reviews, and training agendas. Players receive two formal evaluations each year, consisting of video clips and ongoing player targets.
Playing Time
We understand that each player grows at different rates, due to psychological, physiological and environmental factors. Regardless of a child’s current performance level or maturation level, every SCA child will play at least half of every game. We recognise that each player will experience peaks and troughs throughout their journey and want to ensure no child is denied the opportunity to play significant minutes.
International Reach
With unique ties to its home club in Northwest London, Portland based SCA players have opportunities to travel abroad and connect closely with players in the UK. Tours to the UK consist of tournaments, cultural exchanges, and sightseeing. Training at SCA London occurs alongside academy players and involves two daily sessions. Games are also arranged with local academy clubs.
Parent Connection
At SCA, we recognize that in order to impact a culture, parents also need to be a part of the process. Coaches are committed to a strong parent-club relationship and prioritize the importance of communication, integrity, transparency, and education. The coaching staff also offers parent education workshops, providing an inside view to our unique player development approach.
Games Program
In an effort to stretch players, we are committed to providing a unique games program that challenges conventional approaches to field size, numbers of players, single gendered teams, and age groupings. With this flexibility, we allow our players a variety of different playing environments, which supports our development principles.
Development Team
SCA seeks coaches with high emotional intelligence who have traits of open mindedness, empathy, self-reflection, curiosity, and courage – the same traits we look to develop in our players. Our senior staff are all UEFA B (and above) qualified and have a library of experience at the elite level, both in the UK and the US. Our senior staff have also played within the professional / semi-professional game in North America, South America, Europe, and Australia.
Ben Hanley
Academy Manager
Player Position: Left Back
Favorite Player: Dennis Bergkamp
Favorite Club: Arsenal
Ricky Machel
Academy Manager
Player Position: Center Back
Favorite Player: Rio Ferdinand
Favorite Club: Arsenal
Alyson Dressler
General Manager
Abdi Sheikh
Head Coach
Fernando Ibanez
Head Coach
Sam Tweeton
Head Coach
Jenn Tuttle
Head Coach
Joe Ferguson
Head Coach
Issa Hassan
Head Coach
Manny Diaz
Head Coach
Frank Cabrera
Head Coach
Rasheed Waterburg
Head Coach
Kate Williams
Assistant Coach
Nathan Vuong
Assistant Coach
Milana Litwinczuk
Assistant Coach
John Melito
Goalkeeper Coach
Margaret Speth
Registrar
SCA has a nonprofit organization to award scholarships to players. Donations and Fundraising play a significant role in our ability to award scholarships.