Business Details
7 Years
experience
Elite Youth Soccer Training in Ithaca, NY
Ithaca Youth Soccer Academy was founded in July 2019 to provide advanced soccer education for youth in a fun, fair, and player-focused environment. Our mission is to ensure every child develops technical skills, confidence, and maturity through a player-centered program led by experienced coaches. We offer year-round training, competitive leagues, and summer camps tailored to age groups 4 - 19. Our commitment to meeting players at their current skill level has made us a trusted choice for families in Ithaca and surrounding areas. With facilities at Grantchester Fields and Lansing Rink, we emphasize skill-based training while fostering a love for the game.Our founders bring decades of coaching and playing experience, including international exposure and local league leadership. We prioritize community engagement through partnerships with organizations like the NY State West Youth Soccer Association. Our select teams compete in regional leagues and tournaments, providing pathways for elite development. Parents appreciate our transparent communication and focus on creating a supportive soccer family. From recreational play to competitive travel teams, we aim to make soccer accessible and rewarding for all skill levels.
Services
Youth Soccer Programs
Summer Camps
Select Teams
Coaching Clinics
Adult Leagues
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Our coaches have 10+ years of full-time youth soccer experience
- We offer player-centered development for all skill levels
- We provide year-round programs with 2 practices weekly
- We field competitive teams in regional Thruway League
- We maintain a family-oriented soccer community environment
Services
Youth Soccer Programs
Our year-round programs develop technical skills for ages 419 through structured training sessions. Experienced coaches create age-appropriate curricula focusing on individual growth and team dynamics. Players compete in local leagues while building fundamental soccer abilities in a supportive environment.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer camps run JulyAugust with daily sessions from 9AM12PM. Participants receive intensive skill development through drills, scrimmages, and position-specific training. Camps emphasize fun while improving technical abilities for recreational and competitive players.
Select Teams
Competitive select teams practice extra nights weekly and compete in Thruway League and state tournaments. Players receive advanced tactical training and participate in regional travel tournaments. Tryouts held seasonally for U10U19 age groups.
Coaching Clinics
Specialized clinics focus on position-specific techniques, game strategy, and physical conditioning. Certified instructors provide personalized feedback to improve individual performance. Sessions available for goalkeepers and field players at all skill levels.
Adult Leagues
Adult participants join competitive leagues running JulyAugust at local facilities. Mixed and women-only divisions available for continued soccer engagement. Leagues emphasize sportsmanship while maintaining competitive intensity for experienced players.
People
Ziggy Harris
Director of Coaching
With over 10 years of full-time coaching experience, Ziggy specializes in developing players aged 818 through structured technical training programs.
Sean O'Brien
Board President
Sean brings 40 years of soccer experience as player, goalkeeper, and mentor, having played internationally while maintaining local youth development focus.
Samir Naamane
Head Coach
Samir has coached youth teams for a decade, combining 25 years of playing experience with structured training methods for U8U19 players.
Alyssa Morse
Girls Coach
Alyssa brings professional playing experience and coaching expertise to our U10 and U13 girls' teams through year-round competitive training.
Jason Bennett
Former President
Jason contributed 35 years of playing experience and 10+ years of youth coaching expertise during his leadership tenure with the academy.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 4 through 19 across recreational and competitive levels.
Do you have summer programs?
Yes, we provide summer camps, practice sessions, and league play at Grantchester Fields.
How are teams organized?
Teams are grouped by age and skill level with opportunities for competitive travel teams.
Where are your facilities located?
Our primary locations include Lansing Rink Indoor Soccer Fields and Grantchester Fields in Ithaca.
What coaching experience do you offer?
Our staff includes certified coaches with decades of playing and coaching experience locally and internationally.
