Today we’d like to introduce you to Soren Balea.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Soren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been playing football (soccer) since I was 6 years old. I played overseas mostly as a professional player in Germany and Romania. After playing for almost 20 years I decided to come back to the States, finish my education and start coaching.
Part of my passion about this sport is trying to help others to learn it and enjoy it. I am a strong believer in giving back to the younger generations so building this academy was my longtime dream.
I am also a student career specialist, I work with youth every day trying to prepare them for finding a career. I am fortunate to work in the educational system as an educator and as a coach. It is very rewarding to help young students prepare for jobs and enhance their skills.
The academy, it started two years ago. Through my years of coaching in the area I noticed that there was a lack of support for underprivileged kids who can’t afford to play club. So I decided to do something about it, and give those kids who love this sport an opportunity to play and get better.
I have been educated by my parents and former coaches to give back and always give an opportunity. This is my way of doing it.
Today the academy is all about development, it is not a business. It is all about the kids who love this game. It is not a club and I do not intend to make into a club. I want to help kids grow and develop and maybe help them get to a higher level, the professional one. This requires time and dedication. A lot of the kids do not know the process. I know it because I have lived it at the high level. So from a different perspective, I am also trying to educate these young players to become better and get ready for whatever environment they will be put into.
This academy not only develops talents but character. We build relationships, we instill values such as sportsmanship, professionalism, and family values. Family is our environment. Whoever is part of this academy is part of my and our family.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is never easy when you try to build something from scratch. The academy is an ongoing process.
For me, quality is important. In order to provide quality training/education it requires a quality environment. Fields are the most expensive and difficult to get in the Boston area.
Biggest obstacle is the financial one. Currently this academy is financially self-sustained with the help of local businesses and parents. I am very fortunate to have found parents and businesses who believed in my mission and are helping along.
Please tell us about World Class Soccer Academy Lynn.
The academy is designed to develop student athletes and characters. I am the head coach for all our current teams and the academy director.
What am I known for? Someone that cares about his players and his students on and off the field. I am proud of developing these young individuals into good citizens.
My mission sets me apart from all the rest of the clubs. I want to provide these athletes a free education in terms of soccer and career path ways.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite moment is also related to soccer. It was when I was recruited for Bayern Munich professional academy in Germany. This was at the age of 14. It totally changed my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://wcsocceracademy.com/
Image Credit:
YMCA of Lynn, Pervez K. Chowdhury owner of 7 Eleven Lynn, Joseph O’Connor from Advance Therapy Lynn, Mark Nocera, Rick Goldenberg from Baycove Realty LLC, Rich Avery, Dennis Dietrich, Hugo Melara, Adam Puccio, James Kimo Takayesu
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