As we reported in our previous story, three SFA players were selected to take part in Tottenham Hotspur’s Premiere Development Residential Program. Bradley Leonard, Junior Lungu and Dylan Kropp spent five days in London training at the world-renowned Tottenham Hotspur academy, which has produced such standouts as England internationals Danny Rose and Harry Kane.

“It was an amazing trip.” Said Kropp. “I wish it were longer.”

The boys travelled from Columbus to Baltimore, then took an overnight flight from Baltimore to London. Once there they took a bus ride in to London to their hotel.

There was no time to be over-awed by the occasion, as training began later that day. The training sessions were aimed at improving the players’ technical skills, something that the SFA always focuses on.

“It was very similar to what we do (at the SFA).” Said Kropp. “I felt very comfortable with the focus of the training. Some of the kids didn’t look as used to it. James (Field, SFA owner and head trainer) had me very prepared, not just physically but mentally. Before we left he let me know what to expect.”

The training sessions were punctuated by two matches, one against the Tottenham Development Academy team, and one against Queens Park Rangers’ development academy team. Both of these squads featured slightly older, bigger players, which was a problem for some of the boys, Dylan said.

“They didn’t look comfortable with the physicality. Some of these guys were two or three heads taller than me. But (Coach Field) had drilled us on separating from defenders and opening up our bodies to be in a position to play forward, so it wasn’t a big deal for us.”

It wasn’t all hard work, however. The players were given a VIP tour of White Hart Lane, Tottenham’s historic home which is set to be renovated after this season, as well as a trip through London to see the sights.

Souvenirs’ aren’t the only thing the players will be bringing home, according to Kropp. The players will also be bringing home skills to help them on the pitch.  

“I learned a lot about playing against more physical opposition. I learned a lot about moving the ball quickly so they can’t tackle me or knock me down. It also helped make me more decisive.”

All in all, it was an unforgettable experience for the young men invited.

“It was really amazing.” Kropp said. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity, and for all of coach Field’s guidance and advice. He really helped get me there.”

​For more information on SFA Training for boys and girls stay tuned to www.soccerfieldacademy.com and follow us on Facebook for breaking news updates!

The Soccer Field Academy is proud to announce three of our 2003-born players, Dylan Kropp, Junior Lungu, and Bradley Leonard are taking part in Tottenham Hotspur’s five-day Player Development Residential Program. They earned the invitations by virtue of their outstanding performances at the 5th annual Tottenham Hotspur America Trophy tournament, held this past December in Baltimore, Maryland. They were rated as being three of the best sixteen players in the tournament, earning invitations to London to train at Tottenham Hotspur’s world-famous academy, which has produced players such as current England Internationals Danny Rose and Harry Kane.

​All three young players train with the SFA three to five times a week throughout the year, gaining valuable knowledge and experience from head SFA coach, James Field.

“I am extremely proud of all three boys. Fueled by their love of the game and relentless dedication to improving as players through countless hours of training have provided them with this amazing opportunity. I am so excited to see them be rewarded for their efforts.”

Coach Field has worked with Lungu for eight years, Kropp for three, and Leonard for the past year. Mabel Bequelman Kropp, Dylan’s mother, credits James and his guidance for the leaps her son has made.

“Without James he wouldn’t have gotten there.” She said. “Training with James has been the most amazing experience. All the hard work, both on and off the pitch, has made him a much better player. Every session there’s something new to work on, to improve on. It’s always a new challenge, and Dylan loves it.”

The players will arrive on Sunday, April 9th, and stay for a week, departing the following Sunday. While in London the players will receive world-class coaching, training sessions, and play matches. They will also get to experience London, including a tour of Tottenham’s home ground, the famous White Hart Lane.

“It’s really incredible, Dylan is counting down the days.” Said Mabel Kropp. “We owe it all to James and his training.”

For more info on SFA Programs, including enrollment, see the Academy Membership page at SoccerFieldAcademy.com

James checked back in with his second update from Africa!

“I woke up early this morning, and met with Ben Levey to discuss the strategy for the 1st round of evening training sessions. In preparation for the session we met at the LCFL office to discuss the logistics of the session for the evening. I met with Abbas (LCFL secretary) and Hamisi a young up and coming youth coach for the LCFL to discuss the content of the session and how we would deliver and execute the session effectively. Hamisi played in the LCFL when it first started in 2011 and he shared with me how it has impacted his life and his younger brothers life so positively during the past few years.

At 2:30pm we left the LCFL office, and walked through the streets of Likoni with 28 balls, 80 bibs and 200 cones. The 30min walk is a regular journey that the LCFL coaches take everyday to the fields. We arrived at the Likoni secondary school and began to set-up, one hour ahead of time, and try to “wow” the kids and coaches before they arrived with an organized field and pumped up balls. The purpose of tonight’s session was to have my first interaction with the players, and create an opportunity for coaches to observe the session and implement some of the ideas and concepts into their own training sessions.

All of the young boys (approx 50 players total) traveled to the fields directly, after school ended at 3:00pm by foot (some up to 30-mins away). Most of the players do not have cleats, so they remove their sandals and play barefoot. As the kids arrived, I greeted them in “Swahili” with the word “Mambo” which means “How are you doing?” and the normal response back from the kids is “Poa”, which means “cool”.

We decided that I would work with a group of twelve U12 aged players and for the coaches to observe my session and try to mirror the exercises and the concepts (with the help of their assistant coaches). During the session the kids seemed nervous to be coached by a “Mzumgu” which translates to “white man”. It was at times difficult to communicate with the players, as not all spoke English very well. So I used a player named Saidi to assist me with communicating to the other players in Swahili. As the session progressed from exercise to exercise, the players became more comfortable and we seemed to make real progress. Most of the players are very talented individually with the ball, although they have a very limited understanding of the game, positioning and awareness.

At the conclusion of the training session we brought all of the kids together for a debrief and to hand out some SFA t-shirts for the most improved players during the session and to also hand out candy to every player. By the look on their faces, many of them had not eaten candy in a long while. We had to end the sessions at 6:15pm sharp, and before it started to turn dark in order for the kids to return home safely (they all walked).

After a long day out in the sun, I returned home on a piki-piki (a motorbike taxi) to a couple of Kenyan Beers (Tusker) and I am excited for tomorrows events, which will include a coaches meeting at the office in the morning and a coaching session in the afternoon.”

Check back regularly for more dispatches from James!