Free Long Island soccer academy ‘removing all socioeconomic barriers’
Soc’ it to ’em: Introducing a Free Youth Soccer Academy on Long Island
Bringing a free youth soccer academy to Long Island was a no-brainer for Bolla Market CEO Harry Singh. The Garden City-based businessman is proudly sponsoring the initiative in collaboration with the American Soccer Club to provide local talent with an opportunity to showcase their skills without the financial burden often associated with pay-to-play systems.
“We’re breaking down socioeconomic barriers to give kids who may not have access to traditional youth clubs a chance to shine,” explained Fighting Tomcats general manager Jim Kilmeade in an interview with The Post. “We believe there’s a lot of untapped talent out there.”
The primary goal of the academy is to discover the next Joe Scally, a standout player from Lake Grove currently excelling in Germany for Borussia Mönchengladbach and recently named to the Bundesliga team of the week.
The coaching staff at the academy boasts legendary names in the soccer world, including Bob Montgomery, who led the New York Red Bulls youth academy for over a decade, and former U.S. national team captain Perry Van Der Beck.
“The best way to identify, nurture, and propel players to the highest echelons of soccer in the U.S. and globally is through a fully funded youth academy,” Kilmeade emphasized, expressing his enthusiasm for transforming Long Island into a hub for recruiting top talent in the years to come.
Harry Singh, whose company also serves as a jersey sponsor for the Tomcats, was eager to invest in local youth soccer out of his love for Long Island, according to Kilmeade.
While the official launch date for the academy is still pending, the team is set to return to Long Island on May 16 for a match against Newport at Lavalle Stadium in Stony Brook.
