We will say something out loud that a lot of academies avoid. Most of the kids who train with us are not going to play professional soccer. That is not pessimism, it is just the numbers, and pretending otherwise does families no favors. Once you accept it, a better question opens up. If the ball is not the final destination, what are we really here to give these kids?
What lasts
The technical work is real and we take it seriously. But the things that actually follow a kid into adulthood are quieter. Showing up on time. Looking a coach in the eye when he talks to you. Losing a game and shaking hands anyway. Getting beaten one against one, getting up, and asking to go again.
We teach those through soccer because soccer is a good teacher. It is competitive, it is honest, and it tells a kid the truth about themselves every session. You cannot hide on a field for long. That is exactly why it works.
Why we call it a family
When we use the word family for Gioca, we are not trying to be cute. We mean that we know our players and their parents, that we are in it with you for more than one season, and that we care how your kid turns out as a person and not only as a number nine. Forza Gioca is the thing we shout. The meaning underneath it is simple. We are trying to build good people who happen to be good at soccer.
If that is the kind of place you want your child to grow up in, come find us. Bring them to a session and see how it feels.
Zane and Julian Taha
Founders and coaches, Gioca Soccer Academy
Bring your player to a free session at a Gioca field near you in South River and meet us in person. No commitment, just a chance to feel how we coach.
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