By Rob Ross
Youth soccer in the Forest City will be getting a makeover when the snow finally thaws, as there’s a new Academy in town. AG London is the brainchild of David Debenedictis, the former president of London Marconi Soccer, and Jose Figueiredo (known as Garrincha), a former high-level soccer prospect who turned to coaching after his playing career in Europe was cut short by an ankle injury.
The academy’s goal is to get players to the highest level possible by providing their players with the physical and mental tools to get there.
“This is something London needs, a collection of great coaches under one club,” said Debenedictis. “I’m excited to work with all these great coaches and learn from some of the best. We hope this will lead to more top-level coaches coming on board and making this program even better.”
Other coaches joining the AG London academy include: Jose Bento, Syd Marsh and Mike Marcoccia. Their wealth of experience will provide players with plenty of knowledge. Garrincha will be mostly working with the U11 and U12 players.
“I feel we have a variety of different coaches, each his own style but with the same common goal,” Debenedictis said. “Garrincha’s accolades speaks for themselves … he’s one of the best coaches London has seen. Marcoccia is one the best young coaches and has already started to make his mark. Syd has played and coached at many levels and countries, and Bento learned his trade from the mecca of Soccer, in Brazil.”
Debenedictis says the academy will feature teams from U8 to U18. The academy is looking to feature between 10-12 teams in the upcoming season.
