Samba Soccer Club is the premier developmental program and international tour organization formed by Devan Anderson. The Club began in August of 1997, with only one U-10 boy’s team. Today the Club has grown tremendously.
In 2001, the Club expanded to include an international travel program. The travel teams have participated in youth tournaments in Denmark, England, Sweden, Jamaica, and Thailand. Tournaments are chosen based on the request of parents.
In response to various global issues, in 2008, the Club added a community service initiative. We believe that getting involved in the community and educating others on the issues that affect the world are the first steps to creating change.
All training is held at the Cuyahoga Community College’s facility, which has its own private soccer fields. Samba players are required to attend the home games of the college team. The Samba curriculum encourages soccer foot-skill and academic development, social activities, and family participation.
Mission Statement
- To teach the game of soccer in a team-oriented atmosphere that builds self-esteem and develops good character.
- To create a training atmosphere in which each player achieves success.
- To encourage good sportsmanship and the highest ethical and moral standards both on and off the playing field.
Club Philosophy
Samba Soccer Club is geared towards developing young soccer players. In order to do this, we provide a competitive environment that will be inclusive of every youth with the desire to play the sport regardless of athletic ability or knowledge of the game. Each player will thereby develop according to his/her technical and tactical abilities and is nurtured to reach his/her fullest potential.
We understand that our coaches are an integral part of our success. As a result, we hand pick our coaches who lead our team.
The Club not only stresses the development of soccer skills but also concentrates on the academic development of the players. Individual player/parent conferences are held during each school year to review the player’s academic record. this is to ensure that our players stay on top of academics as well as the game.
Samba Training
The name SAMBA is a trademark in its training program, based on a Brazilian and Dutch playing philosophy (Brazil has won more World Cup championships than any other country and the Dutch is known for producing highly technical and fundamentally sound players). When we speak of footskills, we simply mean a player having the ability of individual ball control and decision-making.
Coaches
The Samba program is directed by Coach Devan Anderson. Other coaches include former Tri-C players James Jarvis and Drew Zeller, Brian Kenderes – player and graduate of Baldwin Wallace College player, and Trevor Edwards – played in Trinidad and numerous college players. At least two trainers will be involved in the development at each practice session.
About the Director
Devan Anderson has a USSF “A” National Coaching License, is a Licensed Referee and a member of NSCAA and holds a NSCAA Advance National Diploma and Premier Diploma.
Devan Anderson is the Head Coach of the Men’s Soccer Program at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) located in Cleveland, Ohio. Tri-C is a part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), a program that offers scholarships to players. Each season the team finishes above 500 and qualifies for the playoffs.
Additionally, Coach Anderson is a soccer camp staff at the following universities: Brown, Virginia Tech, Wright State, and Cuyahoga Community College. he also assists with summer soccer training in Flathead County, Montana.