SPI-A.C. Cesena:

SPI has consolidated the experience developed by its own technical staff and the experience acquired from the A.C. Cesena technical corps to create a unique learning environment for our youth players and coaches. SPI and Cesena have joined forces in a consolidated effort to bring advanced player and coach education to our local US based clubs. Both organizations have identical developmental philosophies which clearly puts an emphasis on structured and methodical soccer education. Both organizations have highly trained and accredited staff most holding coaching credentials from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and European Football Association (EUFA) and licenses form organizations within the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

SPI, as the only US based affiliate of A.C. Cesena, will work closely on a yearly basis within its academy structure to identify quality players and possibly fill the ranks of the Italian professional league or its respective youth systems. SPI working closely with A.C. Cesena senior developmental staff will also provide learning opportunities for youth coaches as the demand for “higher learning” continuous to increase.  

History:

• Cesena, a historic Italian city of 100,000 inhabitants on the Adriatic coast, has a great soccer tradition, having participated in 37 league championships in both Serie “A” and Serie “B”, since its’ creation in 1940.
• There are 36 local affiliates (Italy) and one US based (International) partner-Soccer Performance International.

Facts:

• A.C. Cesena has been awarded the Italian Soccer Player’s Association prestigious Player Development Award and was recognized as the best “youth development academy” in Italy.
• The Cesena Youth System has access to approximately 10,000 players (6,300-Italy, 3,500 – USA).
• 37 affiliates “feed” into A.C. Cesena. These “feeder” clubs act as subsidiary academies that tap into youth players throughout Italy and now the United States.
• 500 technical and physical trainers, nutritionist, sports psychologists, administrators
•   A “sphere of influence” that encompasses the entire Romagna region of Italy and now the USA.
• Cesena Calcio has historically allocated a large amount of resources into their youth development program. In 2009 that amount surpassed 1M US dollars.
• The clubs driving philosophy of player development and education is now a documented “method of training” which emphasizes technical and conceptual development.
• The method of training and methodology has as its focus, the development of the “complete player”, addressing physiological and physiological parameters and needs.    

SPI-Cesena Method

• Defines objectives and methodologies for each and every age group beginning with our youngest 3 year old players.
• Cesena and SPI utilize identical didactics and methodologies in their structured training methods with a true emphasis on development.
•  This “method” is continuously evaluated from within both organizations and from the following points of view: Organizational, Technical and Ethical

Partnership Benefits to SPI Client Clubs: 

• Professional Staff: Teams are staffed with professional, club approved coaches
• Exclusivity: High-Level year-round training program for the best pre-selected players within their age group and playing for host club
• Accessibility: to A.C. Cesena programs and professional staff
• Visibility: at “high-level” tournaments (local/international)