SPIRE Academy has announced that it is expanding its athletic scope to include the most popular game in the world – soccer. With the recently added wrestling and lacrosse programs alongside the established swimming, track & field, basketball and esports programs, SPIRE continues to show why it is one of the top international athletic academies in the world.
GENEVA, Ohio, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- SPIRE Academy has announced that it is expanding its athletic scope to include the most popular game in the world – soccer. With the recently added wrestling and lacrosse programs alongside the established swimming, track & field, basketball and esports programs, SPIRE continues to show why it is one of the top international athletic academies in the world.
With the 2026 World Cup being hosted in North America, the expanding success of the MLS and the growth of supporting leagues, there is a greater demand for American players than ever before. SPIRE is a natural fit in terms of its world-class facilities and resources to make them a major contender in the competitive soccer landscape. Leading the new program at SPIRE as the Director of Soccer / Head Coach will be former international star, Troy Bingham.
"SPIRE has been involved with recreational soccer activities and competitive league play for many years," says SPIRE Co-Managing Director Ted Meekma. "But we've waited to commit to serious training and development programming in the academy/camp/club space until we found the right leader. In Troy Bingham, we've found someone who approaches player development the way SPIRE does, both on and off the athletic field. And he implicitly understands the competitive landscape of soccer in Northeast Ohio, and beyond, at all levels."
Bingham brings a wealth of experience with him as a former collegiate and professional player and a successful coach. Originally from South Africa, his strong track record across the globe is most impressive. Bingham's history as a player and coach through the system will help athletes gain a greater understanding of what is required and what to expect as they navigate the transition from high school to college and beyond. Additionally, his business acumen off the field will help guide SPIRE's long-term strategy and vision for the continual development of a self-sustaining program. As the current owner of the Erie Sports Center in Erie, PA, Bingham's sports facility management skills are another reason why his skillset is the perfect fit for SPIRE.
Bingham describes his approach for this program, saying, "Our player development pathway is focused on individual player development and putting our players in challenging environments early on to ensure they can cope with the speed, physicality and intensity of playing at the college and professional levels successfully."
Some of Bingham's most notable accolades and accomplishments include:
● South Africa National U19 Team
● Played professionally in South Africa, Canada and the United States
● National Club Championship winning captain and MVP with the University of Toledo
● Inducted into Gannon University Sports Hall of Fame
● Founding partner in Toledo Indoor Soccer Centre
● Founder of International Soccer Academy in the USA
● Founding Partner of Gold Coast Futsal
● Founder of Bond Soccer
● CEO Gold Coast United FC (NPL Club)
● National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Diploma
● Owner of Erie Commodores NPSL and UWSL Club
SPIRE is also excited to offer Inaugural Program Tuition Rates for 2022-23 for those interested in being a part of the new soccer program.
"I am really excited to be heading up SPIRE's move into soccer. The facilities and people are first class and we have the ability to create a truly unique soccer development program that encompasses technical, tactical, physical and mental preparedness for the next level," Bingham explains, adding, "SPIRE will provide an opportunity for our academy players to compete at the highest levels of amateur soccer in the USA, giving our players early access to senior-level soccer as part of our accelerated development process. Our links to top colleges and international academies will give our players great opportunities."
SPIRE will be releasing more updates and additional information in the next few weeks about this exciting new opportunity for athletes to train for the next steps in their soccer careers.
About SPIRE
SPIRE Academy is a comprehensive academic, athletic, personal skills and career development experience located within a world class event and wellness complex. Constructed on nearly 500 acres with more than 750,000 sq. ft. under roof, SPIRE (http://www.spireinstitute.org) encompasses four divisions: SPIRE Academy, an accredited college preparatory international boarding school and multi-sport/specialty training and development academy for 9-12 graders and a post grad program; SPIRE Institute, the research and development arm studying performance improvement across multiple disciplines; SPIRE Events, a facility and team that hosts local, national and international tournaments and events with the NCAA, the Big East, Big Ten and Atlantic 10 conferences, Olympic trials and world championship qualifiers; and SPIRE Fit, a community membership-based fitness, swim and health center open to the public. Sports currently featured on campus include swimming, track and field, basketball, esports, drone racing, wrestling, soccer and lacrosse.
Media Contact
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SOURCE SPIRE Academy
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