GNA Futbol Club: Opportunities for Every Player
GNA is best described as a “great melting pot” of youth soccer. Situated in the suburbs of Columbus (OH), their program attracts players from 17 public and private high schools.
Why do they choose GNA? They have something for everybody, from traditional travel soccer to the highest level of competition in the MRL. They provide quality coaching and training for every age. Simply put, GNA makes good players great thanks to a strong focus on development. And they get results, collecting hardware at big events for both boys and girls. The U-17 girls won the championship at the Norcross Nike Cup in Atlanta (GA) while the U-15 boys struck gold at the Nike Cup in Dublin and the Jr. Irish Invitational in South Bend (IN). All of this comes from a mentality focused on training, training, and more training.
In a crowded youth soccer market, GNA has found its niche. They grow and develop players for the high school market and beyond. Many clubs have abandoned the high school game in favor of longer seasons and playing for club, not community. But Vice President Frank Agin understands that there is something unique to playing for your high school and your school community.
“There’s just something special when you go to your high school reunion and talk about the state championship season,” Agin commented.
The camradery, the idea of playing for the greater good, and the idea of “taking one for the team.” All things unique to the high school and perhaps things missing from the club perspective to the beautiful game.
So GNA has built a program that caters to players that want to get better for the high school season. And better high school players make better college prospects.
And the program has plenty of players that have a bright future at the next level thanks to this unique focus. GNA standout Chelsea Rowe recently signed with Indiana Tech, while several boys should emerge as top prospects in the next two years.
Rather than pushing for a 10 month season for clubs, GNA has embraced the high school game with a focus on making it better and more competitive. At the same time, club coaches like Derrick Smith have moved to a focus on tactics, teaching an indirect style from a 3 back system. This system of possession soccer breeds felexibility, which is so important in the collegiate game. A player that can adapt is a valuable player.
While some clubs have gone the way of kick and chase and run and gun, Smith teaches defense first, saying that a shutout is the best result.
But GNA is about developing players on and off the field. So becoming involved in charities and non-profits is a big plus.
“Coaches like leaders,” Smith said. And GNA has come up big for Jeb Brovsky’s Peace Pandemic, collecting soccer equipment and supplies for youth in India. The Montreal Impact defender visited the club last year, telling parents and players about his organization that promotes nonviolence to youth worldwide.
As you can see GNA is the total package, producing quality players that excel on the pitch and in life. Truly a model club that has set a standard for others to strive for.
The Samurai Sportswear Soccer Spotlight is a monthly feature that showcases the best of the best in the world of youth and high school soccer. This year-round coverage is made possible by the partnership between Samurai Sportswear USA and International Soccer Network, LLC.
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