The "Grass Roots" Soccer Academy

Grass Roots Soccer Academy was started and organized in Augusta, Georgia. We had our very first soccer camp on 15 April 1995. The soccer camp came about due to my involvement in the community and my role as the Augusta State University Assistant Soccer coach. I quickly identified the need for professional instruction to enhance the play of those individuals with a passion for the game. There was a great love for the game among the people in the community, in the schools and at the local YMCA. We needed to provide direction by implementing programs that would develop young people into good, solid players by teaching them the fundamentals of the game. Once they began to learn some new skills they began to appreciate and enjoy the game even more. Children from all ages have come to love this game, from the tender age of five all the way up to seventeen year olds. Since it's inception, Grass Roots Soccer Academy has seen nearly 8000 participants come through our program. And more are coming every year due to our reputation for teaching not only soccer but instilling good morals and character as well.

As far as development goes, we bring in new and experienced (certified) coaches from all over the world. To date we have had coaches come from Scotland, England, Holland, and the United States. By rotating our coaching staff those that attend the Academy every year are provided with new and different techniques and perspectives. We cater to the individual player as well as entire teams.

We made our first trip to Bermuda in 2001 and invited a group of local children to attend the "camp" free of charge. These children were provided with an opportunity that they would never have been able to afford. They received the same instruction and collective experience as our children, which was provided by some of the best soccer coaches in the world. It was a delight to see the local children and our children work and play together towards a common goal. Friends were made and cultures were shared and in just one week the world became a better place.

Since that time it has been the mission of the Grass Roots Soccer Academy to reach out to people from all walks of life to promote a global experience for young athletes, while improving discipline, developing and exposing players to the international style of play, and providing cross cultural experiences under the common passion for the sport of soccer.

And we would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to thank our good friends and colleagues of the Bermuda Athletic Association that take such good care of us when we have an opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Bermuda.

Thank you and God Bless,
Mark "Burger" Jennings