Saints Soccer Academy was formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 2016 out of a need to give more passionate soccer players in the area an affordable opportunity to grow, develop and compete at a higher level. Saints all-inclusive approach aims to offer over 35-40 percent of their players scholarships. The club accomplishes this through a community driven and enthusiastic group of highly skilled coaches, board members and parents. The club differentiates itself by working hard to provide a community based, all encompassing atmosphere for both players and coaches. Director of Coaching Greg Martin, a soccer coach for over 20 years, and Club President Michael Fitzgerald, an MBA graduate from Trinity College in Dublin and a former college soccer player, are providing an environment that encourages development through a dual coaching approach. Informed and influenced by the Positive Coaching Alliance, the club strives to coach both soccer skills and life skills through positive reinforcement, self worth and personal development. “It’s an exciting time for Youth Soccer in Portland,” says Fitzgerald. “There’s an explosion of interest in club soccer in the city, partially due to the success of our Portland Timbers, but also through the overall growth of the sport in the US. “We’re trying to do something different with our club and put a lot of emphasis on the personal growth aspect of the game. These are hugely formative years for these kids and we like to think of ourselves not just as coaches, but also as mentors.” In addition to year round development, competitive and premier level youth soccer programs, Saints Soccer Academy offers Futsal, summer/spring camps, specialty training as well as TOPSoccer, a community outreach program for children with special needs.