SIMA Provides World Class Training

by Nicholas Spiller

November 5, 2013

It is little secret that with the best training comes the best results in sports. No matter how much natural talent a player might have, they must be nurtured and pushed to the limit in order to become the best. Since the arrival of head coach Mike Potempa in 2010, the results of the Montverde Academy Soccer Program have been nothing short of tremendous, as the Eagles have now gone unbeaten in 83 straight matches earning top national honors. The soccer program continues to be recognized by many as the nation’s top high school program winning three national championships in three years and even been featured on ESPN SportsCenter after the school’s first national championship in 2011.

From small beginnings come great things and the gradual progression of the soccer program at Montverde Academy over the years has now served as the foundation for the creation of the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (S.I.M.A.) in August of 2013. A full time, residential training academy focusing solely on attractive, attacking style soccer similar to the brand displayed at FC Barcelona, Potempa has created a training philosophy and facility that is unrivaled in the United States when it comes to overall success and true player development. As a first year endeavor, S.I.M.A. is a school-supported initiative with well over 65 participants from around the United States and the rest of the world who possess a desire to train in a professional environment and reach their true potential in the classroom and on the field of competition.

Montverde Academy is a prestigious international boarding school located in the heart of Central Florida. Through unique partnerships with former FC Barcelona manager and AC Milan legend, Frank Rijkaard, who serves as the institute’s official ambassador and advisor of player development, in conjunction with the nation’s first official partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation for community outreach efforts, S.I.M.A. has set the standard for overall player development.

Under Potempa’s leadership, the Montverde Academy Soccer Program consistently develops outstanding talents who continue to prove their ability and readiness to compete at the next level academically and athletically. In just 3 years, 100 percent of its seniors have received college soccer scholarships (51 players overall), with 27 NCAA Division I athletes, and six of those 27 to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Additionally, two players have bypassed their college options and gone straight into professional soccer after their time at Montverde Academy as Oumar Diakhite recently signed for S.C. Olhanense in 1st Division Portugal and Luka Vujanovic signed for F.K. Lovcen of Montenegro in June of 2013.

Montverde Academy’s soccer program is not for the gentle player. Trainees are expected to pursue excellence, and pushed to their limits with training 6 days a week for 10 months out of the year. Additionally, through experiencing the challenges of life on their own, away from their families, and dealing with issues such as homesickness, academic vigor, time management, self-discipline, and hard work, they are well prepared to handle the future challenges ahead in college soccer and the professional game. S.I.M.A. also enables players to play with and against top-level competition while simultaneously receiving world class instruction from some of the greatest figures in the sport.

“We are in constant contact as a program with Frank Rijkaard in Europe, and he will be coming to campus again in January of 2014 to work with the players and officially open the Cruyff Court Montverde Academy in conjunction with our Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament,” head coach Mike Potempa said. “Our eventual goal is to bring the Barcelona and Ajax methods of development to Montverde Academy through Frank’s direct involvement in our program.”

Bi-monthly Skype sessions with former professional players such as Frank Rijkaard, and Salif Diao (formerly of Liverpool F.C.), in addition to campus visits from famous individuals such as Marquinhos Malaquias, who is the agent of Neymar, or Roberto Shinyashiki, a famous Brazilian sports psychologist, give the trainees access to successful people within the soccer world who continue to help with the overall mission of S.IM.A., which is education through sport. Matches and competitions include tours abroad, playing against high level opponents such as the United States Under-17 National Team, top level club teams, college programs and a variety of trips to soccer specific events at college campuses and universities throughout the country for players to gain recruiting exposure and a feel for potential higher learning institutions they may wish to attend.

The model of training for the program revolves around ball possession, fast paced passing exchanges, and constant movement within the attack-minded philosophy. Players are encouraged to make quick decisions based on their observations of the opponent and express themselves freely on the field.

“Trying new things is a great way to learn the game,” Potempa said. “Winning will never serve as a major point of emphasis in our program as I want our players to operate within the framework of the philosophy, but never be afraid to experiment as I feel that is ultimately what brings about player development.”

The environment is stressful, and designed to push each player to their limit through intense training. Additionally, the players experience the game as a lifestyle, not just a season or a camp. This philosophy helps one master certain elements of the game they normally would not be exposed to, and provides a sense of readiness and preparation for the challenges ahead.

Simply put, S.I.M.A. is a soccer program unlike any other, and will provide an opportunity of a lifetime to anyone who possesses a passion to play at the highest level.

“My time at Montverde Academy changed me as a soccer player but, most importantly, as a man. I learned to be patient, courageous, and grateful. I met extraordinary people and learned from one of the best coaches in the game today. I'm thankful for every single minute I spent at Montverde Academy and my new family. As a professional now in Europe, I can honestly say that Montverde Academy has fully prepared me for the challenges I face on a daily basis. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had to be part of such a unique and unforgettable life experience.

Oumar Diakhite - S.C. Olhanense (Montverde Academy 2012)

The soccer program at Montverde Academy is unique in that we are a true family where everyone is accepted as equals no matter the age or circumstance. As a coach, I try to create an environment of competitive brotherhood everyday on and off the field and allow my boys the right to dream. Too often in this world, we hear the words "can't" or "won't" and in our program, I challenge each student athlete to believe in their dreams and it is my job to show them how to get there through intense training, sacrifice, and most importantly teaching the game as a lifestyle not simply just a season. The ultimate purpose behind what we do is teaching about life through sport and Montverde Academy provides the exact forum necessary for success at any level.

Mike Potempa - Head coach and Director of the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy

Visit the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy website for more information.