Former Chippa United and Bay United coach Vladislav Heric has kept his promise to his supporters to open a soccer academy in the Bay.
Bay City Football Academy, which will operate at Fairview Sport Centre, was officially launched on Saturday, with the first training session starting on Tuesday at 3pm.
The Serbian coach said he would never forget how Bay United supporters from Motherwell, Kwazakhele and New Brighton fought for him to stay, after he was fired when the club gained promotion to the Absa Premiership in 2007.
“I owe the people of Port Elizabeth big time,” Heric said.
“I believe that Port Elizabeth deserves a serious football academy that is run in such a way that it is available to everyone.
“This academy will be run in a professional way.
“I will definitely do my best, as I always do as a coach, to do right for the children and also get the best out of them.”
The well-travelled coach, who holds a Uefa licence, said the main purpose of the academy besides making PE people happy was to get something good from the children – for them to have a bright future, manners and character.
The programme caters only for boys and girls from seven to 12-years-old for now.
Heric said the reason behind starting with a smaller group was because they were limited in terms of finance as he is running the academy from his own pocket with the assistance of his friend and codirector Ivo Stoianov.
“So our starting financial capacity was a little bit modest because we could not open something that we could not swallow.
“In that case we decided to start with a small group.
“It’s less expensive and needs fewer facilities.
“From a technical point of view, the starting package and methodology for children is indoor football.
“That requires less financial support.”
The former Black Leopards mentor said at a later stage the academy would also cater for 13- to 18-year-olds.
“In the early ages it is extremely important to learn the technique of football.
“A 51% part of the training is tactics and then you have flexibility, co-ordination, mental skill development and discipline,” Heric said.
“We will look for sponsorship and the first thing we’ll do when we get something will be to reduce the monthly fee which is R550.
“Secondly, we will have shuttles that pick up the children.”
He said through his connections in Europe he was hoping to strike a deal similar to that of Ajax Cape Town and Ajax Amsterdam.
Heric said this would most likely be the best way to expose SA’s children and give them a chance to play football of the world-class level.
“That will not be easy and it will not happen overnight.
“My plan is to put PE on the map and also get more PSL and NFD teams in the city.
“My wish is to see this academy produce players [for] PSL, NFD and overseas clubs.
“Plus also to see our young coaches’ progress – but my priority is my ex-players from the Eastern Cape.
“We have hired Safa-licensed coaches so we are very serious.
“We are creating some sport jobs as well.”
The coach applauded Safa for the support he received to open the academy.
Nelson Mandela Bay Safa vice-president and Nafa president Clive Killian said: “I think the start of an academy is long overdue.
“I think it’s important for us to have a structured environment to develop players from under 10 to professional footballers.
“I think that is something we need for the players, to develop homegrown talent.
“This is something that PE will embrace and support.
“Safa NMB supports the venture.”
Loyiso Simon, who signed up his child at the academy, said he wanted him to experience soccer at a young age.
Alutha Philiso, 12, of Motherwell, who is an aspiring goalkeeper, said: “I joined the academy because I want the coach to help me nurture and grow my skills.
“I love soccer and I want people to see my skills.”