• Will Gino Padula actually be training and coaching?
Gino will have as much day-to-day contact with teams as possible. SP Soccer Academy will utilize a system where all of our coaches will share the same training program based on Gino's technical methods. All of our instructors will be on the same page.
From Gino: "I made the decision to retire from soccer because I want to be involved 100% in our academy here in Columbus. I will be full time at SP Soccer Academy. I know that some professional players found academies and they do not engage in them-they just provide their name above the door. I assure you that this is not our case. That's why I want all of you to be confident that this is a long-term project and I am here for the long-term. I came with my family to Columbus, where we have made our home and we will stay here, permanently."
• Where is the Academy training?
SP trains at three locations:
Casto Park at 5550 Westerville Road in Westerville
Kilbourne Run Sports Park in Columbus.
Cooper Park at 5740 Cooper Road in Westerville
Winter 2021/2022 we will train indoors:
- Westerville Community Center
- Willis Athletic Complex
- Resolute Athletic Complex 3599 Chiller Lane Columbus, OH 43219
• What will make training at SP Soccer Academy different than other programs?
Our idea is to train both boys and girls in the same way: beginning from the basics, like passing the ball, ball control, dribbling, tactics, explanation of important terms and concepts, and, of course, playing games.
For both boys and girls, we want to instill the "winning mentality" that we had as professional players rather than pressuring them for results. We do not want boys and girls to play under any unnecessary pressure to win. I feel that such pressure is not beneficial either to them, or to their learning and training processes. We know that training is very important to have a competitive team, but developing a winning mentality will help your child when we play and compete in tournaments, and also in other aspects of life.
About the age groups, sometimes we will mix younger and older age groups when we train. This is a system that is used by F.C. Barcelona of Spain, where many times, for example, U9 trains with U10 and U12 with U13. It is a very good training method, and it will help boys and girls to work harder and improve every day. In addition, if we find it to be convenient, some players may play tournaments with an older age group.
Our idea is to form competitive teams from the beginning of our academy, to achieve an academy that is recognized, respected, and competitive-not only in Columbus and Ohio, but in other states as well.
• What is SP's Payment Plan?
A payment plan is available through the website by credit card only. Parents are responsible for all payments once a position is accepted on a team. Players will not be released from SP Soccer Academy until all financial obligations are fulfilled.Each payment made is assessed a $10.
• There is now a $3 Service Fee. How does it work?
The $3 service fee per transaction is new following the recent acquisition by Sports Connect. It is common across the industry for service providers to charge fees. Please note that with automatic recurring billing plans the service fee will be charged per transaction. For paper registrations with check or cash payment, the $3 service fee will still apply.
• What is SP's Payment/Refund Policy?
Accepting a position on any SP Soccer Academy team is an obligation to pay the fees in full regardless of any future decisions to leave SP Soccer Academy.
No refunds will be given for payments already made. Fees are non-refundable/non-transferable. Players are expected to pay required tuition fees and other charges by the deadlines indicated. If a payment is not received by the due date a $25 late payment will be assessed. After every subsequent 15 days an additional $25 late payment fee will be assessed. If the account still remains unpaid after 15 days players will not be allowed to participate in any team activity, training, league game or tournament game ("no pay no play" policy) until balance and/or charges are paid. Also any late payments will result in the removal of any sibling discount.
Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee.
Refunds for any cancelled Winter Programs and Summer Programs registrations will be subject to a 15% refund fee. Once any of these programs have started fees are non-refundable.
Any over payment will be a credit on next 2021-2022 season.
• Tournament Cancellation Refund Policy
- Mandatory Tournaments will not be rescheduled because of weather or unforeseen circumstances.
- Optional Tournaments paid by parents will be refunded as per the tournament refund policy.
• Winter Training Cancellation Policy
- Indoor at Training at Resolute and Strength Training at The Gym in Gahanna - no makeup sessions will be offered or refund provided for sessions that are canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances at Resolute or The Gym.
• What is SP's Injured Player Policy?
When a player is injured and the condition affects the player’s ability to physically compete or train with the team, the following guidelines are used by the team manager; and parent of the player to discuss and agree to the extent of the injury and the financial requirements to continue to pay training, tournament and/or club fees.
- Temporary injuries (sprained ankles, twists, sickness, etc.) lasting days or
weeks shall not affect the payment of training, tournament or club fees. - Severe or season-ending injuries – Paid fees are not refunded. All other future
fees will be handled on a case by case basis.
Medical Clearance is required for temporary to severe injuries consideration – All players are required to provide written verification from a medical doctor stating they are cleared or released to resume train and play. The written verification is to be presented to the coach and submitted to the club.
• What uniforms and training gear SP teams use?
We are proud to offer high-quality XIO brand uniform sets and warm up sets for sale at reasonable prices. We are offering TWO sets of jerseys, shorts, and 2 pairs of socks for one price (at nearly half the price of other academies.) We will require all members to have the home and away set when playing in tournaments. 2 training T-shirts are mandatory. Uniforms and training gear are not included in the tuition price.
• What discounts are available?
"Family discount" is available for siblings. Discount vary depending on the programs. Please note that any late payments will result in the removal of ALL Tuition discount.
• How do I register?
Registration for all our programs is done through this website.