Norcross Soccer Program Prepares for Summer, New Season

United Futbol Academy Norcross has named a new director.

With just a few weeks to go until school is out for the summer, parents are scrambling to find activities for energetic youth. A day spent on the soccer field will give kids a fun experience while honing athletic and leadership skills as well as tire them out. (Wink, nudge!)

Registration is open for summer soccer camps at United Futbol Academy Norcross.

Established in 2010, it has since joined with other area programs to establish a larger presence. UFA competes against other clubs locally and within the state. In addition to this competition, many of our traveling teams successfully participate in regional leagues and tournaments including the Elite Clubs National League, South Atlantic Premier League and the Southeastern Club Champions League.

Along with some of the club’s components, quality instruction and a proven developmental structure, there’s something new this season.

Strong leadership

The Executive Board of United Futbol Academy has decided to make a change to focus on the families that play soccer at the UFA Norcross Branch.

United Futbol Academy views the Norcross Branch as a strategic part of the overall club and the need to have a dynamic leader working exclusively at the branch is a necessary adjustment to continue serving our members and the surrounding communities. 

Subsequently, Bryan Waltenburg has been named UFA Norcross Branch Director which became effective May 1.

“I am excited about my new leadership role at UFA Norcross and am looking forward to working hard for our players and their families. As we grow the sport of soccer in the Norcross community, my goal is to help young athletes reach their fullest potential both on and off the field,” said Waltenburg.

His wealth of experience in the soccer world has fostered a unique passion and commitment to the youth soccer landscape, according to a statement from the board. He brings 25 years of coaching and leadership experience to UFA Norcross, having coached National Championship level teams all the way down to Academy under nines.

He has been coaching in the Forsyth Branch for the last five years at the NPL/SAPL and ECNL Regional levels and currently holds a USSF “A” National License. In addition to coaching, Bryan has also served in various management/directorial roles including operations, marketing communications, events, technical/curriculum development/implementation and business development within the youth soccer and other various corporate sectors.

UFA functions under the belief that the true value of success in soccer lies through the overall development of the individual player’s soccer skills (technical, tactical, physical and psychological) as opposed to the result of each game. To allow each player to develop at his or her own pace, the program operates under the club system utilized around the world in which every player in each age group has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

UFA’s Executive Director of Business Development, S. Deo Moleka, stated, “It became increasingly important to us to have as a leader someone who would strictly focus on this diverse community. Bryan will also be supported by an entirely full-time staff including a Boys Director, a Girls Director and a Recreational Director. We are excited about this new direction for our Norcross community.”

Jason Smith, current UFA Norcross Branch Director, will be transitioning into a new role at the Elite Programs level with United Futbol Academy.

United Futbol Academy Norcross schedule

Competitive Soccer Tryouts: norcross.unitedfa.org/tryouts-norcross

U8-U14 — May 23-25

U15-U19 — May 31-June 2

No cost to tryout. Must register online.

Recreational Soccer (Fall 2022): norcross.unitedfa.org/norcross-rec

Registration opened May 1 and the season begins Aug. 29.

Register in May and get $10 Off (Early Bird Discount).

Ages — Children born between 2019 (U4) and 2004 (U19)

Summer Camps: norcross.unitedfa.org/norcross-camps

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to noon

Week 1: June 6-10

Week 2: June 13-17

Week 3: June 20-24

Week 4: July 11-15

Cost: $160/week

Upcoming Soccer Tournaments: unitedfa.org/tournaments

Rec Roundup May 21-22, 2022 — U8-U19 recreational teams

Xtreme Cup May 21-22, 2022 — U8-U15 competitive teams

For more information about UFA Norcross, visit the website at norcross.unitedfa.org or email norcross@unitedfa.org. You can also find information on social media at facebook.com/UFANorcross or instagram.com/unitedfa/.