Our Mission & Commitment
Mission
IYSA believes that ALL KIDS should have the opportunity to play the beautiful game. We are dedicated to offering a player centered program that will provide skill-based training curriculum focused on building our youth into mature, confident, technically sound soccer players.
Commitment
We formed the academy in July of 2019 as we recognized a community in the Ithaca area that was interested in providing their children with advanced soccer education in a fun, fair and player focused environment. We want to ensure that we meet your child where they are in their soccer development and mature them into the best player they can become.
Our Coaches &
Staff
Ziggy Harris
Director of Coaching (Founder)
With greater than 10 years of full time coaching experience from u8 through u18 Ziggy brings vast knowledge of the game to our young players. His love of the game and desire to work with and develop our players makes him an invaluable asset to the club.
Sean O'Brien
IYSA Board President
With over 40 years of experience in the game, Sean brings a lifetime of passion and dedication to the sport of soccer. He began playing at the age of five and has since played in every position on the field, ultimately finding his home as a goalkeeper from U12 through high school. His journey continued through university club soccer and even extended overseas where he played amateur club soccer in the Middle East while working abroad for four years.
Today he remains actively involved in the sport, playing in adult leagues and mentoring young athletes. His love for the game is matched only by his joy in watching his own children grow within the club and seeing all of the club players develop their skills and love of the game over time. As president of the academy, he is committed to fostering a positive, skill-focused environment where all players of all levels can thrive and have fun!
Samir Naamane
Head Coach U8-U19 (Founder)
Having coached full time at the u10 through u14 levels for approx.10 years Samir has a proven track record of building our youth into well rounded soccer players. He has also served as head coach at the middle school level for 2 years with the ICSD girls modified team. His passion for the game, 25 years of playing experience and vast coaching pedigree make him a great asset to our IYSA athletes.
Alyssa Morse
Coach Girls U10 & U13
Alyssa started with IYSA in 2024, but she previously coached in Michigan. She has been playing the game her entire life. She currently plays in co-ed and women's leagues year round in Ithaca. Her passions include reading, playing soccer, watching reruns of her favorite shows and going on hikes or trails with her dogs!
Jason Bennett
Former president and founder
With greater than 35 years of playing experience and 10+ years coaching youth teams in the Ithaca area, Jason brought a great deal of experience during his time on the board and with the club. His involvement with coaching and managing soccer, hockey, baseball and basketball teams in Ithaca have also given him an excellent understanding of how sports programs function and an appreciation for how to effectively work with young athletes and their families.
Get In Touch
Please send us any questions you have about the Academy and we will get back to you promptly.
