GPS International Academy

Following the success of the GPS International Academies in London and Valencia, GPS South East Europe would be delighted to partner with GPS and commence a GPS SEE International Academy in Athens, in 2019.

GPS South East Europe has a history of producing elite level players to either play professionally in European clubs (England, Holland, , , Cyprus and Slovakia) or get soccer scholarships to study at universities in the U.S. Our work experience and partnerships over the past decade with organizations such as Arsenal F.C. and Aspire Academy amongst others have led us to have a proven record of nurturing skilled young soccer players from South East Europe and beyond through our various coaching programs aiming to reach their full potential (based on their abilities) and progress with their professional careers.

Given this background and under the guidance of GPS along with the co-operation of Valencia C.F we aspire to create the best International Academy in South East Europe. The International Academy in Athens will be housed in top notch facilities near the center of Athens one of the most historic and multicultural cities in the world. Our goal, with the help of GPS will be to deliver the best possible coaching program and create the competitive environment and opportunities for the young skilled players to explore their full potential and get recognized by scouts of European clubs to get a chance for a trial or continue their studies at a high level U.S University or even kick start their professional career within the industry of soccer or sport in general.

SOCCER ACADEMY  Development Soccer Program  Soccer Facilities - Fields  Accommodation  Fitness Center  Education  Life Style – Culture - Youtube  Success Stories

Development Soccer Program Many international players who travel to Europe come here with the intention of progressing into professional soccer. We are here to assist players in this process. We cannot guarantee contracts with professional clubs, however we do give numerous opportunities to be noticed by high level clubs. At its heart GPS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY ATHNES aims to identify and develop players of Elite level so they can have a shot to join the Valencia CF Academy in Spain. However Global Premier Soccer South East Europe be able to offer a great number of alternative placement opportunities them to fully achieve their maximum potential and explore their possibilities to play professional football in Greece, Italy, Dutch, UK, Spain or other European Clubs.

We also have our partner company www.soccerchanceusa.com who provide soccer scholarships to US Universities for those interested in progressing down this route. Any International players who are keen on a US scholarship will be assisted whilst attending our London and Valencia based academies.

Athenian Football Athenian football boasts some of the most prolific football giants in Greece. Currently 6 clubs from Athens are competing in the first Division of Professional Greek Football (Super League) and over 10 in the Second and Third Division of Greek Professional Football. Clubs from Athens that are competing in the Superleague division this year are: AEK Athens, Olympiakos CPF, Panathinaikos, Atromitos F.C, Panionios F.C, Apollon Athens FC The population of (Athens greater region) is the largest in Greece (over 4 million people) and as such has the largest concentration (in sheer numbers) of clubs competing in lower amateur leagues but also youth football (both professional and amateur). Players in our International Academy will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best clubs and players (whether Professional or amateur) in the country in their age. Furthermore as we are competing in leagues or friendly games against professional and amateur clubs, players in our International Academy will have the benefit of getting scouted regularly within the year by scouts and coaches of such clubs.

Elite Development Program GPS SEE / Valencia C.F. Players in our International Academy will have the opportunity to participate in the Elite Development Program GPS SEE / Valencia C.F.

GPS Southeast Europe Valencia CF Elite Development Program aims to identify, train and develop the most talented young footballers in the region. To achieve this, the most talented kids will have the opportunity to enter the Elite Program and train on one dedicated camp in their country under the guidance of highly qualified GPS Southeast Europe Valencia CF.

 Development Camps: 3 times per year- working with Valencia C.F coaches (September – November –January)  Trial Camp (Scouts from Greece & Italy) – December  International Elite Tournament (Scouts from EU Countries) – April

Soccer Facilities – Fields

Both facilities ensure our players have the best opportunity to train, play and reach their true potential on world class surfaces.

Star Sports Club http://starsportclub.gr/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf6qflbTbf9MhTxuQEMjxDQ

2 fields 11v11 - 6th generation artificial grass Additional services  Changing rooms  Medical Bay  Cafeteria  Parking

Renti arena Soccer Club http://www.rentiarena.gr/

All fields have 6th generation artificial grass fitted in 2013.  1 Field 11v11  2 Fields 7v7  1 Field 5v5 Additional services  Changing rooms  Medical Bay  Cafeteria  Parking

Accommodation

Player accommodation at Galaxy Hotel Athens ***, http://www.galaxy-hotel.gr/ located in the area of Athens. Galaxy Hotel is a “sports hotel” that caters for all needs of clubs and athletes. It has great experience and know-how in accommodating Elite level Athletes and clubs.

Location Galaxy Hotel is located in the “Athenian Riviera” and just opposite the hotel lays Alimos beach. The Alimos beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its clean water and the visitor can find there sunbeds and umbrellas, cafeteria and restaurant, beach bar, water sports and a playground. The area of Alimos lies between the center of Athens, municipality and Piraieus. Its location constitutes the area ideal as all sports facilities and cultural venues are nearby with almost immediate access.

Rooms The hotel’s beds have anatomic mattresses and they measure 200 X 90 cm. Rooms (2 sharing) have sound proofed windows and sports channels in TV.

Menu for athletes The hotel has In-house chef to prepare meals according to the special needs of athletes prepared only with the freshest local products and ingredients.

Additional facilities  Room for after-training massage  Room for video presentations

Swimming Pools near by Alimos Municipal Swimming Center is only 200 meters away from the hotel.

Fitness Centers

PLANET Fitness & More - https://planetfitness.gr/

Planet Fitness and More is one of the leading fitness franchises in Greece. Players of the International Academy will be able to use the top-class gym facilities of the local Planet Fitness Gym in Paleo Faliro located only 5 minutes from their hotel. Work at the gym will include both a soccer specific program, designed by highly rated professionals, to improve their conditioning but also help their recovery after games. Planet Fitness is more than just a gym it has been created and operated focusing on making training and healthy habits a way of life. Players of the International Academy will be able to participate in a range of different group activities such as:  Body power  Infinity Workout  Pilates  Barre A Terre  Stretching  Tabata Fit  TAE BOX  TUMBAO  Orthosomia  Yoga  Zumba

Zambidis Club: Our Players will taste “Planet Kickboxing” Mike Zambidis (a former Greek world champion in kickboxing) has created a unique training system. It’s philosophy is to improve the quality of life through exercise and, more generally the psychosomatic empowerment through martial arts. Through the activities of the Zambidis Club kickboxing, the trainee can gain self-confidence, discipline, self-defense, sharpness, better physical condition, speed of perception in realistic conditions, but also improve his physical condition and decongest his negative energy from the daily demanding rhythms.

Fitness Centers

Alimos Municipal Swimming Center http://www.thopaa.gr/kolimvitirio/

The Alimos swimming Centre is one of the most modern in Athens. It has hosted a number of international water sport games. It is in walking distance from the hotel (in the other side of the road).

It includes: 2 heated swimming pools  1 outdoor, 50m long with 8 lanes  1 indoor, 15m long

Additional services  Changing rooms  Medical Bay  Cafeteria  Parking

Education

Academy students aged 18 who have completed high school, will complete the following courses:  Irish Football Federation Level 1 Coaching Award  1 year General Sports Degree (under searching)  GPS Sports entrepreneurship ALL SEASON program Sports Management, Sports Marketing & Functional Training,  Certified classes (https://www.greek-language.gr/greekLang/certification/index.html)

 GPS Personal Development and Player Pathway

Extra – Under Request  Sports Management, B.Sc: The American College of Greece - https://www.acg.edu/  BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education: Metropolitan College https://www.mitropolitiko.edu.gr/en

US Performance Academy (USPA) Academy students aged 16-17 can continue their high school education and explore PG courses through US Performance Academy (USPA). USPA provide first-class academics for our athletes training at the International Academy in Athens. USPA is an accredited private, online, middle & high school created for high performance athletes. USPA is designed for young athletes looking for a school that supports their unique schedule, creates a pathway towards their personal, professional, and athletic goals, and leverages the latest technology for an on-the- go environment. USPA is unlike any other school. Designed by athletes and educators, the approach specifically benefits driven students who are training, traveling, competing, and pushing to the next level. The online curriculum allows for a flexible school schedule and academic calendar. The support system, which includes a mentor on the ground in Athens, keeps students involved, motivated, and on track to success. USPA has a unique focus on the student - athlete’s future goals and aspirations and opens up a doorway to future opportunities. USPA is widely recognized by Colleges across North America and is available to International Academy players on the 1-year and 2-year programs.

Extra – Under Request  International High School: St. Lawrence College - https://www.slc.gr

Success Stories

Last season 2 players from Canada and 2 from Bulgaria after finishing our Elite program got offers from Greek professional Clubs  Ilias Iliadis – Panathinaikos F.C U-20 (Superleague)  Gordano Mancini – Panionios F.C U-20 (Superleague)  Ilia Kurchumov – Eikosimias S.C Men’s Team (Third National Division)  Martin Kolev – Ermioni FC Men’s Team (Third National Division)

In the last five years more than 25 players have already graduated from our various development programs and moved to European professional clubs or managed to secure scholarships to Universities in the United States of America with scholarship. Such clubs are:  Arsenal FC, MANU, Norwich FC, Brendford FC, (England)  AJAX FC, PEC Zwolle, Vitesse, Heerenveen, Achilles 29 (Holland)  S.P.A.L., Hellas Verona (Italy)  Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, PΑΟΚ, ΑΕΚ, Panionios, Asteras Tripolis, Panetolikos, Levadiakos (Greece)  ΑΕΚ , Αnorthosi Famangusta (Cyprus).

Previous players that followed our programs: Dejan Iliev, Martin Svidersky, Ricardo Farcas, Savvas Mourgos, Elias Hatzitheodoridis, Kostas Pileas, Kostas Chalkidis, Christos Albanis, Christos Sielis, Kostas Balogiannis, Christos Papadopoulos, Esmerald Alucu, Marco Divcovic, Nicola Tanousai, Vasillis Triantafillakis, Marianna Goula, Leda Koskina. (We will present all players’ photos and we will make an album in the e-brochure)

Life Style – Culture

Athens http://www.thisisathens.org/

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years long tradition, numerous myths, breathtaking landmarks, beautiful people and well-kept secrets. It is considered to be the cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of Democracy. It is a vibrant multicultural city that combines classic with modern in its diverse neighborhoods. Though the Mediterranean cuisine and cultural influence is a trademark to be found all across Greece, Athens has managed to incorporate gastronomic and cultural styles from almost every part of the modern world.

Athens is located near the sea (). It has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The dominant feature of Athens’ climate is alternation between prolonged hot and dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

Attractions in Athens:  The Athens Acropolis  The New  The Archaeological Promenade (path)  district  , Psyrri & Keramikos   Mikrolimano in  Onassis Cultural Centre in Athens  Flisvos Open Air Cinema  The Averof Battleship  The  The Archaeological Museum In Athens  NATIONAL GARDEN &  The Olympic Stadium of the 1896 Olympic Games  LYCABETTUS HILL  TEMPLE OF POSEIDON – Cape

Alimos https://www.athensguide.com/coast/

Alimos is situated on the Saronic Gulf coast, 8 km south of Athens city centre. The Hellinikon Olympic Complex, built on the grounds of the former Ellinikon International Airport for the 2004 Summer Olympics, lies south of Alimos. The built-up area of Alimos is continuous with those of the neighbouring suburbs , , , and . The area of Alimos lies between the city center of Athens, Palaio Faliro, Glyfada and Piraieus. Its location constitutes the area ideal as all sports facilities and cultural venues are nearby with almost immediate access. The nearest subwaystation is at Alimos metro station, in the eastern part of the municipality. The western, coastal part of the municipality is connected with Athens city centre by the Athens . Alimos has a large marina and several beaches. The Alimos beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its clean water and the visitor can find there sunbeds and umbrellas, cafeteria and restaurant, beach bar, water sports and a playground.

Palaio Faliro http://www.flisvosmarina.com/en-us/

Palaio Faliro is situated on the east coast of the Bay, a bay of the Saronic Gulf, 6 km southwest of Athens city centre.The town’s seaside area was redeveloped for the 2004 Summer Olympics, and now contains a seaside promenade, several sports venues, a marina and the Naval Tradition Park, where museum ships are exhibited. The Flisvos Public Park at Palaio Faliro, next to the Marina of Flisvos, is a common destination for cultural activities and public events in Palaio Faliro, as well as a place for relaxation for the local population and tourists. It is located just next to the sea beach and provides benches and ample space for jogging or gymnastics. Other landmarks include:

 Cultural Centre of Palaio Faliro  Marina of Flisvos  Saint Mary church (Panagitsa)  Naval Tradition Park, including the historical warships Georgios Averof, Velos and the replica of the ancient Athenian .  Village Cinemas Complex  Phaleron World War II Cemetery  The Evgenidio Foundation (better known as: The Athenian Planetarium)  Parts of the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex, such as the Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena, that were intended for the usage for the 2004 Summer Olympics  National Historical Museum of the

Glyfada https://www.10best.com/destinations/greece/athens/glyfada/

Glyfada was established as the heart of Athens' southern suburbs, because of its prime waterfront location, rich commercial centre, and modern business district. It has been described as the headpoint of the '' and features some of Europe's most opulent seafront residences, gardens and extensive beachfront property, with a modern marina. The town hall is located at the center of the municipality; nearby, Glyfada’s shopping district has one of the most vibrant and diversified commercial centres of Athens' neighbourhoods, with a collection ranging across specialist and designer boutiques. Its proximity to a succession of beaches and a concentrated seaside club scene also greatly increases the number of visitors during the summer months. Youtube  gps see / valencia cf soccer program https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT6LWNmTCmM0pq6zZLZkdwg

 25 Things You Didn't Know About Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6rraB6-AKc

 11 TOP GREEK FOODS | Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx0Xe36imbE

 SIRTAKI - Syrtaki Music | Athens - Greece HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lQ4EWgS6_o

 City of Athens - 72 Hours in Athens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LVVvSXRx-w&t=61s

 Athens city tour, Greece in 4K https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyXmPbM1ac4

 A day in the life of an ancient Athenian - Robert Garland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar8S6virCwM

 Plaka and Monastiraki - Athens, Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXj9pDpHT10

 An ordinary day in Paleo Faliro, Athens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_j34AAe73c

 Aerial video - Paleo Faliro,Athens-Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4k8MbUO2qo

 Alimos ,Athens Riviera, Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hb-dlNo3gk

 Glyfada, Athens, Greece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTzt1i4kyag

Good night GPS people with,

a song

"Οδύσσεια" Locomondo - (official video clip), the singer was my student.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsHhrXpKhKc and

“filotimo” The Washington Oxi Day Foundation present the Greek Secret – filotimo - A Word without Borders

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJaycp8eX-g  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXPJNDVfBgU

Best,