310 Affiliate Club (310friedel.com)
Brad Friedel is perhaps the most successful US soccer player of all time. An Ohio native, he holds the English Premier League record for most consecutive appearances, 310. After announcing his retirement, this May 2015, he has joined FOX Sports’ as its key soccer analyst. He will continue with his current club Tottenham Hotspur as the club’s official US Ambassador. He will also join the US Soccer Federation National Youth Development coaching structure.
As one of the most successful American players of all time, Friedel brings vast playing experience. He played 82 games for the USMNT from 1992 to 2005 and represented his country at three FIFA World Cups. After a college career at UCLA, including a National Championship, and a spell with MLS’s Columbus Crew, where he was named 1997 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Friedel moved to England and began an outstanding Premier League career first with Liverpool, and later, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham. In all, he played 668 games at top-level. Friedel is currently completing his UEFA Pro License, the game’s highest coaching qualification.
The 310 venture is a partnership between Brad and his commercial partner, Chief. 310-affiliated clubs will have the direct association with, and input from, Brad and Chief. The benefits include, amongst others; current and updated coaching curriculum; clinic opportunities; elite player assessment and opportunities, with links to domestic and international clubs where appropriate; and 310’s significant commercial relationships and network.
Columbus East Soccer Association (www.cesasoccer.org) has been offering recreational soccer since 1984. The purpose of the program is for players to learn the game and have fun doing it. The curriculum is developmental by design and focuses on individual skills development and on team tactics. The soccer year runs from August 1st through May 31st and is comprised of two season: Fall and Spring. Players may choose to play during either one or both seasons. Each season runs for eight weeks. The Fall Season typically begins the week after Labor Day and runs through the month of October. The Spring Season typically begins the first week in April and runs through the month of May. No games are scheduled for Labor Day or Memorial Day weekends.
Columbus East F.C. has formed a partnership with CESA to provide coaching education opportunities, camps, clinics, and more. The CESA Prep Academy is one of the many programs that have been implemented with the help of CEFC. Please click here to read more about the Prep Academy.