The Soccer 7s Academy has received a great endorsement from a former star in American Major League Soccer and one of the highest goalscorers in international soccer.
Stern John, former Columbus Crew and MLS top scorer
Stern John, a former forward for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, was in Miami last week to participate in an exhibition game put on by the Soccer 7s Academy which featured ex-World Cup stars from Trinidad and Tobago and former Haitian national players.
He played for a number of high-profile English football clubs that included Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Southampton, Coventry City and Derby County.
With the MLS’ Columbus Crew Crew, he proved to be one of the most prolific scorers in MLS league history. John led the league with 26 goals (and also with 57 points to be named the MLS Scoring Champion) in 1998. He was named to the MLS Best XI that year as well, and tied for the lead with 18 goals in 1999.
John scored 70 goals in 115 international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago including a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory over Colombia at the Orange Bowl in 1999. He also scored a memorable double against Mexico in Port of Spain to lead T&T to a famous 2-1 victory on their way to qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
“I think it’s a great initiative to bring Soccer 7s to Miami and I fully support it. It’s a version of the game that is growing and it’s not just a lot of fun but it will help the kids to develop their techniques and their love for the sport will grow,” John said.
“I remember playing small sided seven-a-side games when I was growing up and it definitely put me on the right path to becoming a successful professional soccer player. I enjoyed a great career in the USA and England and I’m hoping to see more kids come through the ranks here in the US, in Miami and also in my home country Trinidad and Tobago using Soccer 7s as an avenue to develop themselves,” John said.
He encouraged more participants to join the Soccer 7s Academy which has sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at SoccerTown in Pembroke Pines from 4:30 pm each day.
“I’m definitely encouraging parents to get their kids involved because it’s going to help them develop healthy habits and lifestyles from a young age. They will be taught good discipline and of course coach Soares and his team will ensure the participants are well looked after,” John added.