ABOUT US
The Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy is a unique and exciting opportunity for young soccer enthusiasts – both boys and girls – to persist with their dreams of becoming professional football players and not have to compromise their education whilst doing so. We don’t believe anyone should have to ever give up education in order to pursue their dreams. At our academy, boys and girls enjoy not only exceptional football coaching at our extraordinary facilities, they also access academic excellence and all within the rich cultural tapestry of Montenegro.
Our academy is nestled in the heart of Montenegro, a country graced with magnificent mountains, mesmerizing coastlines, and a deep-rooted cultural legacy.
The Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy offers promising soccer talents, both boys and girls, the chance to improve and advance towards a professional career, providing exposure to clubs within and outside of Montenegro. With expert coaching, personalized training, and top-tier facilities, including a FIFA-certified field and modern fitness equipment, our players are equipped to succeed. We go beyond nurturing athletic skills by offering professional pathways and college scholarships, fostering personal growth, confidence, and independence in a culturally rich and supportive environment.
The philosophy for our ambitious young players is: “Dream, Learn, Do.” Our aim is to forge well-rounded individuals, not just skilled soccer players. The academy emphasises resilience, self-confidence, teamwork, advocacy, and problem-solving as foundations for success. Our unique G.A.M.E system integrates these values into daily training, providing a comprehensive toolkit for personal and athletic development. We’re committed to helping young athletes become their very best selves.
The Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy is personally run by UK’s ex – premier league player Saša Ilić. He is famed for his exceptional tenure at Charlton Athletic FC and is best known for a career-highlight penalty save at Wembley against Sunderland — a decisive play securing Charlton’s Premier League promotion. His personal soccer journey to beoming a professional is the inspiration for this Academy. Sasa epitomises daring to dream to and the dedication and discipline it takes to make it.
We are pleased to offer two distinct pathways
to become a Pro:
1. Pro Pathway
A genuine opportunity for our academy players to be scouted by professional clubs in Montenegro and beyond. It opens a pathway for them to showcase their talents and secure potential placements with esteemed football clubs on both a national and international level, amplifying their career prospects. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing and propelling the aspirations of our talented players.
2. US College Scholarship Pathway
Committing to at least one year at our soccer academy significantly elevates the prospects for our players to secure US College Soccer Scholarships. The intensive training regimen, skill refinement, and exposure to competitive play during this period not only enhances their soccer proficiency but also positions them as standout candidates for sought-after educational opportunities in the United States. A dedicated stint at our academy becomes a pivotal factor in shaping well-rounded student-players, empowering them to excel both on the soccer field and academically, thus optimizing their chances of attaining prestigious US College Soccer Scholarships.
WHO ARE WE
SASA ILIC
Founder & Academy director
Saša Ilić is celebrated for his standout performances, particularly during his tenure at Charlton Athletic FC. A defining moment in his career unfolded when he executed a crucial penalty save at Wembley against Sunderland, a pivotal moment that propelled Charlton into the Premiership. His extraordinary journey to soccer success stands as a remarkable story and serves as an inspiration for many.
Born in Australia to Serbian parents, Sasa initiated his soccer beginnings at the age of 8 in Melbourne, Australia. Relocating to Yugoslavia (now Serbia) in 1990 at the age of 18, he embarked on his professional career amidst the tumultuous breakup of Yugoslavia. Spending six crucial years in adverse conditions, which he reflects upon as the best years of his life, he honed his goalkeeping skills and competed in the top league.
In 1996, he decided to pack his bags and move to England in pursuit of a professional club, realizing a dream he had nurtured since his childhood days. Upon knocking on the doors of Charlton Athletic FC and securing a trial, he swiftly became a cult hero at the club. In a remarkably short period, he played a pivotal role in securing promotion, breaking the record by keeping nine clean sheets in a row leading up to the finals, where he made the crucial penalty save.
Sasa will play a key role in various aspects of the Academy, offering guidance, nurturing talent, and serving as a mentor. Leveraging his personal experiences, he will illustrate to Academy players the pathways to success.
Education:
- Undergraduate Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University Belgrade,1993-1996,
- Undergraduate Sport Science, University of Brighton 1996-7
- Graduate, Football (Soccer) Management Faculty of Belgrade 1991-1993
History:
With a remarkable track record spanning well over 350 senior appearances in four different countries, Saša Ilić’s illustrious football career began at the age of 15 in the 4th Victorian division in Australia. His journey led him to the pinnacle of English football, competing in the Premiership until his retirement at the age of 33. Notably, Saša Ilić also had the honor of representing Yugoslavia on two occasions during his distinguished career.
Laurence Griffin
Academy Manager
With more than 10 years of coaching experience, Laurie has demonstrated excellence in the coaching field, earning high-ranking positions in various international clubs. His passion for the sport is unmistakable, and his unwavering dedication to coaching is evident in his achievements. Laurie holds high expectations for his players, emphasizing the utmost importance of discipline and commitment as integral values within his coaching philosophy.
- Academy Director
Worksop Town FC · Full-time
Full-time Sep 2020 – Present · 3 yrs 4 mos
Worksop, England, United Kingdom, - Head of Academy Education & Youth Development Phase Coach
Doncaster Rovers FC · Full-time
Jan 2021 – Sep 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos
Doncaster, England, United Kingdom - Chelsea Football Club
5 yrs - Regional Football Development Officer (Asia)
Jan 2017 – Apr 2018 · 1 yr 4 mos - Head Football Coach
Feb 2015 – Apr 2018 · 3 yrs 3 mos - Football Coach
Manchester United
Feb 2013 – Apr 2015 · 2 yrs 3 mos
Manchester - Certified Personal Trainer
Virgin Active
Sep 2011 – Jul 2014 · 2 yrs 11 mos
Leeds, United Kingdom - Education
University of Stirling
Master’s degree, Sports Performance Coaching 2020 – 2022
Leeds Beckett University
BSc Sports Coaching 2011 – 2014
Licenses & certifications
- UEFA BUEFA B
The Football Association - Issued Apr 2014
Advanced Youth Award - The Football Association
FA Level 2 Goalkeeper Coaching Certificate - The Football Association
L5 Diploma in Education & - QTS
Level 3 Personal Trainer - REPS
SAQ International Diploma in Speed, Agility & Quickness
DARKO BUSER
Head Coatch
Darko Buser brings over 30 years of valuable experience to the table. Born and raised in Serbia, he played professionally in the second tier before transitioning to coaching after an early retirement from his playing career. He has accumulated a wealth of coaching experience in various countries around the globe. A true professional, Darko Buser sets high standards and is an expert in youth development.
Experience
- FC GUANGZHOU R&F, CHINA — 2019-2022
Head Coach Reserve Team
- NK MEDULIN 1921, CROATIA — 2018-2019
Head Coach First Team
- NK ISTRA, CROATIA — 2016-2017
Head Coach First Team
- FC OTTAWA FURY, CANADA — 2014-2016
Assistant Coach First Team & Academy Director
- FC CHELSEA, ENGLAND – 2000-2014
Community Coach (2000 – 2005)
- Academy Development Coach U8 – U15 (2005 – 2011)
International scouting (2011 – 2014)
- ONE SOCCER SCHOOL, USA – 2007-2021
Coach & Coordinator (Elite Residential Camps)
Education
- 06.2010. UEFA A License, Irish FA
- 12.2007. Level 3 – UEFA B, London FA
- 05.2006. Level 2 – UEFA B, London FA
- 02.2005. Level 1 – UEFA B, London FA
Playing Career
- 1991 – 1992 FC Vozdovac, Yugoslavia
- 1990 – 1991 Military Service, Yugoslavia
- 1988 – 1990 FC Vozdovac, Yugoslavia
- 1986 – 1988 FC Radnicki New Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Personal Development
- FC GUANGZHOU R&F, CHINA – 2016
- Model of play with Dragan Stojkovic Pixy
- FC DESPORTIVO, BRAZIL – 2015
- Scouting – Opposition Team Analysis with Marc Dos Santos
- FC PALMEIRAS, BRAZIL – 2012
- Model of play with Felipe Scolari and Cesar Sampaio
- FC MONTREAL IMPACT, CANADA – 2011
- Assistent to Marc Dos Santos
- FC BARCELONA, SPAIN – 2011
- Model of play B team with Luis Enrique
- FK CRVENA ZVEZDA, SERBIA – 2011
- First Team Technical & Tactical development with Robert Prosinecki
- FK PARTIZAN, SERBIA – 2011
- First Team Technical & Tactical development with Aleksandar Stanojevic
- FC REAL MADRID, SPAIN – 2010
- Match preparation & philosophy with Nebojša Milicic
- FC ATLETICO MADRID, SPAIN – 2010
Mirko Uskokovic
Assistant coach/ fitness Coach
Mirko Uskoković, a former Montenegrin football player, retired at the age of 20 due to a football injury. Subsequently, he dedicated himself to academic pursuits at the Faculty for Sports Management and deepened his expertise in fitness training while serving as an assistant coach for a local 1st Division Montenegrin football club. Highly motivated and extremely focused, Mirko is poised to bring out the best in any athlete.
EDUCATION:
- Specialist in Sports Management
Faculty for Sports Management, University Donja Gorica, Podgorica 2016-2017 Average Grade: 9.00 - UEFA “B” License – Football Coach
Center for Education, Football Association of Montenegro, Podgorica 2018 - Certified Functional Trainer (CFT) Level 1
Sarajevo 2020 - Certified Functional Trainer (CFT) Level 2
Sarajevo 2021 - Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Level 1
Sarajevo 2021 - National Fitness License
Football Association of Montenegro, Podgorica 2021 - Elite Fitness Mentorship
2021 - Methodical Development System (MDS)
Podgorica 2022 - Certified Functional Strength Coach Level 1
Belgrade 2023 - Certified Functional Strength Coach Level 2
Belgrade 2023
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Member of the Organization at the European University Games Zagreb – Rijeka, 2016
- Member of the Organization at the Games of the Small States Montenegro, 2019
- General Secretary at Football Club Podgorica (Since July 2017)
- Assistant Coach at Football Club Podgorica (January 2019 – July 2022)
- Fitness Trainer (S&C) at Football Club Podgorica (Since July 2022)
- Executive Director at Football Club Podgorica (Since November 2022)
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy is straightforward: “Dream it, live it, Do it.” We believe that the most rewarding accomplishments often come from tackling the things you dislike the most. In our environment, we foster a space for players to thrive, connect, grow, and overcome challenges. Our focus goes beyond soccer skills – we aim to instill resilience, self-assertion, teamwork, advocacy for causes, and the crucial ability to tackle challenges head-on. At our academy, it’s not just about the education and super soccer skills we teach you; we’re a genuine pathway to success, fully dedicated to nurturing and developing young talent and guiding them to be the best versions of themselves.
We don’t just put our philosophy on a plaque to read! We embody and weave this philosophy into our everyday training sessions and live it. We can do this because we’ve created a unique ‘person first’ system called G.A.M.E which embodies our philosophy in a practical way. It’s basically a tool kit for building the whole person that every athletic performer should have.
What is THE G.A.M.E system?
Growth – With a sense of structured independence, we want to let student-athletes take ownership of their life at the Sasa Ilic Academy. While they are making these independent choices, our support team is there to provide structure and help them make the right decisions.
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Identity/Values
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Self-Reflection
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Self-Management
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Empowerment
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Decision Making
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Social Intelligence
Mindset: We also call it Mental Performance – our mental performance program helps our players develop a high-performance mindset to build confidence, focus and determination to train and compete at their best on a given day. We cover the following skill sets:
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Coachability
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Confidence
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Focus
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Resilience
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Handling Pressure
Endevour: The Sasa Ilic Academy instils in young players the importance of social responsibility. We strive to develop leaders and role models in the community by emphasizing the importance of giving back. Through self-advocacy, being a positive member of a community and positive peer-to-peer/adult interaction, we help our players become better prepared for college and beyond, all while garnering confidence along their journey.
WHY MONTENEGRO
Montenegro is recognized as a safeguard—a nation known for its friendliness and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with traditional core family values. The country’s geographic location in the heart of Europe is advantageous, being close to major cities, ensuring accessibility for parents and creating a well-connected environment.
Montenegro’s natural beauty further adds to its appeal. From awe-inspiring canyons to stunning coastlines, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque lakes, the country provides a diverse and breathtaking backdrop for the holistic development of young athletes. This unique environment encourages a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature.
Additionally, Montenegro is renowned for its commitment to organic food, offering a healthy and nourishing diet for the students. The small population of the country contributes to a close-knit community, fostering a supportive and safe atmosphere. This, combined with the traditional core family values, creates an environment where students not only receive top-notch soccer training but also experience personal growth within a nurturing and culturally rich context.
In essence, Sasa Ilic’s Soccer Academy in Montenegro offers more than just soccer development—it provides an immersive experience in a safeguarded, friendly, and picturesque environment that aligns with parents’ aspirations for their children’s holistic growth and success.
