WHO WE ARE
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)