FOUNDED IN 1999, LANIER SOCCER ASSOCIATION (LSA) FORMED AFTER A group of smaller clubs and independent teams from around Hall County came together to form one larger club. The catalyst for the creations of LSA was the Allen Creek Soccer Complex, a modern, ten-field athletic complex in the city of Gainesville that immediately put LSA as a leader in the growth and development of soccer in northeast Georgia. “It’s a lot of land and a beautiful place,” Director of Coaching Jonathan Cueva says. “One of the best parks in the state and the Southeast.” LSA happens to be located in one of the nation’s largest poultry producing areas, a fact that brings many immigrants from Mexico and Central America for work. Cueva says this gives the club a developmental advantage since the soccer is such an important part of Hispanic culture. “This brings a lot of talent,” Cueva says. “We may not have a lot of players but we have quality players who understand the game. That is an advantage when it comes to teaching because the players already come knowing the game, so we can work directly in the physical, psychological and the tactical.” Almost two decades after the club’s founding, Cueva says LSA is on the move creating new programs and initiatives to help the sport grow and give talented kids in the area more opportunities to develop as far as possible. Recently LSA launched its Super 8 program preparing kids in the club’s Under 8 age group to prepare for competitive soccer, a select program for kids in the Under 13 age group and above, specialized goalkeeper training, individualized clinics on Friday evenings, and a summer futsal program. LSA also added the US Development Academy to its U13 and U14 boys programs. With this addition, LSA now offers the opportunity for elite players, from U12 through U14, to train and compete in one of the highest level of challenges for youth soccer players in the U.S. Lastly, Cueva is establishing a relationship with Manchester United of the English Premier League, creating opportunities for players to experience soccer overseas. These programs have placed LSA in a great position to compete on all levels.