Interview with Devan Anderson, club director by Soccer America Youth Soccer Letter executive editor Dan Woog

Location: Cleveland, Ohio.

History: Founded four years ago as an outgrowth of the Cuyahoga Community College by men’s head coach Devan Anderson.

Championships: Several indoor titles; U-16, Niagara (N.Y.) Pioneer Tournament; U-12 North Olmsted (Ohio) Cup.

Most famous players: Derrick Woodard (Brown University); Michael Thompson (Wright State University).

Teams: 6 boys teams, U-9 through U-16.

Number of players: 80.

Number of coaches: 8.

Cost to play: Approximately $200 per season.

Facilities: Cuyahoga Community College.

Club philosophy: “To learn the game of soccer in an environment that fosters positive reinforcement to develop self-esteem and good character; to achieve success so that players look forward to the next game and practice session; to encourage players to abide by the rules, and exhibit good sportsmanship and the highest ethical standards on and off the field; to provide quality, positive instruction in a nurturing environment, with an emphasis on having fun.”

Recruiting philosophy: “We want kids who want to learn the game.”

Club’s greatest strength: “Because we run our program through the college, we expose kids at a young age to a college environment.”

Club’s biggest challenges: “Other programs that try to lure away the players we develop with promises of tournaments and travel. Also, educating parents that it takes more than one or two seasons to develop a player.”

Connection with Cuyahoga Community College: “The same staff runs both the college and club programs. The school supports us by giving us breaks on things like facility rentals.”

Why no girls teams: “There is no female soccer program at the college, so it’s hard to draw girls in. A few girls now play on boys teams.”

Club’s goal: “To continue to serve the youth in our area and maintain our high level of coaching and training.”

Sponsors: Travelcenter of America, Analex Engineering, Intown Place, Central Exterminating Co., Inc.

Fund raising: Annual raffle, tied in with the state lottery.

Why the name Samba: “It comes from the Brazilian music and beat and symbolizes having fun with the game.”

Contact: Devan Anderson, E-mail: Sambasoccer@hotmail.com; Web site: http://www.eteamz.com/devansfootskills/.