ABOUT US
The company aims to organize soccer camps for young and talented players in different countries worldwide. The main objective of EESC is to connect the talented soccer players of each country with European professional youth academies.
The vision of EESC is to provide the players who stand out in the camps with a complete soccer experience in European youth. In the summer of 2023, the first European Elite Soccer Camp was held in New Jersey, and two soccer players who participated had the opportunity to travel to Greece. For five days, they participated in the training program and activities of the Asteras Tripolis FC Youth Academy. They also watched professional soccer matches to have a complete experience.
A couple more players will have the same experience in January of 2024. EESC builds bridges for many young talents in growing US Soccer to have a lifetime soccer experience!
Panagiotis Linardos
Panos Linardos is a former professional footballer who competed in the Greek A and B National Divisions, as well as in Cyprus, and in the top-tier league of Singapore. Beyond his playing career, Panos has excelled academically, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) and a Master’s degree in Sports Organizations and Business Administration from the University of the Peloponnese. Notably, he previously served as Head of Strategy and Planning for the women’s football team MSL FC, and he currently works as General Manager of Ionikos FC.
Savvas Tsampouris
Savvas Tsampouris, a veteran professional footballer, boasts a remarkable 16-year career with 399 official appearances in Greece and Cyprus, representing clubs such as Aigaleo, Asteras Tripolis, Kalloni, Nea Salamina, and Levadeiakos. From 2019 to 2022, he contributed his expertise to Panhellenic Association of Paid Footballers as a member of the Board of Directors. Holding a degree in Business Administration from the Athens University of Economics and Business Administration, Savvas transitioned into team management. Since 2021, he has been the Team Manager at Apollon Smyrnis (Super League), and since June 2022, he holds the position of Head of Football Department at OFI Crete.
Aris Zafeiratos
Aris Zafeiratos, an NCAA champion and the founder of AZ Sport Scholarships, commenced his soccer journey at the Panathinaikos Academy. At the age of 18, he embraced a sports scholarship opportunity, making the move to the US to play in the college league. A standout player, Aris excelled notably with Bryant & Stratton College and reached his pinnacle with the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the prestigious 2012 Men’s Soccer NCAA National Championship. Alongside his on-field success, Aris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Educational Studies in Instructional Leadership. Returning to Greece in 2014, he became the Greek- US link in sports, creating AZ Sport Scholarships, which, by 2023, has guided over 110 athletes to find athletic and academic scholarships at US universities.
George Zissopoulos
Giorgos Zisopoulos, a distinguished Greek footballer, has left an indelible mark on the sport during his 15- year career. Playing for notable clubs like Aris, PAOK, Levadeiakos, and Atromitos, George achived significant milestones, including participating in the Champions League and Europa League. As the captain of Asteras Tripoli, he played a pivotal role in their Europa League campaign. Notably, George is the oldest Greek player to score in the Super League and holds the record for the most appearances for Levadeiakos. Beyond the field, he holds an Executive Diploma in Sports Management and completed an MBA Global in 2007 with a thesis focusing on the leadership characteristics of technical directors in Greek football joint stock companies.
I went to train with OFI Crete at their facilities in Greece this past summer and it was incredible. The coaches were all very knowledgeable and supportive, the players were kind and welcoming, and the facilities were amazing. The level was very high and even some of the first team players were participating in practices. Beyond that, the coaches who accompanied me on the trip, Panos and Aris, were great mentors as well as people. I loved the experience overall, and would happily do it again.
Greece was very fun and a great experience. It was cool experiencing a new culture and a new play style and it helped me to become better. The focus and discipline are much different that the states and I had a lot of fun. Also the food was really good.
Being in Greece was one of the best experiences I've ever had. In the short amount of time I got brought into a culture, learned a new way of training, and had a different mindset. I want to thank European Elite Soccer Camps and everyone involved for the opportunity to go to Greece where I learned a whole different perspective of the game.
It was a very good experience to be able to travel to Greece, we had a very good time there with Panos and George. We had very good practices, it was a very good experience, we had the opportunity to watch a game between Asteras Tripoli and OFI is was a unbelievable experience, and I wanna say thank you to George, Panos and Aris and everyone involved.
When I was in Greece the experience was great I got to get a part of different culture and training for a different perspective and not the same mindset as a regular training in America. I really loved the time I had and it was a great time and opportunity to further my career.
