European Elite Soccer Camps connects Greek-American football with its roots

Something new is coming to shake up the waters of Greek-American soccer in New York and New Jersey!

A well-structured, high-quality and ambitious initiative led by accomplished Greek veteran footballers, aiming to become the bridge that connects youth development soccer in the United States—and, by extension, Greek-American grassroots football for boys and girls—with Europe, and especially Greece.

More specifically, Giorgos Zisopoulos, Savvas Tsabouris, Aris Zafeiratos and Panagiotis Linardos, all with extensive experience in professional football as well as in U.S. collegiate athletics, are the four pillars behind European Elite Soccer Camps (EESC). The camp was first successfully organized in the summer of 2023 in New Jersey and is now in advanced discussions to expand to New York this year, in collaboration with Asteras FC.

What is European Elite Soccer Camps?

EESC is a well-organized and innovative initiative that goes beyond football, also focusing on the academic prospects of its participants.

Through soccer camps held in various cities across the United States, the organizers aim to bridge the gap between American and European football at the youth development level, offering talented players a comprehensive football experience within the academies of professional European clubs.

Specifically, young players who stand out in EESC events will have the opportunity to experience European football by training with professional club academies. At the same time, they will be evaluated on their potential to pursue athletic scholarships at U.S. universities, as EESC collaborates with AZ Sport Scholarships, the leading athlete guidance company for U.S. collegiate sports, boasting over 120 successful placements in the past seven years.

With the motto “We Scout in the USA, We Evaluate Your Talent and We Connect You with Clubs in Europe,” EESC in 2023 gave two players from its inaugural camp the opportunity to travel to Greece for five days, where they actively participated in the training program and activities of the Asteras Tripolis Academy. They also attended professional football matches, completing a truly unique and well-rounded experience.

EESC returns to New Jersey in 2024

Following its success, EESC returns to New Jersey this summer to offer more talented players the chance to live a complete football experience.

The camp will take place from June 24–28 at Manahasset Park, 500 Long Branch Avenue, NJ 07740, and there is already strong interest from players born between 2006 and 2010, who will be invited to prove their talent and earn a place on an exciting football journey.

Collaboration with Asteras FC and New York on the horizon

According to exclusive information from the National Herald of New York, Asteras FC officials are in advanced talks to bring European Elite Soccer Camps to New York next summer. Recognizing the value of EESC and focusing on the development of Greek-American football, Asteras FC—through swift and meaningful discussions—is on the verge of a collaboration that will open new horizons for boys and girls and reconnect Greek-American youth football with its roots.

A few words about the organizers

Giorgos Zisopoulos is a distinguished Greek footballer who left a lasting mark on the sport during his 15-year professional career. Having played for clubs such as Aris, PAOK, Levadiakos and Atromitos, Giorgos enjoyed significant success, including appearances in both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. As captain of Asteras Tripolis, he played a key role in the club’s Europa League campaign.

Notably, he is the oldest Greek player to have scored in the Greek Super League and also holds the record for the most appearances in the history of Levadiakos FC.

Beyond his playing career, Giorgos holds an Executive Diploma in Sports Management and completed an MBA Global in 2007. His thesis focused on the leadership characteristics of technical directors within Greek professional football clubs.

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 is an NCAA soccer champion and the founder of AZ Sport Scholarships. He began his football journey at the Panathinaikos Academy and, at the age of 18, accepted the opportunity of an athletic scholarship, relocating to the United States to compete in collegiate soccer.

After initially excelling with Bryant & Stratton College, he reached the peak of his playing career with the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the prestigious 2012 NCAA National Championship in U.S. collegiate soccer.

Alongside his achievements on the field, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a Master of Science in Educational Studies in Instructional Leadership.

Upon returning to Greece in 2014, he became a key link between Greece and the United States in sports, founding AZ Sport Scholarships, which over the past seven years has guided more than 120 athletes toward securing athletic and academic scholarships at U.S. universities.