About Us
United Kingdom Soccer Academy is a coaching school that offers after-school programs and camps for 4-14 year old’s. Our coaching philosophy is to hire the best coaches to offer kids soccer instruction rather than simply having baby-sitters that have elementary soccer knowledge.
Our Programs, UKSA (Recreational) & Soccer School Of Excellence (SSE – Competitive) offer a program for both the beginner & more Competitive player. Each program is age and ability tailored to offer a fun environment where the children gain both soccer and interpersonal skills. The goal is to give the students lessons in both life and soccer skills in a way that they will look forward each week to participating.
The concept for UKSA was established in 1997 by Cindy Friedman with the goal of specialized, organized soccer programs into San Diego schools as an after school program. The program was warmly received by children, parents and administrators alike.
The dual focus on quality coaching orchestrated by the coaching staff led by Director of Coaching David Banks, and the administrative support for the program managed by Director of Administration Cindy Friedman have led to UKSA running the premier camp program in San Diego county with over 5,000 kids at 70 schools and 30 camps being the main reason for the continued success of UKSA.
Our Directors
David Banks
David Banks is an icon in the San Diego Soccer community. Born in Wigan, England, he played 4 years of standout college soccer at Philadelphia Textile, PA. On graduation, he was drafted by the San Diego Socker’s in 1990. He quickly established himself in the Socker’s team, racking up several accolades including the 1990 MSL Rookie of the Year, youngest ever team captain and the first and only Socker to play 100 consecutive games from the start of his career.
David continued his playing career gaining All-Star status in the CISL with both the Socker’s and the Houston Hotshots. In addition he had a standout stint in the NPSL with the Buffalo Blizzard. He returned to his adopted US home of San Diego to play for the A-league San Diego Flash in 1999. In 2000 he was made captain of the team and garnered A-league Honors.
David has coached youth soccer for 35+ years. He coached the La Jolla HS Girl’s Varsity team to the CIF Championship In 2001. Also, he Directed the San Diego Fire F.C from 1998-2004, but in 2004 he started the Newest Club In San Diego, Nott’s Forest F.C. He currently holds the highest coaching license, the ‘A’ license with the United States Soccer Federation. He now is currently the DPL director for the girls program at ALBION SC – san Diego.
Cindy Friedman
Cindy has been working as a soccer coach for over 12 years. She worked with Mike Hovenic camps and developed the after schools program concept as part of BASS – British American Soccer Schools. She formed the United Kingdom Soccer Academy along with David Banks in 1999.
Cindy coached the High School JV girls at Francis Parker High School and is currently the Recreational Administrator at Mesa Soccer Association. She also directs the “Little Notts” recreational program which consists of 4 – 8 year olds. Cindy holds a United States Soccer Federation “D” coaching license.