Welcome to Lee County Strikers
Join Southwest Florida's Lee County Strikers and develop your soccer skills under the guidance of college coaches
What Makes the Lee County Strikers Unique
In our video, you'll get an inside look at our club's values, curriculum, and approach to player development. You'll hear from our Director of Coaching, Sheldon Cipriani, a parent and one of our players, who share their insights and experiences about what being part of the Lee County Strikers family is like.
Discover the Benefits of Joining the Lee County Strikers
We have a proven curriculum and lesson plan that helps players of all ages and skill levels improve their game and reach their full potential. Our focus is not just on soccer, but on helping our players become better people through the lessons they learn on the field.
Join the Lee County Strikers and Start Your Soccer Journey Today!
We're confident that once you experience what the Lee County Strikers has to offer, you'll see why we're more than just a soccer club – we're a community of like-minded people who love the game and want to help our players succeed both on and off the field. So take the first step and contact us today. We can't wait to see you on the field!
WHAT IS RECREATIONAL SOCCER?
Recreational soccer is a 1 - 2 month long program that is primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high level competition.
SIGN UP NOW!Fall Rec begins on Weds, Sept 13th and runs through Oct. 27th
Click below to register:
Is Recreation Soccer right for your child?
REC PROGRAM - $130:
Led by volunteer coaches, your child will learn coordination skills and teamwork while playing soccer in a fun, positive environment. This program is an introduction to soccer or for those that want to try it out. The intensity level is low and your child is guaranteed to have FUN!
Instill a love for the game.
FALL REC SEASON
Lee County Strikers 2023
Fall Rec League SoccerBirth Year: 2011-2018
Start Date: Sept. 13th
End Date: Oct. 27thKelly Road Soccer Complex
10750 Kelly Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
REGISTER BELOW:
More Info
Join your supportive soccer community.
Lee County Strikers is a supportive community that cares about its members. You’ll be part of a great environment that promotes fun, friendship, and skill development, from the coaches to the players and everyone involved.
Develop Your Technical Skills
2023-2024 Season Tryouts are now over.
Contact us by clicking on the tab below to learn more about available opportunities.
Optimizing Youth Soccer Development: Tailoring Formats for Growth
To optimize the learning process for younger players, it's crucial to tailor the formats based on their physical and cognitive abilities. In simpler terms, we need to create an environment that's just right for their developmental stage.A smaller environment can work wonders in this regard. It allows for more touches, more involvement, and more opportunities to navigate different situations. These elements are critical for young players to build a solid foundation of skills and develop a deeper understanding of the game.Of course, the ultimate goal is to evolve these players to the 11v11 format. But the key is to take it step by step, gradually increasing the complexity and challenge level as they progress. By doing so, we can set them up for long-term success.
Making an impact
2011 Boys - Coached by Duane Laifang
"These guys have worked so hard and come so far in their skills this season and I’m so proud of them! My son's first official competitive soccer season is done, and it’s been intense for him to practice twice a week and have games all weekend, but the commitment and reward at the end were so worth it. I always wondered how soccer families become so invested in giving their weekends and late-night weekdays for practice and travel games but watching your kid learn that hard work and dedication can pay off is a really epic thing."Amber Cebull
U8-U10 (7v7 Format)
In U8-U10 soccer, focusing on ball mastery and introducing simple tactics emphasizing technical ability is critical. This helps young players develop fundamental skills like dribbling, passing, and receiving. By understanding how to apply these skills through tactics, players can build confidence and passion for the game, setting them up for success in the future.
U11-U12 (9v9 Format)
U11-U12 players are a step closer to 11v11. The focus is on applying techniques in various game situations, even under pressure, to develop decision-making skills. This builds confidence, passion, and understanding of their roles within the team. Proper training prepares them for the 11v11 format.
Lee County Strikers Competitive Soccer 2023-2024
Become A Complete Player
2023-2024 Season Tryouts are now over.
Contact us by clicking on the link below to learn about available opportunities.
Take your soccer skills to the next level.
As players progress into the Competitive Program, technical ability remains a top priority, but the focus expands to include training in functional and systemic play. Players become more position-specific, with training designed for goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers. This more specialized approach helps players better understand their roles on the field and how they fit into the team's overall strategy.Additionally, at this phase of development, we address phases of play and train out of moments in each phase. This approach helps players recognize patterns and understand how to react in different game situations, making them more effective on the field. With a strong emphasis on individual skill development and team tactics, our program helps players become well-rounded athletes who are prepared to compete at the game's highest levels.
Striker Spotlight - Vinny Paluck 05
A Striker from 4 to 18 years old, Vinny Paluck has been a true inspiration for all of us. He embodies all we strive for in our players: heart, desire, coachability, work ethic, and a great team player. As Vinny completes his last Strikers’ season and embarks on his college recruiting journey, we are proud to share his highlight video. Please support this remarkable young athlete on his soccer journey!
Lee County Strikers Competitive Soccer 2023-2024
Get Elite Soccer Training In SWFL
With experienced coaches and an unwavering commitment to each player, we'll help you reach your maximum soccer potential.
Meet the LCS Team!
Our coaches have the knowledge, skills, and ability to help your child improve their performance, provide guidance and feedback, create a positive and challenging environment, and to help recognize and nurture young talent. They are here because they care and want to share their love of the game.
Jesse Cormier
President
Division 1 Head Coach, 20+ years,
FGCU (current), University of Vermont
All-time wins leader (UVM)
12 MLS Draft picks, 52 players signed professionally
Played professionally, in England (Oxford United) and the USA (Connecticut Wolves)
Philosophy/Methodology academy study (Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Espanyol, Sporting Gijon, Sheffield United)
Founder/Owner Gulf Coast Futbol Academy (current)
Founder/Owner Vermont Futbol Academy
Executive Director BWP-Burlington, Director of Coaching Nordic Soccer club
USSF B license, Advanced National Diploma
Sheldon "Cip" Cipriani
Technical Director
Florida Gulf Coast University - Associate Head Coach
Former USL Professional Coach at VSI Tampa FC
Former VSI U-23 Team Head Coach
Former PDL Head Coach
Former Florida Rush Development Academy Director
2015 ASUN Conference and Tournament Champion
2015 NCAA D-1 Tournament Appearance
Former PDL Coach at Ocala Stampede
Former Member of the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s National Team
FYSA Instructional Staff
Former Professional Player
USSF ‘A’ Licensed Coach.
Andre Nesfield
Director of Coaching
‘Coach Dre’ started with the Strikers in 2010 and is our Assistant Director of Coaching and the Girl’s Program leader. With his strong personality and quality leadership, Coach Dre emphasizes teamwork, unity, and an attacking philosophy that his teams have enjoyed for over a decade. He has achieved many tournament titles, including State Championships, to his trophy case. Still, his main focus is to challenge every Striker player to fulfill their potential and work towards becoming the best version of themselves. This process was achieved in over twenty of ‘Dre’ coached players playing collegiately and professionally; he also represented his country and is the all-time record goal scorer for his College.Teams: 2007 Boys (U17) , 2014/16 Girls (U10)
Peter Thomas
Asst. Director of Coaching
Peter is one of Strikers’ longest-serving coaches and has been a fixture on the SWFL soccer scene since 2010 holding many roles within the Strikers’ organization, including Director of Academy Soccer. Peter is a native of Liverpool, UK, and has been involved in soccer for 40+ years as a player and coach. He holds a USSF C License and is a full-time Assistant Coach with the FGCU Men’s Soccer team.Thomas competed in England, Belgium and Australia. He was known for his leadership, defensive tenacity and character as a player.Supports Liverpool FC.Team: 2008 Boys Green (U16)
Duane Laifang
Playing experience:
Fatima College, Trinidad
Wheeling Jesuit College, Wheeling, WVCoaching Experience:
2006-2010 Northern Kentucky Klass Lightning
2010-2012 Northern Kentucky United Kings Academy
2012-2016 Assistant Coach Beechwood High School, Northern Kentucky
2017-present Lee County StrikersSupports Manchester UnitedTeams: 2011 Boys (U13), 2012 Boys (U12)
Basil Spaulding
One of the most popular coaches in SWFL, Coach Basil grew up playing soccer in Jamaica. 4-year varsity player for Oracabessa High School in Jamaica. Played for the U16 Jamaica National Team.
Played Division II in Jamaica for Star Cosmos. Played with Genesis semi-pro in Haitian Cup 2001- 2006.Competitive Head Coach in SWFL since 2010Supports Manchester United.Teams: 2009 Boys (U15), 2008/09 Girls (U16), 2005/07 Girls (U19)
Mario Perez
Coach Mario joined the Strikers this season and has been coaching in SWFL since 2013.He has a long history of success throughout his time as a youth soccer coach and along with his knowledge and experience, Mario brings a winning mentality and character to Strikers' program.In 2019-2020 Mario coached Bishop Verot High School JV Girls to an undefeated
season.Coach Mario holds a USSF C License and a USC Goalkeeping 1 Diploma.Supports Real MadridTeams: 2011 Girls (U13), 2013 Girls (U11)
Matt Baum
Coach Matt Played for Strikers and was part of a team that won a state Championship with Lee County Strikers and is a Striker through and through.Coach Matt has been involved with soccer for the past 35 years & played at the University of Kentucky, after graduating he played professionally for Valerenga in Norway and in Israel first division with Beni Sakhalin.This will be his 1st year coaching at LCS and he is currently working on obtaining his coaching licenses.Supports Boca Juniors.Team: 2014 Boys (U10)
Dallas Fiszel
Coach Dallas has over 12 years’ experience in coaching soccer and this will be his 1st year coaching at LCS.Coach Dallas holds a USSF ‘D’ license and is working on his ‘C’ license.Supports Boca Juniors.Team: 2012 Girls (U12), 2008 Boys Black (U16)
Phanos Lazarides
- Former FGCU Men’s Soccer Captain
- FGCU Student / Athlete Alumni
- U.S Federation Online Grassroots Soccer Licenses
- Former youth soccer coach at Liverpool Academies in Cyprus
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Former Cyprus National Team Player (U15,U17,U19)Supports APOEL NicosiaTeams: 2013 Boys (U11), 2010 Boys (U14)
Yakhyo Yakubov
Yakhyo was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He grew up playing soccer for Tekstilshchik Tashkent FK at the youth level. Yakhyo moved to Fort Myers in 2003. In 2017 he started coaching at the recreation level. Has been with Lee County Strikers for the past five years.
-USSF grassroots licenseSupports LiverpoolTeam: 2015 Boys (U9)
Bryan Fiore
Bryan is new to the Lee County Strikers club this season but has been a competitive youth soccer trainer/coach for over 20 years.
-USSF C, D, & National Youth licenseSupports ArsenalTeam: 2005/06 Boys
(U19)
Raphael Pires
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Coach Rapha has been playing soccer for 18 years (some of those years as a LCS player!) and has been coaching youth since 2018.Supports Flamenge & Manchester UnitedTeam: 2015/16 Boys
(U8/U9)
Daniel & Brendan
Daniel is a sophmore at FGCU studying in communications. Brendan is a Freshman at FGCU studying in bioengineering. Both Daniel and Brendan are current goalkeepers on the FGCU Men's soccer team and will be sharing their skills and knowledge with the LCS goalkeepers this season.Goalkeeper trainings will be on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
5:00p - ages 13 & under
6:15p - ages 14 and up
Strikers Summer Camps
Join us for a fun-filled learning experience that will take your game to the next level!
LCS Summer Camps are held in June - August
Lee County Strikers Camps are all about learning through play. Our philosophy is to improve each player's skill level while having fun. Here's what you can expect:☆ Players of all skill levels welcome: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.☆ Fun training methods to enhance players' understanding of the game.☆ Emphasis on ball mastery, attacking with speed, striking, and finishing.☆ Train under pressure to improve decision-making and speed of play.☆ Help improve 1v1 abilities.☆ Small-group attacking and defending principles taught; 2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3, and other scenarios.☆ Location: Kelly Road Soccer Complex
A huge THANK YOU to our Sponsors!
MVP SPONSORS
WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A SPONSOR OF LCS?
Being a sponsor for the Lee County Strikers plays a crucial role in ensuring that soccer remains accessible to all children, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your generous support directly impacts kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in competitive soccer. Your commitment and support not only helps them to stay active and healthy, but also fosters a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and valuable life skills.We deeply appreciate your support in making a positive difference in the lives of these kids and ensuring that soccer remains a sport for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
BENEFITS OF BEING A LCS SPONSOR
Apart from helping a child in need, your company will be advertised not only locally at Kelly Road Soccer Complex, but wherever the Strikers go!Banners will be displayed along the fence entering into the complex or around the Clubhouse. The complex holds tournaments, state & regional competitions, ODP & league games, High School jamborees, (just to name a few events), that attract thousands of teams from across the state! Every weekend from May - August, multiple teams and their families will be spending the weekend at Kelly Road, who will all see your business advertised. Not to mention, Kelly Road Soccer Complex is a county park, therefore it will also be open to the public during off season, which will drive even more exposure to your business!Jersey sponsors will be displayed on the LCS team jerseys for two (2) years. The strikers players not only play locally at Kelly Rd, but all over SWFL.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
CLICK HERE to view our sponsorship brochure or
fill out the information below:
