In a thrilling revival that echoes the cheers of the past, the Sheffield Village and Sheffield Lake youth soccer scene will bounce back in 2025 after a six-year hiatus. At the helm of this endeavor is Jonathan Wright—an indefatigable advocate for soccer and the current president of the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Youth Soccer Program.
Wright, who embarked on his soccer journey as a coach in 2011, departed in 2016 to pursue his own club, only to return a couple of years later to find the program diminished to a mere two teams. “It was disheartening. Since 2018, Sheffield has been devoid of a proper soccer initiative,” Wright lamented, reflecting on the community’s lost opportunities.
Enter Zack Kantouro, recently appointed as the recreation director in Sheffield Lake. Together, he and Wright are forging a collaborative path to rekindling the spirit of soccer in the area. Four visionaries currently serve on the program’s board, a distinguished mix that includes former professional soccer players who have donned national jerseys. Yet, the quest to expand their ranks continues, as Wright actively seeks enthusiastic members and players to breathe life into the program once more.
“I have this deep sense of obligation to foster growth and re-establish a vibrant soccer community,” Wright expressed with palpable passion, also juggling the role of assistant girl’s soccer coach at Brookside High School. The absence of a local soccer structure has been starkly evident, especially when facing off against teams bursting with seasoned athletes. “Competing against kids with years of experience is an uphill challenge,” he noted, emphasizing the critical need for foundational training among local youth.
Targeting ages 4 to 10, the freshly minted program will host practices and games at the scenic Guenther Park, located at 5491 Walker Road in Sheffield Lake. Wright anticipates kicking off this exciting new chapter by April, where the mission is clear: to cultivate the mind, body, and self-esteem of young athletes through soccer—anchored in principles of sportsmanship, education, teamwork, exercise, and pure joy.
For those intrigued and eager to learn more about this revitalized soccer initiative, Jonathan Wright welcomes inquiries through email. The future flickers with promise as this vibrant community endeavor takes flight once again, breathing new life into the beautiful game.
