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Key  People

Andrei   Gotsmanov

           JOY LABS

       Founder / Head Coach

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Andrei is dedicated in providing a more organic and scientifically-backed approach to soccer skill development to all kids in the Omaha area and surrounding communities.

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Andrei grew up in Minsk, Belarus across from a futsal court where he played with his friends.  When he was ten years old, his family moved to Woodbury, Minnesota. Andrei played Division I college soccer at St. John's University in Queens, New York where he was named First Team Freshman All-American. He then transferred to Creighton University, where he was awarded the NSCAA/adidas Men's Division I First Team All-American, as well as a Hermann Trophy semi-finalist. Gotsmanov was drafted in the second round (24th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by New England Revolution. In 2011, Andrei and his team won the NASL Championship. Andrei spent his whole career in Minnesota, with his last season being with Minnesota United FC.​​

 

Andrei will be using new, proven youth sports model by creating optimal learning environments due to his background as player and coach.

 

Andrei is recognized for building strong relationships with players and parents-- motivating and developing players as leaders both on and off the field.

 

Andrei has fifteen years of coaching experience. In his first eight years, he coached at several high-level soccer clubs in the twin cities area. In his next seven years , Andrei was the General Manager & Program Director at Joy of the People in St. Paul, Minnesota.  There, he specialized in connecting academic theory to practice session design and principles of play. Putting both of his coaching experiences together, Andrei has compiled a highly effective and comprehensive soccer methodology.  During his time at Joy of the People, Andrei not only helped players grow their love of the game, but also helped guide and develop players that went on to play for their local elite clubs, high school varsity teams, MLS academies, futsal national teams, collegiate programs, and even on an MLS team. Using futsal, differential learning, low anxiety environments, under-loading theory, constraints-led approach, use of inflatables, free play/pick-up, and much more as his tools to guide players to their full potential.

 

Andrei also holds a national youth coaching license.

 

Andrei is the son of former professional footballer Sergey Gotsmanov, a four-time Belarusian Footballer of the Year who played for the Soviet Union at the 1988 UEFA European Football Championship

He also has an older brother, Sasha, who played for the Colorado Rapids of the MLS and the former professional club Minnesota Thunder. His mom, Olga Gotsmanova-Koval, was a world renowned gymnast and one of the world's most respected coaches in international gymnastics. 

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651-214-7017

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Ted   Kroeten
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Joy of the People

 

Artistic Director and Co-Founder

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Ted leads the way in rethinking and delivering player development --always championing kids and possibilities based on his experienced, dedicated, and innovative soccer career.  Ted holds the highest level coaching diplomas including the Brazilian Institute of Futebol "A", United Coaches Master diploma, and FC Evolution Pro,  he has studied at the top academies around the world including Santos, Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Fluminese, Cerra Porteno, FC Porto, Cali, Hajduk Split, and Dinamo Zagreb.  He is considered a leader in the understanding and the delivery of play (street soccer), how it works and how to apply it to provide a healthier and more sustainable sport experience.  Ted is a sought after speaker and his many podcasts and interviews continue to inspire the next generation of coaches and players.

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