Sign up to receive updates about new model homes, new villages, all of latest news and events happening here at Lakewood Ranch.
Press Releases
The Sarasota Paradise soccer organization recently launched its youth academy, marking a major step in the club’s commitment to elite talent development and a professional player pathway.
More than 300 players came out for tryouts during the first week, the team said.
“The Sarasota Paradise was founded on the premise of creating a pathway for our local players to the world’s biggest stages,” said Marcus Walfridson, club founder and CEO. “We are excited to launch our youth academy teams this fall and start the process of building a true, professional pathway for our talented young players.”
The Academy will feature nine teams ranging from U10 to U18, providing a professionalized developmental pathway for the region’s top young talent.
By establishing a formal Academy structure alongside its first team and community initiatives, the Sarasota Paradise continues to strengthen its position as the focal point of the region’s growing soccer landscape. The Paradise competes in USL League One, playing its home games at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, a 3,000-plus seat stadium.
The club transitioned to the professional ranks in 2026 after a successful stint in USL League Two.
“Our main mission for the academy is to develop players who have the ability to sign a professional contract with our first team,” Walfridson said. “But there is a secondary, foundational mission: to develop players’ love for the game and help them grow into great adults, who are contributing members of society. At the end of the day, we are here for our community, and hopefully, we can help more local young players reach the world’s biggest stages.”
Under the leadership of technical director Mika Elovaara, the Academy will implement a philosophy designed to provide a professional and holistic developmental environment where the club’s core values of inspiration, discipline, transparency, accountability, growth and results are experienced.
Each age group will feature one dedicated team, providing multiple entry points for young players and ensuring an elite environment for all participants.
In addition to full-time academy teams, the club will continue supplemental programming and plans to expand its youth reach through professional camps and clinics throughout the year. Players will also participate in top level tournaments in the U.S. and have an opportunity to experience international travel as well as high level experiences with our numerous international guests throughout the year.
“As our club continues to grow, we will always stay tuned into and listen to the needs of our community,” Elovaara said. “After we launched our supplemental programming and with the early success of our U20 programming, it has become clear that providing a professional pathway to the young players in the area is the next step we want to take in our growth already this year. Having worked in several environments for the past 20-plus years where players have reached youth national teams, top level college placement and USL and MLS professional opportunities, I am excited to build a pathway for the local players, helping them in the pursuit of their dreams with our club leadership and staff.”
For more information, including registration, visit sarasotaparadise.us/about-youth-academy. Questions regarding the Academy and tryouts can be directed to academy@sarasotaparadise.us. For information about the Paradise schedule and game tickets, visit sarasotaparadise.us/2026tickets/
Submitted by Ryan Bailey
Sign up to receive updates about new model homes, new villages, and all of the latest news and events happening here at Lakewood Ranch.
©2026 Lakewood Ranch. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
