About Us
Our History
Established in 1991 by founder Coach Gus Ventura as Academia de Fútbol (Soccer Learning Center of Saline), our academy was created to offer youth players the individual training and attention needed to elevate their game. At a time when soccer was still very young in this country, Coach Gus and Academia de Fútbol helped many young players discover a love and passion for the game for over a decade. His players went on to become successful at their clubs, schools, and some progressed to the collegiate level. Fast forward to today, Coach Gus and his son Coach Tony are starting the new Academia de Fútbol Ventura for youth players of the greater Ann Arbor area.
Our Mission
At Academia de Fútbol Ventura our philosophy is to create technically and tactically skillful players by instilling in them a solid foundation and understanding of the game through simple, effective, and age appropriate training sessions. Providing individual attention will allow your son or daughter to maximize their time training and progress to the next level of their journey as a soccer player.
Based on the values of hard work, commitment, and having fun, Academia de Fútbol Ventura can help your child to become not only the best soccer player he or she can be, but also a better individual.
Meet the Coaches
Augusto (Gus) Ventura
Coach Gus Ventura brought his passion and love of soccer from the streets of his native Lima, Peru to the United States in 1975. He first founded Academia de Fútbol (Soccer Learning Center of Saline) in 1991. By himself, he created a successful soccer academy which grew from just a few players to a large pool of local players from various surrounding cities. He also erected the club Diamante FC. He has been coaching club and high school soccer for over 25 years and holds a USSF National C License.
Favorite Clubs: Manchester United FC & Alianza Lima
Anthony (Tony) Ventura
Coach Tony Ventura, like his father and older brother, was born into soccer and his father had him kicking a soccer ball before he could stand. Starting out in the Saline Youth Soccer Association, he moved on to play club soccer with Ann Arbor Arsenal, played for Saline High School, and also at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN. He has been coaching club, high school, and personal training since 2013 and holds a USSF D License. He looks forward to continuing his coaching education.
Favorite Club: Real Madrid CF
Coach Tony, Jaime (brother), Coach Gus - Fall 1990