ABOUT THE Training ACADEMY
Welcome to Sporting OC Training Center, a nonprofit organization serving boys and girls ages 5–14. Our commitment to player development began in 1992 through our collaboration with Cleveland Soccer Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, where we helped players understand and fall in love with the world’s game. Today, we are proud to bring that experience to Orange County, California. In an increasingly competitive soccer landscape, we believe true passion and creativity are often developed beyond organized settings—through free, unstructured play with friends and peers. Sporting OC is not a soccer club, but an instructional training center offering year-round development that complements the club environment. By focusing on the individual player and providing flexible training options at one dedicated location, we create a space where soccer is treated as an art form and creativity is encouraged to flourish.
Meet the Founder
Former professional player in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) (1983–1993)
Two-time NCAA All-American at Cleveland State University (1981, 1983)
MISL Rookie of the Year (1984)
MISL League All-Star selection
Invited to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1990 World Cup
Head Coach at John Carroll University (1992–2005)
Head Coach at Cleveland State University (2006–2017)
8 Conference Championships (combined collegiate career)
5 NCAA Tournament Appearances, including a Sweet 16 (2003)
4 Conference Coach of the Year honors
Inducted into both universities’ Athletic Halls of Fame
Founder of Cleveland Soccer Academy, one of Ohio’s elite training centers
Assistant with U.S. Men’s U-18 National Team (Lisbon, Portugal – 2017)
For Ali Reza Kazemaini—known to generations of players as Coach Kaz—life has been a soccer adventure shaped by both the streets of Tehran and the sunny beaches of Southern California. Born on June 21, 1963, Kazemaini’s early years included formative playing experiences in Iran and at Orange High School in California (1978–1980). As a young professional, he earned the nickname “The Persian Cat”—a reflection of his distinguished, unpredictable, and sometimes moody style of play. A fan favorite with the Cleveland Force, Kaz was known for effortless ball control, pinpoint passing, and extraordinary vision as a playmaker. When in rhythm, his ability to glide past defenders and dictate the tempo of the game set him apart.
Kazemaini was widely regarded as one of the finest ball handlers in the country during his era. Former U.S. National Team captain Ricky Davis once remarked that defending him was nearly impossible: “The best way to defend him is to deny him the ball. Once he gets it, he does what he does best—roll off people, turn, and face you. Then you’ve lost the battle.” Perhaps the greatest testament to his career came in 1990, when he was invited to represent the U.S. National Team at the World Cup in Italy—an opportunity ultimately denied due to citizenship timing.
In 1992, Coach Kaz transitioned into collegiate coaching, beginning at John Carroll University before completing a 25-year collegiate career at Cleveland State University in 2017. Alongside his college work, he founded Cleveland Soccer Academy, which became one of Ohio’s premier training environments. Despite numerous professional accomplishments, Coach Kaz believes his greatest legacy lies not in trophies or accolades, but in the lives he has shaped. As one former player—a Duke University graduate—wrote: “In the bigger picture, he has taught me valuable lessons for life.”
Sporting OC is proud to welcome Ali Kazemaini as Director of Coaching.
