OUR STORY
Welcome to EXCEL FOOTBALL PROJECT, where passion, dedication, and a vision for the future of football come together to create something truly special. Our story is one of inspiration, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, all driven by a team of former professional football players and pro-coaches who have seen it all—from the highest highs of the sport to the crucial challenges that come with developing young talent.
Our journey began with a shared dream: to use our collective experience and knowledge to nurture the next generation of football stars. We recognized that while physical training and tactical understanding are crucial, there’s another equally important aspect that often gets overlooked—mental health. Thus, we founded Excel Football Project with a dual mission: to cultivate football excellence and to foster holistic development that creates better athletes and, more importantly, better individuals.
Our team comprises ex-professional football players and seasoned coaches who have played and coached at the highest levels of the sport. Having experienced the pressures and demands of professional football firsthand, we understand the importance of balancing physical prowess with mental well-being. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our youth development project.
At the heart of our program is a meticulously crafted playbook, developed by our team, which serves as a roadmap to football excellence. This playbook is more than just a collection of drills and tactics; it’s a comprehensive guide that integrates technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning with mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and character development.
Our approach ensures that our athletes not only excel on the field but also develop the skills and attributes necessary to navigate the challenges of life off the field. By emphasizing teamwork, leadership, discipline, and respect, we aim to create well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.
We believe that mental health is the foundation of peak performance. In our program, we place a strong emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of our athletes. We provide access to mental health resources, including counseling, workshops, and mindfulness training, to help our young athletes manage stress, build confidence, and maintain a healthy balance between their sporting ambitions and personal lives.
Our vision is to be more than just a training ground for future football stars. We aspire to be a beacon of holistic development, where young athletes are nurtured to become not only excellent players but also exemplary individuals. We aim to instill values that transcend the football field—values that will guide our athletes in all aspects of their lives.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you are a young aspiring footballer, a parent, or a supporter of youth development, we welcome you to be a part of [Your Organization’s Name]. Together, we can make a difference, one player at a time, and help shape the future of football while creating a positive impact on the world.
DIRECTORS
Ioannis Gramos leads the Olympiakos Nicosia Academy with a clear vision: to develop not just skilled footballers, but responsible, well-rounded individuals. With decades of experience in youth football, he brings structure, consistency, and a modern approach rooted in discipline and long-term player development.
His leadership ensures that all age groups follow a unified methodology, promoting technical excellence, character building, and teamwork. Working within the historic setting of the old city, Grammos sees the Academy as more than a sports institution—it’s a space of growth, inclusion, and opportunity for all children.
Guided by values and driven by purpose, he is building a future where football serves both talent and community.
Stephanos Loizides is a highly qualified and passionate football coach with a distinguished background in English Premier League teams. He holds a BA (Hons) in Football Studies and has six years of coaching experience, including roles at prestigious clubs such as Chelsea F.C., Exeter City F.C., and Luton Town F.C. His tenure at these elite organizations has honed his skills and professional acumen, making him a valuable asset in the development of the next generation of football players.
Stephanos is UEFA B Qualified in both Football and Futsal and is currently working towards his UEFA A License. His expertise extends to multisport coaching and football analysis within elite academy environments, ensuring a well-rounded approach to player development.
Known for his dedication and selflessness, Stephanos consistently prioritizes the needs of the organization and the players he represents. His commitment to the sport and his players is unwavering, always striving to give more than he receives for their benefit. His passion and experience uniquely position him to mentor and nurture young talent, fostering their growth and success in the world of football.