International Soccer Academy was established in the United States in 2020 to provide a groundbreaking pathway for talented North American players. By 2021, we expanded to the prestigious Academy of Schalke 04, the Knappenschmiede followed by a second Team at the Bundesliga Club, Hertha Berlin, and a third team at Sportwerk in Germany. Our expansion plan will see teams at other renowned Clubs in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga, and Liga Portugal. Following a unique methodology in each of our centers, we want to give American players the opportunity to play and train in Europe with a view to developing their skills, and showcasing their talent to generate professional opportunities.
All our players go through a rigorous scouting process – both live and virtual to be placed in one of these European rosters. All aspects of our Integrated Academy teams, including matches, staff, education, cultural exchange, and facilities, exceed the expectations of our players. We combine best-in-class European methodology and coaching with the sought-after American physicality and athleticism through expert UEFA A Licensed coaches.
The demand for well-rounded American players is at an all-time high in the world and our individualized development programs and exposure opportunities lead players to top professional organizations and prestigious universities. Playing highly competitive weekly matches in Europe allows players to reach their maximum potential and enhance individual and collective performance. We build smart, physically prepared, and mentally strong players capable of succeeding at the highest level. However, just as important to us is taking care of our players after they complete our program. The success of our players is a responsibility we take seriously and we always continue mentoring our players. We believe it is our responsibility to continue assisting our players – whether it’s a second year at International Soccer Academy, arranging trials in professional clubs and signing contracts, or returning home and playing collegiate soccer.
About Our Founders
Eddie Loewen
Former German professional soccer player, Eddie Loewen has made it his mission post-retirement to connect talented American players with Europe’s top academies. Eddie is also a renowned coach with a UEFA A License as well as a USSF B. Born and raised in Germany, Eddie played for several German professional clubs and also represented the German National Team as captain in Beach Soccer. Eddie then moved to the United States and focus on his biggest passion – coaching. He has been Head Coach of the German and Indian National Beach Soccer Teams as well as co-authoring the FIFA Beach Soccer Coach Manuel.
As a co-founder of the International Soccer Academy, Eddie’s role is to make sure the best talent is recruited from North America and placed in a suitable Club in Europe. Eddie is also involved in the trial processes for our Integrated Academy team players. He not only sets up the trials but also accompanies our players and spearheads the negotiation process as their representative. He also mentors all our current players and alumni.
Apart from International Soccer Academy. Eddie is also the founder and CEO of Global Soccer Development, where he has given over 2,000 American youth players the chance to train in Europe.
Eddie resides in Tampa, Florida with his family.
About Our Pro Partnerships
FC Schalke 04
The famed Knappenschmiede has produced 2014 World Cup winners Benedikt Höwedes, Julian Draxler, Manuel Neuer, and Mesut Özil. Home-grown Schalke talents have started in the Champions League as well as world-class matches around the globe. Through its optimal youth development, the Knappenschmiede’s aim is for its youth talents to continuously make the step into the club’s first-team squad.
Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin is the epitome of a modern football club; international, diverse, and focused on the future of the game and developing talented players into professionals.
The Bundesliga club has consistently provided opportunities on their first team to youth players. Hertha Berlin academy players have made appearances in over 450 League matches — with at least one academy player playing the entire 90-minute match, each game. In addition, 55 youth players have made their professional debut since 2001, a number most clubs are unable to achieve.
About Our Team
Isabela Ramesh
International Director
Isabela was formerly the Advisor to the CEO at our partner club Hertha Berlin and joined us in January 2023 as the International Director with her focus on overseeing the soccer operations at all our elite youth soccer academies at professional Bundesliga and LA LIGA clubs. Isabela’s responsibilities include the global expansion of our programs, and overseeing player development, program quality, and marketing. Isabela lives between Spain and Germany – in close proximity to our Integrated Academy Teams.
Originally from America’s East Coast, Isabela’s passion for the beautiful game led her to leave the USA to explore working in Germany. After attending NYU Law School, she joined Hertha BSC, the Bundesliga club in the capital of Germany.
Kai Brock
Program Director Schalke 04 Integrated Academy
Kai is a UEFA A Licenced Coach who has worked for the Royal Blues for over 18 years. The native German who was born and raised in the NRW Region of Germany started his coaching career as the Assistant Coach for the German National U11s and U12s Team in Bochum before taking over the Schalke 04 Youth Academy Under 12s and 13s. At International Soccer Academy, Kai oversees the Football Operations for our Schalke Team, organizing matches, serving as the main contact person for the Coaches as well as co-founder Eddie Loewen to fine-tune player development, and help with the trial processes. In addition to working with our Integrated Academy, Kai is also the Coordinator of Football Methodology at Schalke 04 and manages their partnership with the Football Club Social Alliance.
Patrick Weiser
Head Coach, Schalke 04 Integrated Academy
Hailing from the legendary FC Köln, a soccer icon with a massive global fan base, Patrick Weiser is set to inspire and develop the talents of International Soccer Academy’s youth soccer players as Head Coach of the FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy.
With a prestigious career as a professional player and a UEFA Pro licensed coach, Patrick has excelled both on the field and in the coaching arena. An inspirational leader, his journey from a remarkable 25-year football career to a seasoned head coach is a testament to his expertise and dedication. A right-back as well as a midfielder, Patrick Weiser played 270 matches in the Bundesliga, 7 in the UEFA Cup, 16 in DFB-Pokal games and 39 in Ligue 1. Suiting up for VfL Wolfsburg, 1.FC Köln, and Stade Rennes, Patrick’s career began as a youth player at FC Köln where is also played matches in the Oberliga and Regionalliga Nord.
As a coach, he has a proven record of guiding players from academy to pro levels, and is poised to shape our players on and off the pitch.
Soccer runs in Patrick’s family — his son is Mitchell Weiser, a professional soccer player who has played for Bundesliga’s Hertha Berlin, Bayern Munich and is currently with Werder Bremen.
René Lewejohann
Assistant Coach, Schalke 04 Integrated Academy
René Lewejohann is a German former professional footballer and a UEFA B licensed coach. His journey through the world of European soccer is highly impressive. As a youth soccer player, he showcased his early on, reaching the semifinals of the German U19-Youth Championship in 2002/03. As a professional, his soccer career saw him make significant contributions to various clubs, including FC Schalke 04 II, Bonner SC, and LR Ahlen, where he emerged as a key player, tallying 51 Oberliga appearances and 13 goals. Despite overcoming challenges like injuries, including two broken metatarsals within six months, Lewejohann’s determination never wavered.
Lewejohann’s success extended beyond being a player, as he ventured into coaching, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of football talent. He has been the manager of several clubs including FSV Duisburg, Hammer SpVg, and most recently was assistant manager at Rot Weiss Ahlen. After many years at FC Schalke, René is happy to be coaching our Integrated Academy team and playing on the FC Schalke 04 Legends Team.
Marco Sanfilippo
Team Director, Schalke 04 Integrated Academy
Marco Sanfilippo boasts an impressive career in youth football management and event coordination, spanning over 15 years in the soccer industry. He has been a notable figure in the realm of football development and youth tournaments. Prior to joining our team, Marco served as the Team Manager for the U19 and U17 squads at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a position he was handpicked for by Head Coach Patrick Weiser. His versatility and excellence were evident during his tenure as Team Coordinator for 1. FC Köln’s U17 team, and he also made a significant impact as the Team Director for U19 Bonner SC, nurturing the careers of young football talents.
Among his remarkable accomplishments is his 11-year role as an Event Manager for KOMM MIT international youth football tournaments. A standout achievement was organizing the “Oranje Cup” in the Netherlands, a massive tournament featuring teams from five different nations and spanning various age groups, with approximately 1300 participants. Additionally, Marco led the “Fußballhelden Bildungsreise” in Barcelona, a week-long football workshop in collaboration with the DFB, bringing together 250 youth coaches from Germany for a transformative experience, highlighting his dedication to football education and development.
Tobias Kurbjuweit
Head Coach, Hertha BSC Integrated Academy
Tobias Kurbjuweit is a German former professional soccer player as well as a UEFA A Licensed Coach. As a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder or forward., he suited up for several German clubs, including FC St. Pauli, Mainz 05, and FC Union Berlin.
Coach Tobias kicked off his career as Assistant Coach at Hertha Berlin for the U17s, the U19s as well as the Second Team after which he took over the U19s at Hamburg SV as Head Coach. He coached in Hamburg for over 5 years before moving back to Berlin to take over our Integrated Academy Team.
Soccer runs in Tobias’ family — he is the son of former footballer and director of sport of FC Carl Zeiss Jena Lothar Kurbjuweit.
Daniel Felgenhauer
Assistant Coach, Hertha BSC Integrated Academy
Daniel Felgenhauer is a German former professional soccer player and UEFA A Licensed Coach who has played in nearly 300 Bundesliga matches as well as in the DFB-Pokal Cup.
With a proven coaching record at SpVgg Bayern Hof, MSV Duisburg, and most recently with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Daniel’s commitment to develop and grow talented players aligns perfectly with our mission. Daniel’s football journey began at ASGV Döhlau, and is bringing his successful playing and coaching experience to our squad. As a former dynamic midfielder and team captain, he left his mark playing for clubs like SpVgg Greuther Fürth as well as Borussia Mönchengladbach
Michael Scavuzzo
Team Director, Hertha BSC Integrated Academy
Michael Scavuzzo is a American Pro-Am footballer and is completing his UEFA B license. From the roots of inaugural gap year program in Mallorca, Spain to a leadership role as the Team Director of the Hertha Berlin Integrated Academy, Michael’s commitment and passion for soccer has been exemplary. His journey began with International Soccer Academy began in 2020 in Spain with our RCD Mallorca program. His DI college had suspended soccer training and his classes had gone online courtesy of the COVID pandemic — he seized the opportunity to follow his passion for the beautiful game instead on sitting behind a screen and was awarded MVP for his efforts on the team. Having impressed our coaches, Holger Gehrke and Eddie Loewen arranged several trials for Michael and he was awarded a contract to play for Greifswalder FC in Germany. Thrilled to be paid to play soccer in Europe, Michael was the top goal scorer in preseason prior to sustaining an injury.
Michael has traveled the player pathway and brings a clear and unique understanding of the International Soccer Academy’s values and goals. Born in Southern California, Michael began playing youth soccer for for San Diego Surf SC when he was 6 years old and stayed with the club for many years. Invited to join Barca Academy Residential program in Arizona in its first year, Michael was the top goal scorer at the U.S. Soccer DA Showcase and was recruited by MLS’ Sporting Kansas City to play for their academy at 16 years old. He also played for one year at Albion SC in San Diego.
About Our Speakers
Dan Abrahams
Dan Abrahams is a sport psychologist, author, columnist for SoccerToday and highly popular speaker who specializes in soccer. He has worked with numerous professional soccer players and teams, including English Premier League as well as Formula 1 teams, to help improve their mental game and performance. He is known for his passion to de-mystify sport psychology and for creating simple-to-use performance techniques. He is the author of four best-selling sport psychology books and the founder of the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show podcast.
According to Dan, the most important game an elite athlete will ever play is the one in their mind.
“The ability to stay focused, to stay motivated, and to stay confident is what separates the good from the great.” – Dan Abrahams.
Gareth Bale, Real Madrid & Wales National Football Team says, “Soccer Tough by world-renowned sports psychologist Dan Abrahams changed my life! The book explains how we all have the ability to perform when pressure is at its highest – you just need to unlock it!”
In addition to private coaching for elite soccer players all over Europe, Dan is the Team Psychologist for Feyenoord Rotterdam, which is currently number one in the Dutch League, Eredivisie. Dan currently works on the topic of frustration resilience as well as the importance of mental preparation with our Integrated Academy Teams in Germany.
You can learn more about Dan’s work and his accolades here.
Dr. John Ashley Null
Dr. John Ashley Null is a renowned theologian and scholar, teaching around the world, researching in Europe, and simultaneously serving as the five-time Olympic Chaplain. His work has brought him in contact with thousands of athletes – from those who have won big, to those who have failed epically. And his advice remains the same: Winning a medal will never change your life. Dr. John Ashley Null is a native Texan, who graduated with a Masters’s Degree from Yale University in 1985 and proceeded to complete his Doctorate at the University of Cambridge in England.
Dr. Null primarily researched the human need for constant affirmation, which is especially magnified in athletics when an individual’s giftedness gets confused with their worth. In an effort to self-preserve from the potential pain of loss or failure, many athletes dampen their emotional centers. With emotions at bay, the ability to relate, emote, empathize, and celebrate all become diminished as well. Rather than experiencing victory as fulfillment, it is only remembered as a relief. His work is to help reconnect athletes to their purpose, potential, and worthiness by helping them develop healthy relationships with themselves and others.
His book “Real Joy” walks athletes through the formation of a mindset that will ensure their hearts don’t burn out before their talents do. In 2021, after the Tokyo Olympics which will long be remembered as a turning point in elite sports where the mental health of athletes became an essential concern for all, Dr. Null established the “Emotional Wellbeing” Program at Hertha Berlin.
The project was founded on the principle that a person is not defined by their accomplishments, but by their relationships. However, relationships are what make accomplishments possible. After all, the first thing Olympic Gold Medalists do when they realize they have won is instinctively look to the stands to make eye contact with someone they love. Because no matter how wonderful the thrill of victory is at the very special moment, if there is no one with whom to share the joy, even a victory as great as that is empty. Dr. Null is currently leading the Emotional Wellbeing Program for the Hertha Berlin Integrated Academy.
In 2022, the Fulbright Association awarded Dr. Null the Mulert Award for this groundbreaking program. You can read more about the Mulert Award in the German Fulbright Alumni Association here.
My door is always open for him and for any players that he recommends for Trials at RWE. I am always happy to see Eddie, because he is a very modest, and passionable coach, who understands the games and the level of the German Pro Youth Academies.
Head Coach U16, Rot Weiss Essen
It is a great pleasure for us to support Eddie Loewen’s project. We have had only good experiences. During this long time of working together, we have a real “sport-friendship“.
Youth Academy Director (U9-U23), Fortuna Duesseldorf (2.Bundesliga Club)
