SR Development Academy
"Where our players learn more than just soccer..." -Coach Steve Rozycki
What is the mission statement of SRDA?
Our mission is to provide a positive, player-centered soccer environment that prioritizes long-term youth development over short-term results. Through individualized training, technical growth, and guided decision-making, we aim to build confident, creative players who understand the game and enjoy the learning process. By partnering with families and emphasizing holistic development, we use soccer as a tool to support growth on the field and in life.
Meet the Owner:
Coach Steve Rozycki
Steve Rozycki began his soccer journey in New York, both as a player and coach, before relocating to New Jersey over a decade ago. With a background in high-level competition and a deep well of coaching experience, he has established himself as one of the most technically proficient coaches in the tri-state area. Steve has worked with a wide range of athletes, from children as young as three to adult players, and has held leadership and coaching roles at some of the region’s top clubs. His development-focused approach has helped produce players who have advanced to the professional level.
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In addition to his coaching career, Steve serves as an elementary special education teacher, working with students who face social-emotional and behavioral challenges. This role has strengthened his patience and deepened his understanding of the psychological aspects of player development. Steve emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on the five key pillars of the game to foster growth both on and off the field.
Quotes on SRDA Training and Coaching
"I’ve played Division 1 college soccer and also was a member of the Under-17 Men’s National Team. Coach Steve is an elite level trainer that I can trust in the development of my two daughters. He believes strongly in ball mastery and emphasizes the importance of solid fundamentals in youth players. His training sessions are high-intensity and always purposeful. He engages the players during the drills and challenges them to improve and to solve the problem at hand. In this way he not only improves their technical ability but also sharpens their soccer IQ. He is a tremendous asset that my family is very lucky to call our coach."
-Henry Chen
"Coach Steve is extremely dedicated and devoted to the children he teaches, trains and coaches. He knows how to push each individual in a way that will maximize his/her potential. He emphasizes skill and fitness and gets great results. I would absolutely recommend Steve to train anyone looking to elevate their game!"
-Leigh Benevento-McHugh
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"Coach Rozycki is talented & compassionate. A cut above the rest He has the skills & the drive to motivate & produce results."
-Linda Scott-Ramsay Metress
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"When my daughter got to a certain age I knew she needed a professional coach and thankfully we found Steve Rozycki. He was able to take her to the next level and beyond. He's tough, fair, knowledgeable, and will teach your son/daughter to play the game the right way. The bottom line, coach Steve Rozycki will make your child a better player."
-Bill Goodwin
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"Steven has a great way of getting the most out of kids by being supportive and nurturing. He will not only enhance a child’s strengths, but will also improve a their areas of need through patience and and individual guidance."
-Dr. Joe R. Yanni
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"Steve just gets kids. I’ve watched him coach teens and young kids too. His patience is limitless and knowledge of the game, beyond impressive. My daughter was lucky enough to be coached by him a few years back at a highly competitive high school level and it was a great experience. Although he expects a lot from his players, he is concerned about them as humans as well as just their performance on the field. If you’re looking to take your child’s soccer skills to the next level, reach out to Steve. His passion for the sport is contagious!"
-Julianne Holm Downes
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"Coach Steve is one of the most invested and dedicated soccer coaches you’ll ever come across. He‘ll remind you what a healthy breakfast is, he knows when you didn’t go to bed early enough, and he’ll show up on his day off to support his players at a friendly tournament. On top of the superior training he provides, he goes that extra mile. Both my girls are very lucky to have been coached by him."
-Betsy F. Chen
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Coach Steve was my daughter's teams 1st trainer. At age 21 he was great with the girls as well as with the parents. I knew he was a respectful young adult at the first tournament when he helped the mom's carry our "stuff" into the hotel without being asked. His demeanor with the girls was always positive from the first day to the last day of their time training together. He had quite a bit of patience with them as they were very young. (8 years old) He continued on with our team for 4 years and we considered him part of our team's family. Even after he was not involved with our team he still "watched" out for "his" players - keeping track of how they were doing, what high schools they were attending and in the end what Colleges they were looking at!
My daughter's dream was to play College soccer - she battled through many major injuries but in the end suffered a career ending concussion. After coming home from college because of the after effects of the concussion Steve reached out and kept her involved in the game she loves so much. She became an instructor for a 4-5 year old soccer clinic at Steve's suggestion which helped in the transition to going to school locally and not playing the game she loved.
I have seen some reviews for Steve's knowledge of the game and training capabilities which are top notch. I would recommend him to anyone who asks!
His love of the game and his "ability" to see the whole player - is what makes him a great Coach.
-Debbie Sgarlata McNamara
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Steve is highly dedicated and maintains a very high skillset; He is able to get the most out of an individual which relates to superior on-field performance in a team oriented setting.
-Keith Williams
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"Steve is caring, passionate, knowledgeable coach. He’s demanding but in a good way. Players understand his style and ability to maximize their strengths while improving their weaknesses. I highly recommend one on one training, group training and also as a head coach."
-David Flack
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"Very technical coach with a strong focus on soccer fundamentals and fitness! He has helped our daughter further develop her love of the game and has taught her a lot about how to advance her abilities in her position. Coach is also consistently learning new methods of teaching soccer and implementing in his trainings. The smaller group trainings are specifically helpful in the tactical and positioning aspects of soccer!"
-Whitney Samples