Who is AKKA?
John Jenks
Founder
"Everything I know about football I learned on the street. My friends and I were always trying to think up a new feint. If anyone invented something new, they had to show it to the others. That is what street football is all about." - Zinedine Zidane
Former UConn and Liberty University player, professional player with the NJ Stallions and key member of the AKKA men’s futsal team. Instantly recognizable on the field because of his highly refined skill level, his ability and love for soccer has led him to gain playing experience abroad in Bolivia and Italy, as well as time spent studying in Spain and Brazil. His talent on the field as a player is only rivaled by his ability to teach the game. Never resting on his accomplishments, he continues to chase the game inspiring all he comes in contact with on and off of the field.
Paul Tanimae
Founder
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." - Pele
Former Rowan University player, and member of the AKKA Men’s Futsal team that competed successfully in state, regional and national tournaments. After teaching in the inner city of Philadelphia and special education in NJ, Paul answered his calling of teaching soccer as a career. As a coach, motivated, dynamic, and patient, as a player, committed, creative, and tenacious, these attributes has lead to an ability to inspire and guide players at all levels.
Kevin Hartwyk
Trainer
“I trained 3-4 hours a week at Ajax when I was little but played 3-4 hours a day on the street. So where do you think I learnt football?” -Johan Cruyff
Former Monmouth University captain, semi-professional player with the Kearny Scots (Kearny, NJ). Spent his youth rising through the ranks of the Olympic Development Program from state team to the youth national teams. By the age of 20, through his playing success he had traveled to more countries around the world than US states, spending multiple springs and summers abroad playing internationally between the ages of 16 -20. His talent as a player coupled with his leadership and work ethic drives him when developing young players. Always wanting to do more for each individual, always wanting to learn even more about himself and the game as it evolves.
Ryan Talbot
Trainer
"Football is played with your head. The legs are the just tools." - Andrea Pirlo
Former University of Delaware, South Florida, and Philadelphia Union Youth Academy player, Ryan seemingly grew up with the ball as another appendage. From a young age his bold and skillful attacking play made him a standout. His love for the game meant a lot of time spent on his own, away from team training, developing an inseparable relationship with the ball. It's his understanding of how young players learn, how the game works, and down to earth approach that makes him so compelling as a trainer.