Providing a strong foundation for a successful college soccer experience
STRIVE SOCCER ACADEMY
DEVELOPMENTAL SOCCER PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DEVELOPMENT
Academic
Athletic Social
EDUCATION
College Transfer Process
EXPOSURE
College Placement
This is a college soccer program at St. Petersburg College designed to prepare students for the academic, athletic and social demands of college soccer. It is a residential program, open to domestic and international student athletes. The Strive Soccer Academy curriculum was developed by several college coaches with over 50 years of combined successful coaching experience. The program mirrors the NCAA two semester model.
The program is open to domestic and international student athletes who have recently graduated from high school and have a desire to spend a year developing athletically, academically and socially in preparation for college, are invited to participate.
We welcome prospective student athletes who aspire to compete and find the right fit in college soccer. All participants will be evaluated prior to being accepted into the program. Qualified candidates will be evaluated based on academics and athletics.
SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. St. Petersburg College offers more than 180 degree and certificate programs of study, and many high-demand, high-skill industry-recognized workforce certifications. Serving more than 14,000 students, the 40-acre Clearwater Campus opened in 1965 and is noted for its environmental-friendly facilities.
At SPC, you'll find online support, career counseling, a personalized learning plan, small class sizes and caring, dedicated faculty who want to see you finish strong.
​
We offer proven resources like free tutoring, campus learning centers and small group workshops to help you every step of the wa
One year of college soccer experience, take in-person college courses, play against college teams and retain 4 years of eligibility to compete in college.
ACADEMY DIRECTOR
CRISTIAN NEAGU
Cristian Neagu is a 2004 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. He was an NJCAA National Champion and a first-team All-America selection at Bryant & Stratton College in Syracuse, N.Y., before helping VCU to consecutive Colonial Athletic Association titles in 2002 and 2003.
Neagu has experience as a professional player, spending time in both the Major Indoor Soccer League with Baltimore Blast and the United States Soccer League with Richmond Kickers.
​
Cristian is a former North Carolina assistant coach/recruiting coordinator and Stetson University Head Coach. Neagu made a strong impact on the Hatters during his first Stetson season, guiding Stetson to the ASUN Championship game. During his time in Chapel Hill, he helped lead North Carolina to a pair of appearances in the NCAA College Cup and two back to back ACC Regular Season Championships. UNC had a combined 31-7-5 over during Neagu’s tenure.
Certifications:
USSF "A" LICENSE
Education:
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (2004)
LOCATION
CLEARWATER - FLORIDA
