Former Croatian Technical Director Romeo Jozak becomes majority owner of U.S-based Soccer Academy
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Lesh Shkreli and Romeo Jozak
Blast FC is the longest running soccer club in Central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Croatia’s Romeo Jozak has made a significant investment to become majority owner of Blast FC Soccer Academy, the longest running soccer club in central Ohio.
Jozak, the former technical director of the Croatian Football Federation – who was largely responsible for developing the bulk of Croatia’s 2018 World Cup finalists, including Real Madrid superstar and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric – will take on the role of CEO and Club Director. His responsibilities will include boosting the academy’s development curriculum, bolstering the staff with coaches from both the region and abroad (including Croatia), and exploring opportunities to build a state-of-the-art training facility, among others.
“I’m excited for this opportunity and look forward to enhancing Blast’s ongoing commitment to training young, passionate players who truly love the game of soccer,” said Jozak. “Blast FC has an incredible history and reputation in the region, and that will not change. In fact, it’s only going to get better. Whether they aspire to play competitive travel and for their high school, or beyond in college and/or professionally, Blast FC will be the go-to premier place for young players to achieve their objective of becoming better soccer players.”
Jozak, a PhD in Soccer Science and the author of the official Development Curriculum of the Croatian Football Federation, has worked in almost every role in Croatian football. He began his career in 2000 at Dinamo Zagreb, where he nurtured the potential of future superstar and Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric, as well as several other World Cup finalists. From 2010 to 2017, he held various roles with the Croatian Football Federation, including Technical Director. Jozak is also a former lecturer and technical instructor for UEFA, and has served as Head Coach for Polish club side Legia Warszawa S.A. and the Kuwait National Team. He holds a UEFA pro license.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Blast FC’s 35th anniversary,” said Lesh Shkreli, who has been with Blast FC since the club’s inception in 1986 and will continue to take an active role as Director of Coaching under Jozak’s leadership. “We have worked hard to establish ourselves as a leader in the central Ohio soccer community and to continually improve the soccer experience for our players. We feel that the partnership with Romeo and his investment in the club will open doors for our players, their families and coaches, and is the next step in the evolution of Blast FC Soccer Academy.”
Founded in 1986, Blast FC Soccer Academy has guided more than 1,000 young players to collegiate soccer teams across the nation, including 12 Blast players who have continued on to the professional level. The club has won more than 100 State Championships, advanced to the USYS Regional Semifinals six times, the USYS Finals three times and has one Regional Championship. Blast has also competed for the USYS National Championship twice.
For more information about Blast FC, visit www.blastfc.com.
