About Us
Proven track record since 2016 in developing grassroots to elite-level players.
Holistic approach to player growth using our Four Corners Principle.
Direct pathway to professional football through Kalyan City FC (Men’s) and Queens United FC (Women’s).
Our Centers are strategically located across two major Indian states.
Led by experienced & qualified professionals passionate about the game.
At Elite Sporting Academy, football is not just a game—it’s a journey of growth, discipline, excellence and enjoying the beautiful game.
Vision / Our Purpose
o be the best grassroots specialist academy that helps players progress and flourish into a well- rounded Footballer with an amazing Character by nurturing a lifelong love for football while instilling desire, dedication, loyalty, and respect towards the game and the Club/Academy.
We want to guide the players to first aim to represent at State, National, and International levels.
We want to encourage every player to embrace growth with humility, becoming not only skilled athletes but also respectful, grounded individuals.
At ESA, we believe in valuing the process and the journey above immediate results, trusting that true success will follow.
Our Approach / How we Work / Mission
We deliver a structured and progressive football development pathway through age-appropriate training ( _Blended Training_ ), technical training, tactical understanding, social development, physical conditioning and Psychological development.
We provide mentorship, guidance, and competitive opportunities to help players apply their skills in real-game situations.
We foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, learning, and resilience, we ensure every player grows at their own pace, steadily but surely, embrace challenges and makes continuous improvements on and off the field.
Values – Elite Sporting Academy (ESA)
1. Dedication, Hard Work & Commitment – Giving 100% effort in training and games, staying focused, and striving for continuous improvement.
2. Responsibility – Being accountable for actions on and off the field, and taking ownership of growth.
3. Respect – Treating teammates, coaches, opponents, and the game with consideration and courtesy.
4. Integrity – Acting honestly, ethically, and with fairness at all times.
5. Fair Play – Competing with honor, following rules, and valuing sportsmanship above winning.
6. Passion for Football – Loving the game in every action, inspiring enthusiasm, and spreading positivity.
7. Resilience & Humility – Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and staying grounded despite success.
8. Leadership – Guiding, inspiring, and supporting teammates while setting a positive example.
9. Smart – Making intelligent decisions on and off the field, understanding the game, and acting wisely under pressure.
10. Wise – Applying learning and experience to make thoughtful choices in all situations.
11. Bravery – Facing challenges courageously, taking calculated risks, and showing determination.
12. Teamwork / Collaboration – Working effectively with others, valuing collective success over individual glory.
13. Discipline – Following rules, maintaining focus, and committing to consistent effort in training and life.
14. Creativity / Innovation – Thinking differently, experimenting with new skills, and adapting to changing situations.
15. Perseverance / Grit – Persisting through challenges and setbacks with determination.
16. Learning / Growth Mindset – Embracing feedback, seeking improvement, and viewing challenges as opportunities to grow.
Champion School at a Glance
Mission Statement
Our mission at Champion school is to develop the unique abilities and potential of each child by offering an enriched educational program. We strive for excellence through a hands-on approach. Rich traditions rooted in our innovative curriculum grow productive, caring, and intellectually curious citizens.
Our Core Values
We have a culture that is modern, relevant, and inspires students to have a brighter future. We are determined in our approach to learning, are creative in our thinking, and bold in our ambitions.
Our Philosophy
We, at Champion School, follow a child-centered educational approach. We make sure that it is based on scientific observations from birth to adulthood. We believe that a child is naturally curious and is capable of initiating learning in a supportive and thoughtfully prepared environment.
🌟 *Our Story – Elite Sporting Academy (ESA)*
*The Beginning – A Dream Reignited*
Elite Sporting Academy was founded in 2016 by Mr. Lester Peters, a former State and National player from India, with a singular mission: to revive the love for football, instill values and character, and inspire young players to achieve what he could not. In a region once renowned for its footballing culture, Lester observed a decline in interest, overshadowed by material pursuits. He wanted to bring football back to its rightful place in the hearts of children.
*From Player to Coach – A Journey of Transformation*
Having debuted in the 2nd Top Division at just 16, Lester showed immense potential to reach the international stage. However, a major injury, coupled with lack of professional guidance, career planning, and step-by-step rehabilitation, ended his playing career prematurely. Depressed, frustrated, and disillusioned, he stepped away from football, working on a cruise line in America and later at the U.S. Consulate General in India. This period transformed him from a player-focused mindset to a coaching-focused perspective, ultimately driving him to pursue FA coaching licenses and dedicate his life to developing players in India.
*Global Learning – Building a Unique Philosophy*
Before starting ESA in India, Lester sought first-hand international coaching experience, spending time in Dubai and China to study modern training methods, observe elite academies, and understand global football and player development practices. This exposure allowed him to develop ESA’s unique philosophy and methodology, which continues to evolve with the latest trends in football coaching.
*Humble Beginnings – From Two Kids to a Movement*
ESA started humbly, on a municipal ground with only two enrolled children, uncertain if the space would even be available the next day. Cones, balls, and equipment were carried back and forth by Lester himself, often dealing with scooters and bikes interrupting practice sessions. Parents sometimes questioned the value of football over studies, and player attendance was inconsistent. Despite the challenges, Lester’s vision and determination laid the foundation for something bigger.
*Milestones & Growth – From 2 to 3000+ Players*
Within a year, ESA overcame the early struggles and achieved its first milestone of 100 players, trained by the academy’s coaches. Players went on to represent their State while the academy expanded to over 3000+ trained players. ESA now operates three centers in Kalyan, Maharashtra, including the Elite Football Arena 9v9 ground — the first fully self-funded football-specific ground in the region — and one center in Karnataka, India. The academy has also developed senior men’s and women’s teams: Kalyan City Football Club and Queens United Football Club, fully funded and managed by ESA.
*Beyond Football – Creating Social Impact*
Beyond the field, ESA has made a significant social impact. We’ve connected with children and parents to educate them about the life-changing benefits of football, balancing sport and academics. We’ve coached children from rural areas, municipal schools, and even Tibetan communities, helping grow interest in football in previously underrepresented areas. ESA’s presence has not only increased participation in local youth leagues but also inspired new football academies, created job opportunities, and strengthened the football ecosystem in the region.
*Building the Future – More Than Just Players*
ESA and its entire team are committed to learning and improving every day, with the aim of being the best in the industry. We focus on building not only players, but also referees, scouts, coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, event managers, coordinators, operations managers, fans, and sports medicine specialists through teaching football.
*Looking Ahead – A Global Vision*
Looking ahead, ESA plans to expand globally, establishing a minimum of three centers on each continent, spreading the love for football and nurturing talent worldwide.