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News Detail

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10

Feb, 2020

Indy Vassilev, Savannah United Alum, Plays in English Premier League

Indiana "Indy" Vassilev, a Savannah United alumnus, made his debut in the English Premier League in January 2020.

Vassilev, a Savannah native, currently plays as a striker for Aston Villa. In his first game, Vassilev came off the bench in an FA Cup tie against Fulham and again days later in the League Cup Semi Final.

“You know every morning getting up that you will be facing the best at their sport,” says Indy when asked how it feels to play at the Premier League level. “It is extremely challenging but very rewarding at the same time.” He also plays for Aston Villa's U23 team.

Three short years ago he was selected to represent the USA at the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup.

“Only 20 kids from all of the United States were selected to play. An awesome achievement” says Dencho Vassilev, Indy’s father.
Indy got his start playing for Savannah United. His father, Dencho Vassilev, has been a coach for Savannah United for over 21 years and currently coaches the U8 Academy program. Coach Vassilev also used to play professionally, as did his father and grandfather before him.

In addition to a long family history of playing soccer, Coach Vassilev attributes a lot of his son’s professional success to his time with Savannah United. He began playing with the club at the age of five and played throughout his developmental years before leaving for IMG Academy in Florida. Vassilev spoke very highly of the Savannah United culture.

“Savannah United has a well-developed structure to where the kids flow from one age group to another,” says Vassilev. “There are knowledgeable coaches with very good experience at every age level, so there is no drop off.”

Vassilev knew Indy showed great potential from a young age and saw to it that he had the resources needed to develop his talent.

“It was immediately apparent that Indy was full of potential. There are certain things that cannot be taught, and they came naturally to Indy,” says Vassilev. When asked by parents of children looking to play professionally, he always has one simple piece of advice. “Don’t forget to let your kid be a kid. Recharge their batteries. Relax.”