About US

Lauren Holiday and Tamba Samba, both of whom grew up playing travel soccer for Ben Davis Spirit, have an unparalleled passion for providing a similar platform to aspiring young athletes. This shared background and their unwavering dedication ensure that their project is bound to succeed. Tamba Samba, the visionary behind Next Academy and a former D1 soccer player at the University of Notre Dame, brings a unique combination of athletic prowess and entrepreneurial acumen to the table. Accompanying him is Lauren Holiday, a decorated athlete with achievements such as being a World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist, and an inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

With their collective skills and accomplishments, they form an unstoppable team ready to conquer any challenge. Their joint mission to rejuvenate travel soccer on the Westside is poised for resounding success, as they utilize their extensive networks, expertise, and unwavering passion to pave the way for the next generation of talented athletes to reach unprecedented heights.

FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COACHING
The University of Notre Dame 10’

  • Tamba Samba

    FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COACHING

    Tamba Samba, originally from Liberia, West Africa, grew up in the vibrant Westside of Indianapolis. He played travel soccer for the Spirit team until it disbanded. Later, he joined the first Westside United teams and showcased his skills against top talent. Samba's talent caught the attention of recruiters from the University of Notre Dame, where he played for four years. He then went to Norway to pursue a professional contract. He returned to the US due to an injury and underwent surgery.

    Currently, Samba works as a UX design lead for Salesforce and is co-founder and CEO of a tech startup, COSA. He is a passionate soccer lover and aims to provide opportunities for kids to experience the game's benefits. As the founder of Next 11 Academy, Samba is aiming to assemble a dedicated coaching staff to create a premier soccer program on the Westside. His impressive achievements include being the first-ever first-team All-State men’s soccer player at Ben Davis, winning the first sectional championship, earning 3 monograms for Notre Dame, and being recognized as part of the All-M.I.C Conference 25th Anniversary Team. Samba's vision is to replicate the success of the former Spirit program and help talented players reach their full potential.

  • Lauren Holiday

    SUPPORTER

    Lauren Holiday, a soccer legend from Indianapolis, Indiana, has left an unforgettable mark on the sport. Her passion for the game, unwavering belief in herself, and commitment to empowering others have fueled her extraordinary career. From her high school achievements to becoming a vital player in the USWNT's victories at the Olympics and World Cup, Holiday's impact on and off the field is immeasurable. Her journey, marked by triumphs and personal challenges, exemplifies strength and resilience. Today, Holiday continues to inspire as a mother and an enduring symbol of excellence in soccer.

Name Origin

In soccer, the name "Eleven" represents the traditional numbering system that assigns specific positions to each player on the field. This system, often referred to as the "1-11 numbering," has been used historically and is still commonly associated with the positions players occupy during a match. Each number corresponds to a particular role, and understanding these positions helps analyze team formations and strategies.

The name "Next 11 Academy” is a meaningful representation of our mission to cultivate the next generation of players, the next eleven. We embrace the spirit of teamwork and unity. Just as the eleven players in a soccer team work together towards a common goal, we strive to foster collaboration, resilience, and personal development in our young athletes.

Next 11 Academy, although sharing a name element, is a distinct entity from the Indianapolis-based professional soccer team Indy Eleven.