What started with a young boy's love for soccer in Smederevo, Serbia, grew into a mission to bring people together through sport.
Today, Bogdan SKLZ brings children from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities together. Here, every child belongs, every athlete matters, and the values learned on the field reach far beyond the game.
Before the facilities, the programs and the growing community, there was a young boy in Serbia who simply loved playing soccer.
Bogdan Milovanovic grew up in Smederevo, Serbia, where soccer was a constant part of his life. He trained, played and developed a love for the game that would stay with him long after childhood.
At the time, he could not have known how far that passion would take him.
Bogdan came to the United States to pursue his education, continuing to play soccer at the college level while adapting to a new country, new people and new opportunities.
His experience shaped the way he saw the world: different backgrounds, cultures and languages could come together through a shared love for the game.
Life took Bogdan in different professional directions, but his connection to soccer never disappeared.
Through coaching, building relationships and working with young athletes, he found a way to turn a lifelong passion into something meaningful for others.
No matter where life took him, soccer always brought him back to what he loved.
Behind every program, every training session and every new opportunity is a person who genuinely believes in the potential of young people.
For Bogdan, working with children has never been simply about teaching soccer. It is about building relationships, earning trust and creating an environment where young people feel encouraged to become their best selves.
Guided by kindness, honesty, responsibility and hard work, Bogdan brings these values into everything he builds. His positive energy, approachable nature and genuine connection with children have become an important part of the Bogdan SKLZ community.
Children are at the center of his vision. He believes every athlete deserves to be seen, supported and challenged, regardless of their background, experience or ability.
Soccer may have shaped Bogdan's journey, but music has always held a special place in his heart.
He loves to sing, share a good moment and bring people together — another side of the personality that makes him who he is.
Years of dedication built the foundation. A partnership rooted in shared values helped open the door to an exciting new future.
A new home for SKLZ and the community in Syracuse.
Bogdan SKLZ had already been growing for years, built through Bogdan's passion for soccer, his dedication to young athletes and the trust he earned from families throughout the community.
Then came a partnership that would help take that vision further.
Rich Burritt, of Burritt Motors, recognized Bogdan's commitment, his ideas and the genuine care behind his work with children. What connected them was a belief that investing in young people could create a lasting impact.
Their partnership helped bring the vision of a dedicated sports facility in Syracuse to life, creating new opportunities for training, development and community activities.
A dedicated home for Bogdan SKLZ and new opportunities for athletes, families and the wider Central New York community.
Less than a year after the Syracuse facility project, work began on another ambitious development, extending the vision even further.
Bogdan's journey from Serbia to the United States helped shape a place where different cultures, languages and nationalities come together. At SKLZ, what matters is how we treat one another, how we work and how we grow.
Every child deserves the opportunity to belong. Every athlete is expected to show respect, put in the work and keep growing.
Our athletes bring different stories and experiences. Everyone is treated with dignity, and everyone is held to the same standards of respect and sportsmanship.
Progress comes through practice, consistency and accountability. We encourage children to challenge themselves and take ownership of their development.
Confidence, discipline and leadership should make a difference beyond training — at home, at school and wherever life takes our athletes.
Young athletes come first. The families, coaches, visiting teams, facility guests and partners around them help extend the positive impact of the SKLZ community.
Explore Our ProgramsWhat began with one person's passion for soccer continues through every young athlete who walks through our doors. We're building opportunities for children to develop their skills, strengthen their character and discover what they're capable of achieving.
Better Athletes. Better People. Future Leaders.
