Meet Artem Shchekunov of Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Artem Shchekunov.

Hi Artem, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started not with a big stadium, not with investors, and not with grandiose statements. It all started… with ordinary children and a deep love of soccer.

I always knew I wanted to work with children. I had years of coaching experience, a UEFA A license, experience in various countries, and students who had gone on to join the academies of top European clubs and even national teams. But that wasn’t what mattered most to me. What mattered most was seeing a child’s eyes light up when they kicked a ball for the first time.

When I moved to the United States, I didn’t have a business. I didn’t have a field, a team, or stable groups. I only had an idea, knowledge, and experience—I wanted to do something special for the youngest children. Not just training sessions, but a first introduction to soccer as a game, as a source of joy, and as a way to learn through movement.

Everything changed the moment I began sharing my European approach to teaching children through soccer with directors and educators in daycares. I explained them that in Europe, working with young children isn’t just about playing with a ball—it’s part of a structured developmental system, focusing on coordination, attention, discipline, critical thinking, and self-confidence.

When they learned about my experience, my UEFA A license, my methodology, and how children are trained in professional European academies, they became genuinely interested. It was from that moment that the real growth of my project in the United States began, working with children aged 2.5 to 6 years called Atlanta Soccer Alphabet.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening my own business in the US and doing what I love and do best was a personal challenge for me. Of course, there were some difficulties at first, primarily related to the language barrier (I’m from Ukraine) and the paperwork, which required understanding numerous local cultural nuances and regulations.
However, over time, I gained the trust of those around me, who recognized me as a professional and helped me navigate many of the finer details—for which I am immensely grateful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been involved with soccer my entire life, since the age of seven. At 21, I retired from professional soccer due to circumstances in my home country and began a career as a soccer coach. Over the past 11 years, I’ve coached teams that have participated in international tournaments in Belarus, Lithuania, and Latvia.

I hold a UEFA Category A coaching license, and several of my players have been selected for the Ukrainian youth national teams. I also have two higher education degrees: in economics and physical education, which have been invaluable in building and managing my business.

I love watching children develop and grow through soccer, and I consider this my lifelong mission.

Any big plans?
As a parent, I believe the most valuable and rewarding investment I can make is my children’s development, so I have big plans for the future. I hope to open my own soccer club for children aged 7 to 12, allowing them to continue training after completing my preschool programs. This way, they will be able to fully benefit from my soccer training methods and develop both as individuals and players, achieving advanced soccer skills.

This is what I know and do best in life. Of course, creating such a system will take time, but I am optimistic and determined. My ultimate goal is to create a structured pathway that will prepare young players for the professional level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atlantasocceralphabet.com