JK Tallinna Kalev is undergoing one of the most radical overhauls in its modern history. Over the past two months, club president Ragnar Klavan has taken full control of day-to-day operations, bringing in new leadership, new coaches, and a sharper focus on youth development.
Speaking at a meeting with parents and young players at Mustamäe State Gymnasium, the former Estonia captain outlined an ambitious vision. “Sometimes I haven’t said it clearly enough — Kalev’s future is youth. They are our DNA, our foundation, and our future,” Klavan said.
Major changes behind the scenes
Since August, Kalev has parted ways with former sporting director Joel Lindpere and brought in a new team led by Thomas Maibaum (sporting director) and Madis Metsmägi (head of youth development), both from Nõmme United. Former Paide Linnameeskond coach Ivan Stojković has also joined as head of the performance phase for older youth teams.
The new structure divides youth development into three stages:
- Foundation (U6–U11), led by Ander Aavik, focusing on basic skills and love for the game.
- Development (U12–U16), overseen by Diogo Marinho, concentrating on technical ability.
- Performance (U17–U21), under Ivan Stojković, emphasizing individual growth and readiness for senior football.
Rande returns to lead U21
Among the notable arrivals is Randin Rande, returning from Canada to take charge of Kalev’s U21 team. He replaces veteran forward Ats Purje, who remains with the senior squad as assistant coach and youth mentor. Rande brings with him Marinho, who will lead the development phase, as well as Serbian fitness coach Petar Jović, goalkeeper coach Shemek Konczy (Poland–England), and a Portuguese physiotherapist.
According to Maibaum, the club has increased investment in foreign coaches by €80,000 annually. “None of us earns huge salaries, but we needed more people — the right people,” he said. From the U17 level upward, each team will now have a five-member staff: head coach, assistant, goalkeeper coach, physiotherapist, and fitness trainer. “We have no excuses left not to be successful.”
Raising standards — and costs
The reforms extend beyond the pitch. Kalev recently purchased an indoor mini-field on Kalda Street and continues to use the Raja indoor hall and central artificial turf as main training bases.
Uniformity and professionalism are also central to the new culture. Players will be required to wear official club clothing at all times — from training to travel. For parents, that means new kits, training gear, and leisurewear worth several hundred euros. The presentation of these costs drew audible gasps in the room.
“No one will play without the correct kit,” Maibaum said firmly. “This is part of professionalism — if you don’t start early, it’s too late later. We want to look and act like professionals at every level.” The club has promised to assist families facing financial hardship.
A push for Estonia’s best talents
Kalev’s goal is to become the undisputed leader in youth football — both in structure and in results. Maibaum said the club will step up scouting efforts to attract the best young players from across Estonia. “Too many teams have five or six good players who never come together. We want to be the club that talented players and motivated parents want to join because they know how good we are.”
Competition will also intensify. “From U15 upwards, this is no longer children’s football. Everyone must earn their place — in training, in attitude, even outside football,” Maibaum warned.
Furthermore, Klavan confirmed that membership fees will rise to help cover growing expenses but dropped an earlier idea of a community levy. “We’ve had to make big investments,” he said. “But this is what it takes to make Kalev a benchmark for youth football in Estonia.”
Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/suur-pilguheit-kalevi-revolutsiooni-maibaum-ehmatas-lastevanemaid-purjet-asendab-valismaalt-naasnud-eestlane
