I finally got the pods in and every athlete in the group is getting baseline numbers. We’re keeping this simple and tight. Each player will go through 2–3 short reaction and speed tests so I can track their quickness, agility, and overall performance. This isn’t a one-off. These tests will be repeated every one to three months so we can monitor real improvement and hold everyone accountable. If they’re getting faster, the data will show it. If they’re not, the data will show that too. Parents, I need ONE thing from you before testing: comment your child’s BIRTH YEAR.Not their age. Their birth year. This lets me set up their BlazePod profile correctly so the system can compare their numbers against age-appropriate standards and track progress over time. Once the profile is created, every test gets logged automatically. You’ll know exactly: • How fast they react • How quick they change direction • How much they improve every test cycle • Whether they’re keeping up with expectations for their age This helps me coach smarter and helps your kid get sharper and more competitive. Drop their birth year in the comments now.I’ll take care of everything else.

I wanted to share a quick update with everyone about my interview with LAFC’s affiliate club, LAFC SoCal. The conversation with their director and manager went strong, and I’m feeling optimistic about what’s ahead. The final decision isn’t in yet because the club is heading into their winter break, but I’ll be getting clarity in January once they confirm how many teams are available for me to coach. In the meantime, they’ve invited me to come out and observe their sessions during January. That alone is a big step forward and a sign that things are moving in the right direction. This is a huge moment in my coaching journey. I haven’t been coaching for decades, but I’m committed, I’m growing fast, and opportunities like this show that the work is paying off. I’ll continue sharing every part of this process, wins or losses, because that’s what this community is about. Essentially, part of my job would be to develop young players and help them prepare for trials with LAFC's (1st team) Academy. If everything lines up, I’ll be joining LAFC SoCal and possibly even setting up fun scrimmages between some of you guys here at Elite Soccer Academy and your teams down the line. 😃 I’ll keep everyone posted as soon as I get the final word. Appreciate all of you who support the work we’re doing here.

Quick reminder that next Tuesday’s workout will be at The Forge and it will be a strength and conditioning focused session, not our usual on field Elite Soccer Academy training. This is an optional (free) session to get an extra workout in & staying active for the Thanksgiving holiday week. Date 11/25/25 Time 6 to 7 p.m. Location The Forge Training Facility 968 Palomares Ave, La Verne, CA 91750 Who is this for This session is for committed players who want to improve their strength, power, and explosiveness, along with a bit of reaction and speed work. What to bring - Athletic sneakers (no cleats inside the gym) - Comfortable training clothes - Water bottle What to expect - Strength and power based exercises - Controlled, safe learning environment inside a private gym - Coaching on technique so players learn how to use the gym correctly for performance, not just to “lift weights” If your player is coming, comment “FORGE” under this post so I can get a head count and plan the layout.

Parents, many of your players are wrapping up their fall season. Some still have scrimmages. Some have light training. Some have nothing until January. I want to keep every player sharp through the next few weeks, not sliding backward because the season slowed down. I am planning to offer a few extra free sessions to help everyone stay consistent, but I need to know what your schedule looks like over the next couple of weeks. Please vote below and then comment your player’s exact schedule so I can plan the bonus sessions. Poll options 1. Still have full team training 2. Only scrimmages or light sessions 3. Season is done and off until January 4. Mixed schedule and changes week to week In the comments write • Your player’s availability on weekdays and weekends • Any travel days or holiday conflicts • If they want extra sessions during the break Your engagement here helps me build out a smart training plan for the whole group. The more I know, the more I can help your athlete stay sharp and confident through the holidays. Let’s stay consistent. Comment your schedule below.

Next Tuesday I am running a free performance session inside a private training facility called The Forge. It is a clean, professional gym with turf and training space that is perfect for speed, strength, and athletic development. This session is only for athletes ages 12 to 17. We will keep it fun, safe, and educational while learning proper gym techniques, movement prep, and power drills. I’ll even have our players run through an awesome & tough workout to burn some extra calories before Thanksgiving. 😅 This is a bonus session for all ESA24 athletes in this age range. The Forge may also become our official indoor backup location for weather emergencies, so this will give everyone a preview of the space. Please pick a time slot so I can plan stations and control group size. Location: The Forge 2300 Florence Ave, La Verne, CA 91750 (Located right off the 210 freeway near the university.) Pick your time below and comment why that time works best. We will try to run a class that majority of students choose when it comes to the preferred time slot. Poll Options: - 5:00 to 6:00 pm - 6:00 to 7:00 pm - 7:00 to 8:00 pm - 8:00 to 9:00 pm