A few days after making the post about Lucas’ journey through the soccer pyramid, I got the chance to finally meet him in person at our tournament. Super humble kid, respectful, confident, and genuinely excited for his next step with LAFC Academy (MLS NEXT). You can immediately tell when a player is prepared for the next level, not just technically, but mentally too. Lucas carries himself the right way and represents exactly what long-term development is supposed to look like. ECNL RL ➡️ ECNL NL ➡️ LAFC Academy (MLS NEXT) That climb is earned through years of consistency, patience, and hard work. No shortcuts. Wishing Lucas nothing but success in this next chapter at LAFC Academy. Proud of the journey he’s had so far and excited to see what comes next for him. 👏⚽️

Hey Elite Soccer Academy fam! Big coaching call tonight -- here's what we covered and what you need to do NOW. NUTRITION FORM -- ACTION REQUIRED If you were on the call, check your chat -- the nutrition form is in there. If you missed it, message me and I'll send it your way. Nutrition Intake Form (Click Here) Here's what to do: 1. Open the Google Doc link 2. Click File > Make a Copy (save to your Drive) 3. Fill it out completely and honestly -- what you eat, when you eat, allergies, everything 4. File > Download > PDF 5. Send the PDF to me in Skool DMs This form is exclusive to players who show up to coaching calls. I'm going over every single response and sending you back personalized meal recommendations based on what YOU actually eat. No generic advice -- this is built around your food, your schedule, your game days. Parents -- your help filling this out is welcome and encouraged. VIDEO ANALYSIS RECAP Shyla, Zidane, Oscar -- you all got individual feedback tonight. Main themes across the board: find the open space, create width, and when you have a move that works, commit to it every time. For everyone else -- start recording your games. Bird's eye view if possible. Send your clips to me on Skool and we'll get you on the next call. -- Coach Jessie | Elite Soccer Academy 24

Hey ESA24 family! Just dropped something inside the community that every parent and player needs to grab right now. It's called the Shin Splints Recovery Guide — a full PDF built specifically for soccer players ages 6-16 using current sports science research. I put this together because I kept seeing players sit out way longer than necessary just because they didn't know what to do. Here's what's inside: - How to diagnose shin splints at home - The full R.I.C.E. protocol broken down simply - Daily stretching routine for fast recovery - Phase 1 and Phase 2 strengthening exercises - Cross-training options to stay fit while healing - Week-by-week return to play protocol - Nutrition tips to speed up healing - Parent Q&A quick reference This is the same approach I use with my players inside the 6-month program. No fluff, no guessing — just a clear plan to get your player back on the field faster and stronger. Download it in the resources section. And if you know another soccer parent who needs this, share it with them. Drop a comment below — has your player dealt with shin splints before? What worked? Let's help each other out. See you on the field. Coach Jessie | Elite Soccer Academy 24

I’ll be reviewing player game footage on the next coaching call. If you want feedback: - Send your footage ahead of time or bring it live - Best: bird’s-eye view (Veo, elevated angle) - No setup? Still send it. Ground-level, portrait or landscape is fine - Just make a real effort to capture the game clearly Now the important part… Every player needs to show up. I’m giving out a nutrition questionnaire that I’ll use to build personalized meal samples for each player. - Simple, realistic meals - No overcomplicated plans - Built around what players will actually eat - Designed for performance You don’t get this level of coaching if you don’t show up. Players who take advantage of this separate themselves fast.

Tonight’s coaching call was focused on one thing: how to properly fuel your body before and during games so your performance doesn’t drop in the second half. We broke down: - What players are currently eating and drinking at halftime - Why most athletes are under-fueling and losing energy late in games - The difference between carbs vs protein timing (and why protein is NOT your halftime priority) - Why high-carb, low-fat, low-protein snacks are the key to immediate energy - The importance of electrolytes, sodium, and hydration for maintaining performance - Why certain foods like oranges, dairy, and high-fiber snacks can actually hurt performance mid-game - How to choose snacks that are fast-digesting and game-ready - Real examples of top halftime options like: Applesauce packets (quick energy, low fiber) Bananas (in moderation) Pretzels (for sodium + hydration support) Dried fruits (high carb, fast fuel) We also answered player questions on: - Protein shakes (when to use them and when NOT to) - Meat/protein snacks vs carb-based snacks - Managing stomach discomfort during games - How to test what works best for your body Bottom line:If you don’t fuel correctly, your second half will suffer. Simple. Now it’s on you to apply this, test it, and build your routine. 📌 Attachment: Halftime Nutrition Guide (Recommended Snacks + Amazon Link To Purchase)