Confidence on the Ball Starts Here.

The premier youth soccer training academy in Pasadena, CA. We specialize in technical development, ball mastery, and building complete players. From beginner classes to elite club teams, discover the best soccer program in the San Gabriel Valley.

The Foundation Phase

Fundamental Technical Training

“I want to learn the basics without the pressure.”

Perfect for beginners. We strip away the pressure of games to focus purely on coordination, confidence, and building a friendship with the ball. Start the right way.

The Technical Lab

Advanced Player Development

“I play on a team, but I need to improve my technique.”

You have a team; now get the edge. Join us for supplemental training to fix mechanics, sharpen skills, and get the individual reps that team practice misses.

The Academy Pathway

Competitive Soccer Teams (Pasadena)

“I am ready to train and compete in the FTBL system.”

For families ready to move beyond recreational leagues. A year-round, immersive environment focused on tactical insight, game intelligence, and competitive growth.

Teams for: U7, U9, U11, U13

Proudly Training the Next Generation of Pasadena Talent

FTBL Academy is more than just a training ground; we are a hub for youth soccer development in East Pasadena. Conveniently located on Del Mar Blvd, we serve families from Hastings Ranch, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Arcadia, and San Marino.

Whether your child is taking their first steps in our Foundation One classes or competing at the highest level in our Academy Teams, we provide a professional, safe, and inspiring environment right in your backyard. Stop driving hours for elite coaching—it’s right here in Pasadena.

The FTBL Methodology: Technical Mastery First

Modern soccer demands more than just athleticism. It requires elite technical skill and rapid decision-making. Unlike recreational leagues that focus solely on games, our curriculum prioritizes individual player development.

We focus on three pillars of performance:

Ball Mastery: Total comfort with all surfaces of the foot.
Soccer IQ: Teaching players how to think, not just how to run.
Confidence: A player who can control the ball is a player who loves the game.

FTBL Academy has been a game changer with helping my son improve his soccer skills. We spent the past few seasons doing a local youth soccer league but unfortunately we weren’t seeing the improvement/challenge that my son wanted. We stumbled upon FBTL academy and after speaking with Rafael, it seemed worthwhile to give it a try. After the first lesson, my son was hooked on doing the drills and is always practicing what he learns. After being 6 weeks in, my son is always looking forward to practice and we are noticing improvement week by week. Definitely a place to consider when looking for sessions that work on actually improving kids skills while providing a fun atmosphere.

FTBL Soccer Training has been fantastic for my son. It’s really helped him develop his skills, improve his conditioning, and gain confidence on the field. We’ve seen great progress in both his ability and his love for the game! Thank you to all the coaches / FTBL!

My daughters love it! They've been doing it for about 2 months now, twice a week, and I can see huge improvement on them! Coach Rafael and his assistants are awesome! Highly recommend!

My son has been training with FTBL Academy for a few months now, and he has shown so much improvement and confidence. Coach Rafa and his team are amazing. Definitely recommend!

My 10 year old daughter started training at FTBL Academy and loves it. The coaches give attention to each kid and pushes them to be their best. They change up the drills for each training session to keep it not repetitive. Would recommend for anyone looking for kids soccer training!

My 7 yo son never played any soccer before joining FTBL. Right off the bat he loved it. He didn’t have any other friends that joined with him and he still had a great time. Rafael has a great program for beginners and goes all the way up. You can drop in any day of the week if you missed a class or if you have a conflict with schedule. Classes are an hour with about half doing drills and the other half playing 1v1 or 2v2. Great program!

My son absolutely loves it. Coach Rafael is fantastic. He is patient, knowledgeable, and really knows how to make training fun while teaching skills. I’ve noticed huge improvements in his confidence and technique since joining. He looks forward to every session. Highly recommend FTBL to any parent looking for a positive and productive soccer program.

Finally - a coach and program who focuses on skills and player development, not just games! So important at young age to learn how to play and develop a love of the game, really appreciate the approach FTBL Academy takes. Keep it up!

My 10 yr old son has been training with FTBL for about 3 months now and I’ve seen great improvement with his footwork and ability to control the ball. Their training incorporates real game scenarios and plenty of 1v1 and 2v2. My son had his first game last weekend after a few month hiatus and he was so much more confident and dominated on the field.

We have enjoyed this program so immensely. Rafael is such an incredible coach. He challenges the kids and also supports them in the best way. Nothing heals the heart and soul like sport and I have seen my son‘s self-confidence skyrocket.

FTBL Academy has been great for my daughter. It’s helped get her in shape for the season and keep her in shape in the off season. The coaches are tough, helpful, and hold the kids accountable. I would recommend FTBL academy to anyone looking to improve their game and sharpen their skills!

Coach Rafael and his team are great. They have excellent teaching skills and really want the players to succeed. My child was lacking confidence, since coming to Rafael the confidence level has improved and her performance has been so much better. I would highly recommend FTBL Academy.

Rafael and his coaches are great at keepingy kids engaged and moving. I love how every training session is different and how Coach Rafael corrects the kids on the spot so they do not keep making the same mistake. Love FTBL!

We love Ftbal Academy! My daughter played on the team this last season and we started the trainings this past summer. We already see tremendous growth in her development !! She loves the trainings and her teammates. The coaches are very skilled and patient, they help each child individually and as a group. Thank you so much !! We appreciate you guys 🙂

My son has been doing Futbol Academy trainings for three months and the results are impressive. His footwork has improved immensely. He’s averaging 2 goals per game and playing excellent defense. The trainings are fun and challenging and I highly recommend them for any child who is interested in improving the their skills!

FTBL academy has been great for my son. He's already in a club, but the focus on skills and drills he doesn't get a lot of at club has been extremely helpful for his growth. Highly recommend.

Our 14 year old son did semi-private weekly trainings with FTBL Academy over the summer. The training was always well organized and tailored to the specific needs of our son. Rafael was an awesome resource for information and did a great job connecting with our son.

FTBL Academy, along with Coach Rafa were brought to my attention by a great friend of mines Coach Juan. My son Jeremy has been attending the skills training classes for almost a year now. So very please with not only the skills training that he has received, but I am also pleased with the environment that Rafa and his staff have created for the kids to learn!! I couldn't ask for a better place to be!! 3-2-1 FUTBOL ACADEMY!!! 😎

Adrian, 7 years old, absolutely loves FTBL Academy. He is learning an impressive array of tricks and skills, all while having a fantastic time. Most importantly, his passion for soccer continues to grow. FTBL Academy is dedicated to developing both skills and a love for the game, creating the perfect combination for success. As a parent, it's wonderful to see Adrian so excited and engaged, knowing he is in a supportive and encouraging environment. So very please with not only the skills training that he has received, but I am also pleased with the environment that Rafa and his staff have created for the kids to learn!! I couldn't ask for a better place to be!! 3-2-1 FUTBOL ACADEMY!!! 😎

My son has attended FTBL Academy group training twice a week for 3 months now and he truly enjoys it. The kids definitely get a lot of touches regardless of level of skill which has definitely improved my son fundamentals, confidence and cardio. He has worked with 4 different coaches on different day/sessions and they've all been great. I can't speak for the private or more advanced groups but we've found value in the beginner and intermediate group trainings.

Our six year old daughter loves FTBL! It’s a fantastic place for kids to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment. The coaches are excellent and they do an amazing job of fostering a love for the game. My child absolutely loves being part of this league, and as a parent, I couldn't be happier seeing them learn and grow.

So glad we found FTBL Academy! I was looking for a training program that focused on the fundamentals while still allowing kids to be kids. The focus on fundamentals, creativity, and fun is the perfect environment for growth and long term love for the game. Thanks Rafael and the whole FTBL Academy team!

My wife found FTBL Academy through Google, we were researching soccer training for our 7 year old daughter. After reading the reviews and speaking to the owner Rafael we gave it a try. We loved it immediately as did our 7 year old. The training has improved our daughters soccer skills immensely as she continues to improve. We also appreciate the flexibility and understanding on rescheduling training days. Rafael has been great with open communication and with his training with our daughter. We would definitely recommend FTBL Academy.

My son has been to several different soccer training programs, and so far he has had only positive things to say about FTBL academy. Since starting with Rafael, his ball handing and touch as well as his confidence has improved noticeably, and my son actually enjoys going to classes.

My daughter is 10 and has been doing group training at FTBL academy for over 3 months. The sessions are well planned out and run very efficiently, incorporating many different type of drills including 1v1 and 2v2 which really puts her skills to the test. It’s been a great session for developing and improving her skills and I’ve already noticed improvement. She also has a great time and enjoys every session! I’m so glad we found FTBL academy, I highly recommend it!

Build Your Schedule

We offer three enrollment tiers based on how fast you want to develop. The curriculum remains elite; the frequency is up to you.

Foundation One

Foundation Two

one day a week

Best For: Multi-sport athletes or busy students who want to keep their touch sharp without burnout.

two days a week

Best For: The standard for serious improvement. Two days allows for one day of “Learning” and one day of “Mastering.”

three days a week

Best For: Players obsessed with the game. Immersion in the methodology leads to rapid technical changes.

Common Questions from Pasadena Parents

Q: What ages do you train?

We offer comprehensive soccer training for boys and girls ages 6 to 18. We have specific programs for every stage: Foundation One (Ages 6–10), Foundation Two (Ages 8–13), and High School/Academy levels.

Q: Do I need to try out?

For our beginner Foundation One classes, no tryout is required—registration is open to all! For our advanced Academy Teams and Foundation Two groups, we conduct evaluations to ensure players are placed in the correct environment for their development.

Q: Where are you located?

Our primary training facility is “The Lab,” located at 3100 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. We are centrally located for families in East Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley.