A player is

never finished.

Year-round development for players U7–U18 at The Lab in East Pasadena. Small-sided, technical training that builds the player first — then the team. Find the program that fits yours.

how we're different

Not a club.
Not a stepping stone.
A place to learn the game.

Most programs are a conveyor belt from rec to club, club to the next club. FTBL isn’t that. We develop the player: touch, technique, reading the game, the will to compete. Built over seasons, not sold as a shortcut. Your player keeps their AYSO or club team. We coach; you decide where they play on Saturday.

The five programs.

Pick your program. Pick your pace.

Same curriculum. Same six-part session blueprint. Same uncompromising standard. What changes is the setting — group, semi-private group, private, camp. Find the one that fits your player right now.

The curriculum standard stays high — the frequency is up to you.

No. 1 · ages 4-10

Foundation One

60 min · mon-sat · group training

Group training for players starting their journey. Ball mastery, first touch, 1v1 skill and confidence - the base everything else is built on.

No. 2 · ages 8-14

Foundation Two

60 min · mon-fri · group training

The advanced group. Same five skills, developed quicker, under pressure.

$150 / MONTH

One day a week

Multi-sport athletes or busy students who want to keep their touch sharp.

$225 / MONTH

two days a week

The standard for serious improvement. One day of learning, one day of mastering.

$300 / MONTH

three days a week

Full immersion. Players obsessed with the game see rapid technical changes.

No. 3

Semi-Private

60 min · by appointment

Small group. Private attention. Invite only by level.

No. 4

Private

60 min · by appointment

One player, one coach, one hour. Fix a specific gap.

No. 5 · by invitation

Academy Teams

U7 - U13 · competition

Train and play in a competitive enviroment.

Meet the coach.

Founder · Head coach · Director of development

Coach Rafael

I started FTBL in 2020 because most clubs weren’t doing what they said they were doing. They said development. They ran scrimmages. So I built a curriculum — individual first, team last. A brilliant team isn’t built from average players in a good shape. It’s the byproduct of brilliant individuals in every position. Build the player. The team takes care of itself.

So I built what I wish had existed when I was coming up. I call it The FTBL Way — individual first, team last, thousands of touches, both feet, every session. Technique. Intelligence. Intensity. No shortcuts. No theater.

Every session we coach is built on the same blueprint. Thousands of touches. Both feet. Every session. Every minute is touches on the ball. That’s the promise.

The brain.

Vision for the game.

The feet.

Mastery of the ball.

The heart.

Grit and growth.

Three Paths. One Mission.

Where is your player today?

Just Starting Out

An introductory curriculum designed to build coordination, confidence, and comfort on the ball.

Ready to Level Up

Team practice ignores individual footwork. We fix the technical flaws holding them back.

Ready to Compete

A year-round competitive team program. Local games and a focus on long-term player development.

Our Training Philosophy

Team practice focuses on the team.
We focus on your player.

01

Individual Technical Development

Start your child’s soccer journey with Pasadena’s best fundamental training. We build correct mechanics and early ball mastery to ensure a confident first AYSO season.

02

Methodology Over Motivation

Current club and rec players need a proven system to reach the next competitive tier. Our methodology refines technique so athletes can stand out at tryouts and earn more playing time.

03

Confidence Through Competence

Advanced athletes require a high-intensity environment to sharpen their decision-making under pressure. We train the match-day competence required to excel in Southern California’s toughest youth leagues.

Schedule & Pricing

Pick your program. Pick your pace.

The curriculum stays elite — the frequency is up to you.

160+ Five-Star Reviews

Pasadena parents trust FTBL.

160+ Five-Star Reviews

Common Questions from Pasadena Parents

Boys and girls ages 6 to 18. We have specific programs for every stage: Foundation One (Ages 4–10), Foundation Two (Ages 8–13), and Academy Teams (U6 – U13).

No tryout needed for Foundation One — registration is open to all! For Academy Teams and Foundation Two, we conduct a brief evaluation to place players in the right group for their development.

Absolutely. Foundation One and Two are supplementary training — we’re club-neutral. Many of our players train here AND play on other teams. Our Academy Teams are the only program that functions as a team commitment.

Our training location is at 3100 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. We’re centrally located for families in East Pasadena, Hastings Ranch, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Arcadia, and San Marino.

Club teams focus on winning games. We focus on building players. Most club practices are tactical (formations, set pieces) with little time for individual technical development. Every minute at FTBL is spent making your child a better individual player — the skills that actually determine their ceiling.

See it for yourself.

Book a free trial class and watch your player light up. No commitment, no pressure — just great coaching.