grow in skill and confidence

Technical Training for Pasadena Players Who Want More. Whether your child is outgrowing AYSO or feels lost in the shuffle of club soccer, we provide the individual skill development and confidence building teams often overlook.

find a competitive team for 2026

We are actively evaluating players to fill final roster spots for the upcoming Spring competitive season and 2026! Local games, professional coaching, and a focus on long-term player development over short-term trophies.

I am New to Soccer

I am New to Soccer

The Foundation Phase

“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.

I Play for AYSO/Club

I Play for AYSO/Club

The Technical Lab

“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.

I Want to Join a Team

I Want to Join a Team

The Academy Pathway

“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

The Wall of 100

Development is a marathon, not a sprint. We honor the players who have committed to the long-term process, completing over 100 training sessions at FTBL Academy. No shortcuts. Just dedication.

Spotlight

Spotlight

Started: Age 5 (Foundation I)

Current: Age 8 (Academy U9)

Juggle Record: 36

Quote: “I don’t get nervous anymore. I just rely on my training.”

Our goal is simple but profound:

to Educate, Empower, and Equip players, parents, and coaches with a genuine love for the beautiful game. We aren’t just building soccer players; we are building people with passion, dreams, and goals.

Jason
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.
Peter
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!
Flor
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!
Cindy
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!
TJ
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!
Jerry
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!
Arameh
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.
Harvey
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!
Sheila
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.
Cameron
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.
Emily
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!
Erica
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.
Matt
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!
Mallory
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 🙂
Kate
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!
Tyron
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.
Matthew
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.
Joseph
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!!! 😎
Lisa
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!!! 😎
Barry
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.
Aniela
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.
Paul
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!
Jason
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.
May
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.
Kristen
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.

Once a Week

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

Twice a Week

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

Three a Week

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