An introductory curriculum designed to build coordination, confidence, and absolute comfort with the ball for the beginning player.
Why Mechanics Matter More Than Matches In the Foundation One phase, we deprioritize “winning games” to prioritize “winning the ball.” Many youth soccer programs in Pasadena rush players into competitive matches before they have the technical tools to survive them. This often leads to “kick-and-run” habits that are difficult to break later in a player’s career.
Our curriculum focuses on building the “Chassis”—the technical and physical base that supports all future development. By mastering Ball Mastery (using all surfaces of the foot), Motor Literacy (agility, balance, and coordination), and Twisting Mechanics (the ability to turn away from pressure), we give your child the confidence to hold onto the ball rather than panicking and kicking it away. This is the difference between a player who survives the game and one who controls it.
The “Pre-Club” Advantage Foundation One is designed as a bridge between recreational soccer and club competition. While recreational leagues rely on volunteer coaches, FTBL Academy provides professional, curriculum-based training typically reserved for older academy players.
We treat beginner soccer classes with the same seriousness as our elite training. Why? Because the age of 6 to 10 is the “Golden Age” of motor learning. The habits formed now—whether good or bad—will stick with a player for years. Our goal is to ensure your child learns the correct mechanics for passing, shooting, and dribbling from Day One, preventing the need for retraining later. Whether your goal is to eventually join our competitive Academy Teams or simply to build confidence on the playground, this program lays the groundwork for athletic success.
The Outcome
The goal is Confidence. We want students to graduate from Foundation One with their eyes up, not staring at their feet, ready to enter a team environment without anxiety.
Does your child belong in Foundation One?
We don’t guess. We evaluate. Book a free session to see if this is the right starting point.
Question 1: My child has never played soccer before. Is this class suitable?
Absolutely. Foundation One is specifically designed for beginner to intermediate players. We group players by ability, not just age, ensuring that brand-new players can learn the basics of ball control without feeling overwhelmed, while more advanced players are challenged with complex dribbling sequences. It is the perfect entry point for youth soccer training in Pasadena.
Question 2: How is this different from AYSO or local rec leagues?
The primary difference is the coaching. Recreational leagues are fantastic for community, but they rely on volunteer parents who may not have technical soccer knowledge. FTBL Academy uses professional coaches who follow a strict development methodology. We focus on individual technical development (the player) rather than team tactics (the game), ensuring your child actually improves their skills every single session.
Question 3: What equipment does my child need?
Players should come prepared with soccer cleats, shin guards (worn under socks), and a water bottle. We provide all training equipment, including balls, cones, and goals. We recommend FTBL Academy training gear to help build a sense of professionalism and unity within the group.
Question 4: What is the pathway after Foundation One?
Once a player demonstrates mastery of the core mechanics—dominating 1v1 situations, comfortable ball manipulation, and high soccer IQ—they graduate to Foundation Two, our advanced group training. From there, players are evaluated for roster spots on our competitive Academy Teams, which compete against other top clubs in Southern California.