We built FTBL Academy to be the antidote to the “Rec vs. Club” dilemma. We are the FTBL Way.
We believe football is an academic subject, not just an athletic activity. It requires the study of geometry, physics, and psychology. Our mission is to treat every player not as a number on a roster, but as a student in a classroom, providing them with the technical fluency and tactical literacy to play this game at the highest level—and love it for a lifetime.
Our Mission
The Landscape is Broken.
If you are a parent in Pasadena today, you are forced to choose between two extremes:
The Promise: Fun and community.
The Reality: Inconsistent coaching, chaotic environments, and a “ceiling” on your child’s development.
The Promise: Elite competition.
The Reality: High burnout, transactional rosters, “joystick coaching,” and a relentless focus on winning U10 trophies at the expense of long-term skill.
We created FTBL Academy to fill the massive gap in the middle. We combined the community spirit of a local school with the curriculum rigor of a European academy.
Football is an academic subject, not just an athletic activity. It requires the study of geometry (spatial awareness), physics (ball mastery), and psychology (resilience).
We Are Educators First. Our staff are not just former players; they are certified teachers of the game. Their job is not to win games for their own ego, but to transfer knowledge to your child.
To the Student: We promise to never bench you for making a mistake. In fact, we encourage it. The Lab is a safe place to fail, because failure is the raw material of growth.
To the Parent: We promise to treat your child as an individual project. We will provide transparent feedback via the Player Passport, honest communication, and a clear developmental roadmap. We will never sell you a dream we cannot deliver; we will only sell you the work required to achieve it.
Our Philosophy
We offer a high-quality alternative and supplement to standard club soccer and AYSO.
We focus on individual technical growth, not just team tactics or winning the next weekend tournament.
Our Semi-Private and Small Group sessions ensure your child isn't just a face in the crowd. They get direct, actionable feedback.
We build leaders on and off the pitch, emphasizing respect, integrity, and discipline alongside dribbling and shooting.
From our "Fundamentals" stage (U8-U12) to "Youth Development," our curriculum grows with your child.
Our primary training ground is Eaton Blanche Park. You will always receive a location confirmation upon booking.
Weekdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Closed on Sundays.
We offer a free introductory evaluation session for new players to assess their skill level and ensure our program is the right fit for their development goals.
Soccer cleats tied, shin guards under socks, enough water, and proper training athletic attire or FTBL Academy training tees.
We play through light rain unless conditions become unsafe. We follow the City of Pasadena’s field closure guidelines.
Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your session.
FTBL Academy is a development institution. We accept students based on potential and coachability.
Whether you are escaping the chaos of Rec soccer or looking for an advanced technical edge, the proof is in the training. Come meet the coaching staff, see our session model in action, and watch your child fall in love with the game.
Open to All Levels