Welcome to FTBL Academy: The Training Club (“FTBL Academy,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). This page outlines the rules, regulations, and privacy practices that govern our relationship with players, parents, and guardians. By registering your child for any FTBL Academy program, using our website, or entering our facilities, you agree to these terms in full.
Last Updated: January 19, 2026
We are committed to protecting the privacy of our players and their families. This section explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data, particularly regarding the TIPS Model tracking and our digital tools.
Parent/Guardian Information: Name, email address, phone number, billing address, and payment information (processed via secure third-party gateways).
Player Information: Name, date of birth, gender, medical conditions/allergies, and uniform size.
Performance Data (The TIPS Model): We collect data related to your child’s athletic development, including but not limited to: technical assessment scores, video analysis of gameplay, attendance records, and “10k Touch” app progress logs.
Program Execution: To organize training groups, communicate schedules via Spond, and manage billing.
Player Development (IDPs): To generate Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and track progress over time using our proprietary auditing methods.
Communication: To send newsletters, weather alerts, and academy updates via Mailchimp or Spond.
Safety: To provide emergency medical personnel with necessary information in the event of an injury.
We utilize trusted third-party services to operate our academy. We do not sell your data. By using our services, you acknowledge that data may be processed by:
Spond: For team communication and scheduling.
Mailchimp: For email marketing and newsletters.
Payment Processors: (e.g., Stripe/Square) for tuition collection.
Video Analysis Tools: For technical breakdown of player performance.
FTBL Academy provides services to children under the age of 13. We require parental consent for the collection of any data regarding a child. By registering your child, you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your child’s information for the specific purposes of athletic training and development as outlined herein.
Soccer is a physical sport involving contact, speed, and equipment. In consideration of being allowed to participate in FTBL Academy programs:
Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge that participation involves inherent risks of injury, including but not limited to: sprains, fractures, concussions, collisions with other players or equipment, and environmental hazards (heat, rain, uneven turf). You knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown.
Release of Liability: You, for yourself and on behalf of your child, heirs, and next of kin, hereby RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS FTBL Academy, its owners, directors, coaches, employees, volunteers, facility owners, and sponsors from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liabilities arising out of or related to any injury, disability, or death, or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of the releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
FTBL Academy is a “Technical Lab” that relies heavily on photo and video analysis for development and marketing to showcase our methodology.
Grant of Rights: You grant FTBL Academy the irrevocable, unrestricted, and perpetual right to use, publish, and distribute photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings of your child captured during academy activities.
Usage: These materials may be used for:
Player Analysis: Internal feedback and IDP reviews (TIPS Analysis).
Marketing: Website content, social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), brochures, and advertising materials.
No Compensation: You understand that no compensation will be provided for the use of such media, and you waive the right to inspect or approve the final product.
In the event of an emergency where a parent/guardian cannot be immediately reached:
You authorize FTBL Academy staff to obtain emergency medical care for your child.
You consent to the administration of first aid, CPR, and transport to a medical facility.
You agree to be financially responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment or transport.
FTBL Academy operates on a culture of respect and discipline.
Player Conduct: Players must respect coaches, teammates, and the facility. Bullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior will result in immediate dismissal from the program without refund.
Parent Conduct (Sideline Policy): We enforce a “Silent Sideline” regarding coaching. Parents are encouraged to cheer but must not coach or instruct players from the sidelines. Hostility toward coaches, referees, or other parents is grounds for membership termination.
Tuition & Cancellations: Unlike many clubs with strict “no refund” policies, FTBL Academy aims to be fair and understanding of family circumstances. Tuition may be refunded if the Academy Director receives sufficient advance notice. To request a cancellation or refund, parents must send a direct message or email to the Head Coach explaining the reason for the cancellation before the billing cycle or program date occurs. Refund approval is at the discretion of the Director based on the timing of the notice.
Missed Sessions (Make-up Policy): We encourage players to train as much as possible and understand that illness or conflicts happen.
Flexibility: Any missed session can be made up on any other day that training is in session for your player’s age group.
No Expiration: Make-up credits do not expire. You may bank them and use them when your schedule allows.
Tracking: FTBL Academy does not track individual missed sessions or “attendance credits.” It is the responsibility of the parent/player to manage their own make-ups and attend additional sessions to recover the training time.
Weather: In the event of session cancellation due to severe weather (e.g., lightning, flooded fields, poor air quality), these sessions are treated as standard “Missed Sessions” and can be made up on any future training date of your choice.
Withdrawal: While we are flexible, we appreciate as much notice as possible (preferably 30 days) if you intend to withdraw from a recurring monthly membership to allow us to adjust our coaching staffing ratios.
FTBL Academy is not responsible for the supervision of players before or after their scheduled session time.
Parents must ensure players are picked up promptly at the end of the session. Repeated late pickups may result in additional fees or removal from the program.
If any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of law, that provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
By registering for FTBL Academy, checking the “I Agree” box during enrollment, or participating in any FTBL activity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms listed above.
FTBL Academy: The Training Club
Pasadena, CA
coach@ftblacademy.com
ftblacademy.com
Q: Is FTBL Academy a club or just a clinic? A: We are a Technical Training Club. Think of us as a “Laboratory” for individual development. While we have Academy Teams that compete, our primary product is the player, not the team. Many of our members play for traditional clubs on the weekend and come to us during the week to sharpen their technical skills and football IQ.
Q: My child plays for another club (AYSO/Club). Can they still train with you? A: Absolutely. We are the perfect supplement to team training. While their team coach focuses on tactics and winning games, we focus on your child’s ball mastery, 1v1 confidence, and “Football GPA” (TIPS).
Q: What is the TIPS Model I keep hearing about? A: TIPS stands for Technique, Insight, Personality, and Speed. It is the framework we use to measure your child’s development. Instead of just looking at goals scored, we track their growth in these four pillars to create their Individual Development Plan (IDP).
Q: What happens if my child misses a session? A: We have a very flexible “Family-First” make-up policy. If you miss a session due to illness, travel, or school, you can make it up on any other day that training is in session for your age group. We do not track these make-ups, and they do not expire. It is on the honor system—just bring your player to an extra session when you can!
Q: How do I cancel my membership? A: We understand that circumstances change. To cancel, simply message or email Coach Rafael with a brief explanation before the next billing cycle. We are flexible with refunds if given sufficient notice.
Q: What happens if it rains? A: In the event of severe weather (lightning, flooded fields, or poor air quality), we may cancel the session for safety. We communicate this immediately via the Spond App. Rainouts are treated as standard “Missed Sessions” and can be made up on any future training date.
Q: How do you communicate with parents? A: We use the Spond App for all daily logistics, schedules, and weather alerts. We use email for billing and monthly educational newsletters. Please ensure you have Spond downloaded and notifications turned on.
Q: What should my player wear/bring? A: We treat the field like a classroom. Players should arrive in their FTBL Academy Training Kit (shirt, shorts, socks), shin guards, and cleats. They must bring their own properly inflated soccer ball and plenty of water. Looking the part is the first step to acting the part.
Q: Can I cheer for my child during training? A: We encourage positive cheering, but we enforce a “Silent Sideline” regarding coaching. Please do not shout instructions (e.g., “Pass it!”, “Shoot!”). This distracts players and prevents them from making their own decisions. Let the coaches coach and the players play.
Q: Do you have teams? A: Yes. We have Foundation Academy groups (ages 6-12) focused on skill acquisition, and competitive Academy Teams for players who are ready to compete under the FTBL philosophy. Placement is based on a player’s TIPS evaluation.
Q: My child is a beginner. Is this too intense for them? A: Not at all. Our Foundation One program is specifically designed for beginners to fall in love with the ball. We group players by ability, not just age, so your child will always be challenged at the right level (“Goldilocks” zone)—never too easy, never too hard.