TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Developing Complete Athletes On and Off the Pitch
At XL Academy, our soccer program is built on a professional-style training model designed to develop complete athletes — technically, tactically, mentally, and emotionally. Training grows with each student, beginning with movement and coordination in the elementary years and evolving into elite, academy-level performance by high school.
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Our coaching team prioritizes discipline, leadership, and character, ensuring that students succeed not only on the field, but in the classroom and in life.
PHILOSOPHY HIGHLIGHTS
Rooted in Player Development. Driven by Excellence.
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AGE-APPROPRIATE
PHYSICAL LITERACY
Foundational movement, coordination, and athletic confidence built through safe, developmentally appropriate sessions.
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TEAMWORK, HUMILITY & LEADERSHIP
Character-centered coaching that builds responsibility, communication, and respect, essential on and off the pitch.
PROGRESSIVE TECHNICAL & TACTICAL TRAINING
A curriculum designed by USSF A-licensed coaches & former professionals, emphasizing skill mastery and intelligent decision-making.
MENTAL PERFORMANCE & COMPETITIVE RESILIANCE
Training that develops focus, confidence, emotional control, and the ability to thrive in competitive environments.
GAME UNDERSTANDING & ANALYSIS
On-field learning reinforced through classroom sessions, video breakdowns, and real-time feedback to deepen game intelligence.
PLAYER SAFETY, RECOVERY, & LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT
A monitored training model that prioritizes recovery, minimizes overload, and supports long-term athlete development (LTAD).
ELEMENTARY TRAINING PROGRAM
Lake Nona Campus | Grades 1–6
Foundations in Fitness, Play, and Confidence
The Lake Nona program introduces students to physical literacy through daily PE, games, and movement-based learning. Our goal is to build a strong athletic and academic foundation — coordination, confidence, teamwork, effort, and joy in physical activity.
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As students reach upper elementary grades, they transition into more structured soccer training, learning technical skills and basic tactical ideas through engaging drills and competitive play.
WHERE YOUNG ATHLETES BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY
Designed for whole-child development, our elementary training environment nurtures physical literacy, confidence, and character—preparing young athletes for long-term success.​
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Program Highlights:
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Daily movement-based PE for younger students
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Small-sided games that encourage creativity
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Foundational soccer skills learned through play
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Confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship emphasized
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Professional-style training introduced in upper elementary
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Balanced schedule supporting strong academic performance
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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL TRAINING PROGRAM
Winter Park Campus | Grades 6–12
Advancing Toward Excellence. A Pathway to College & Pro
Winter Park operates as our performance training hub. Students participate in structured, academy-style sessions designed to build high-level technical precision, tactical understanding, soccer IQ, and competitive resilience.
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Training supports student goals — whether high school competition, college recruiting, MLS NEXT, USL Academy, or international pathways — while balancing NCAA-approved academics.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRAINING, ELEVATED
At our Winter Park campus, training is designed to mirror the standards and structure of top collegiate and professional environments. Student-athletes advance through purposeful, high-intensity sessions that build technical precision, tactical intelligence, and physical readiness—all while supporting their academic success.​
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Program Highlights:
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Professional-level training sessions
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Position-specific coaching and advanced tactical modules
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Video analysis + match review capabilities
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Exposure to showcases + college recruiting
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Strength, conditioning, and recovery training
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Academic scheduling designed for student-athletes
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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
Pathway to Performance:
A Development Model Built for Every Stage of the Student-Athlete Journey
At XL Academy, our soccer curriculum is designed by USSF A-licensed coaches, UEFA Pro License coaches, Former English Premier League players as academy directors, former MLS professional players, and NCAA Division I–III coaches. This collaboration brings a modern, research-driven, and athlete-centered training model to every grade level.
From elementary movement development to advanced tactical instruction in high school, our curriculum prioritizes technical growth, game intelligence, physical literacy, safety, injury prevention, recovery, and long-term athlete development (LTAD). Each phase prepares students for success—whether their goals include academy advancement, collegiate play, or professional pathways.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & GAME UNDERSTANDING
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Technical skill progression
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Tactical awareness in real game scenarios.
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Game understanding based training sessions.
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Individual development pathways tailored to each athlete.
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PLAYER SAFETY, HEALTH, & MONITORING
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Sportsmanship and emotional control.
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Accountability and personal discipline.
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Responsible decision-making in high-pressure moments.
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eam-first mindset and service-oriented leadership
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ACADEMIC-INTEGRATED
LEARNING
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Classroom based tactical breakdowns
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Pre and post-game video analysis.
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Data supported reflection and learning
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Sport science principles integrated into decision making
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CHARACTER, LEADERSHIP, & CULTURE
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Sportsmanship and emotional self-control.
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Accountability, work ethic, and discipline.
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Leadership opportunities in training and competition.
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Responsible decision-making under pressure.
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TEAM DEVELOPMENT & MATCH IQ
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Functional training and positional responsibilities.
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Non-results-based development to build growth mindset
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Competitive fixtures that encourage maturity and resilience
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​Authentic game-pressure and emotional management
LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT (LTAD)
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Age-appropriate physical literacy in early years.
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Gradual progression of technical, tactical, mental, and physical load.
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Emphasis on sustainable, long-term pathways—not short-term outcomes.
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​Consistency with high performance development standards
THE XLA COACHING TEAM
Where Elite Coaching Meets Individual Development.
Our licensed coaching staff brings international, collegiate, and professional experience to every session. Their mission goes beyond training — they mentor student-athletes into disciplined, resilient leaders.
ALAN SMITH
Director of Soccer
Alan Smith brings exceptional pedigree to XL Academy as a former English Premier League standout with more than 600 professional appearances. Throughout a storied career with Leeds United, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, Alan trained under some of the most influential managers in modern football — shaping his deep understanding of development, discipline, and high-performance culture.
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At XL Academy, Alan has transformed his experience as an academy graduate, Premier League professional, and England international into a comprehensive training philosophy. His work informs the Academy’s curriculum, culture, and long-term athlete development model, ensuring every student-athlete receives world-class guidance rooted in character, resilience, and excellence.
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"The goal of The XL Academy is to produce National Team players while giving every student the opportunity to perform to their greatest potential on the field and in the classroom."
PLAYING BIOGRAPHY
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England National Team 2001—2008
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Leeds United 1996—2004
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Manchester United 2004—2008
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Newcastle United 2008—2012
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MK Don Player Coach 2012—2014
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Notts. County Player Coach 2014—2018
GARY TEALE
Athletic Director
As a former professional winger with an extensive career in the English Premier League and Scottish Premiership, Gary Teale has competed at the highest levels of international football. With over 300 professional appearances—including representing Scotland on the international stage—Gary brings a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience to XL Academy.
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At XL Academy, Gary leverages his journey from academy standout to World Cup-level competitor to influence every training environment. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, intelligent movement, and the mental resilience required for success at the professional level. Through his leadership, Gary continues to shape a culture built on discipline, creativity, and a deep understanding of the modern game.
"Having the opportunity to work with students passionate about soccer whilst instilling core life values through the power of soccer is a core principle of the XL Academy."
PLAYING BIOGRAPHY
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Scotland National Team 2006-2009
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Clydebank 1996-1998
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Ayr Utd 1998-2001
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Wigan Athletic 2001-2007
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Derby County 2007-2010
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Sheffield Wednesday 2010-2011
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St Mirren FC 2011-2015
LUKE BODEN
ACADEMY COACH
Luke Boden joins XL Academy with years of professional playing experience across the English leagues and Major League Soccer. Known for his intelligence, consistency, and leadership as a defender, Luke now focuses on developing technically sound, tactically aware players. His commitment to excellence and mentorship helps student-athletes grow both on the pitch and as young professionals.
PLAYING BIOGRAPHY
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Sheffield Wednesday 1996-2011
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Orlando City 2011-2017
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Tampa Bay Rowdies 2017-2018
CLAUDE DAVIS
ACADEMY COACH
Claude Davis is a former Jamaican international defender whose career spans more than a decade across the English Premier League, Championship, and international competition. Known for his power, leadership, and commanding presence on the back line, Claude represented Jamaica in multiple Gold Cups and World Cup qualifying cycles. His experience competing at the highest levels of world football fuels his coaching approach, emphasizing discipline, intelligence, and defensive mastery. At XL Academy, Claude brings a calm, professional demeanor and a passion for helping young players grow in confidence, character, and tactical understanding.
PLAYING BIOGRAPHY
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Jamaica National Team – 69 Caps (2000–2009)
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Portmore United – 1997–2002
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Preston North End – 2003–2006
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Sheffield United – 2006–2007
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Derby County – 2007–2009
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Crystal Palace – 2009–2011
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Crawley Town – 2011–2014
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Rotherham United – 2013–2015
RADIM KOHUT
ACADEMY COACH
Radim “Frank” Kohut is a highly respected European coach with deep roots in Czech professional football and international development programs. With experience across academy, professional, and international youth environments, Frank is known for his technical detail, high-tempo training methodology, and player-centered development approach. At XL Academy, he blends his European coaching education with modern performance principles to help players improve decision-making, technique, and overall football intelligence.
PLAYING BIOGRAPHY
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Czech Republic Youth National Team
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FC Banik Ostrava
KEEGAN WALKER
ACADEMY COACH
Keegan Walker brings a strong developmental coaching background shaped through years of youth, club, and academy-level leadership. Known for his detail-oriented approach and ability to elevate players through technical repetition and high-intensity sessions, Keegan focuses on developing confident, intelligent, possession-minded athletes. His coaching emphasizes discipline, consistency, and a deep understanding of the modern game — helping every player grow both on and off the pitch.
COACHING BIOGRAPHY
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Elite Youth Development Coach (USA)
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Technical Skills Specialist
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Academy & Club-Level Coaching (Various age groups)
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Individual Player Development Programs
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College-Prep & Showcase Support
TIBOR BAKO
ACADEMY COACH
Born and raised in Hungary, Tibor Bako brings European football methodology and professional-level training standards to XL Academy. With a career rooted in disciplined player development, Tibor specializes in building technically sound, tactically aware athletes capable of competing at the highest levels. His coaching style blends structure, creativity, and competitive drive — creating an environment where student-athletes learn to think, adapt, and perform.
COACH BIOGRAPHY
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UEFA-Influenced Youth Academy Coaching
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U.S. Academy & Competitive Club Coach
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Technical Training Programs (All Levels)
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Individual & Positional Development Sessions
ALEX MATHIAS
GOALKEEPING COACH
Alex Mathias brings more than 20 years of global coaching and soccer operations experience to XL Academy, specializing in goalkeeper development, elite performance pathways, and program leadership. His career spans professional clubs, collegiate programs, national teams, and international academies across the United States and Brazil. Known for his technical expertise and holistic approach, Alex is dedicated to developing goalkeepers who are confident, disciplined, and prepared for the demands of high-level competition.
COACH BIOGRAPHY
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20+ years in elite coaching and soccer operations
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NCAA Division II Assistant Coach & GK Coach (Rollins College)
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World Champion Coach – Brazilian Armed Forces Women’s National Team (2009)
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Professional, collegiate, and academy experience in the U.S. and Brazil
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Former Director of Goalkeeping and Director of Coaching
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Specialist in elite goalkeeper development and performance pathways
