Everything you need to know about soccer training at Southside Footy in Lakeland, FL. Can't find your answer? Contact us or call (863) 450-0165.
We train boys and girls ages 6 through 18, at every skill level from complete beginners to advanced competitive players. Our mastery-based progression system means your child trains based on their skill level, not their age, so they're always challenged at the right pace.
Yes. We offer a free first session so your child can experience our training environment and coaching style firsthand. Schedule your free session here — just answer two quick questions and we'll place your child in the right group.
Three things set us apart. First, we specialize in individual player development — not team-based training — so every session focuses on making your child a better player. Second, our training methodology is grounded in neuroscience (myelin development, neuroplasticity, and the prediction machine model of the brain), which means we train smarter, not just harder. Third, we combine technical soccer skills with life skills like resilience, discipline, and confidence. Our founder Alexi Cortez holds an M.S. in Exercise Science and played D1/D2 and professional soccer. We have 265 Google reviews at a perfect 5.0-star rating.
Sessions follow a progression from warm-up and technical foundations, through contextual skill application with pressure, into decision-making scenarios, and finally match-realistic play. We focus on four core skill areas: receiving and controlling, passing and decision-making, dribbling and movement, and shooting and finishing. Every session is designed to build on the last — your child isn't just practicing, they're progressing.
Just indoor soccer shoes (flat-soled) or clean sneakers, shin guards, water, and a positive attitude. We provide all balls and training equipment at the facility.
Both. Our mastery-based system has three levels (Futsal Level I, II, and III) that progress based on skill competency. Beginners build strong foundations. Advanced players sharpen technique under pressure. Everyone trains at their level and advances when they're ready.
Every membership includes access to our indoor training sessions led by certified coaches, skill progression tracking, and a supportive training community. Higher tiers include more weekly sessions: Bronze (1x/week, $225/mo), Silver (2x/week, $340/mo), Gold (3x/week, $420/mo), and Platinum (unlimited sessions, $500/mo). We also offer our VIP Annual Membership ($5,999/year) which adds monthly video analysis, 1-on-1 coaching sessions, and game attendance support. See all membership options.
The difference is training frequency. Bronze is 1 session per week — great for getting started. Silver is 2 sessions, where most players see meaningful improvement. Gold is 3 sessions for players serious about rapid development. Platinum is unlimited — train as much as you want. More sessions means faster progress, but any level is a strong starting point.
Yes. We want families here because they want to be here, not because they're locked in. Reach out to our team and we'll take care of it. Contact us at alexicortez@southsidefooty.com or (863) 450-0165.
Absolutely. Our 6-Week Bootcamp ($499) is designed exactly for this — 2 sessions per week to experience our coaching and see real improvement before making a longer commitment. If your child continues into a membership, your bootcamp investment counts as credit. It's risk-free. Learn more about the Bootcamp.
It depends on their goals. Private 1-on-1 sessions ($125–$150/session) are ideal for targeted skill work, addressing specific weaknesses, or accelerated development. Group training builds competitive instincts, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to perform alongside other players. Many of our most successful players do both — group sessions for consistency and private sessions for focused skill sharpening. Learn about private training or explore group sessions.
Twice a week is the sweet spot for most players — that's enough frequency for the brain to build and reinforce neural pathways (myelin development) without burnout. Players training 2–3 times per week consistently for 8–12 weeks typically show noticeable improvement in ball control, confidence, and game performance. One session a week maintains skills; two or more sessions build them.
Futsal is a fast-paced, small-sided version of soccer played indoors on a hard court with a smaller, heavier ball. We use it because it forces more touches on the ball, faster decision-making, and tighter technical skills than outdoor soccer. Research shows futsal develops better ball control, spatial awareness, and creativity. Many of the world's best players — Messi, Neymar, Ronaldinho — grew up playing futsal. Our Futsal Academy runs three progressive levels.
Instead of grouping players by age, we group them by skill level. Our system has three tiers: Futsal Level I (foundations — ball comfort, basic control), Futsal Level II (intermediate — game-like scenarios, increased complexity), and Futsal Level III (advanced — pressure simulation, decision-making under stress). Players advance when they've demonstrated competency, not when they hit a birthday. See the Player Roadmap.
We track development through our progression system, coach observations, and for VIP members, monthly video analysis. Our coaches know every player by name and skill level. You'll see the improvement in their game performance, but we also provide structured feedback through coaching calls and development check-ins.
We encourage parents to be engaged but not overbearing. Drop-off is fine — many parents watch from our viewing area. What matters most is reinforcing the mindset at home: celebrating effort over results, encouraging consistency, and letting your child own their development. We provide free Parent and Player Playbooks with guides on supporting your child's growth.
This is one of the most common reasons parents bring their kids to us. Our environment is built to be a safe space where every player matters. We don't yell, shame, or compare players. We build confidence through mastery — when your child sees themselves improving, their confidence grows naturally. Many of our most confident players today walked in nervous on day one.
Most parents notice a difference within 4–6 weeks of consistent training (2x/week). The first changes are usually confidence and body language. Technical skill improvements (better first touch, sharper passing, more composed dribbling) typically become visible within 8–12 weeks. Our 6-Week Bootcamp is designed around this exact timeline.
We're separate from club or travel team programs, and that's intentional. We focus on individual player development — the skills, confidence, and technical ability that make your child better regardless of what team they play on. Many of our players train with us year-round and play on travel or club teams. The two complement each other perfectly.
We do work with families who have multiple players training with us. Contact us at (863) 450-0165 or alexicortez@southsidefooty.com and we'll find the right setup for your family.
We're here to help. Schedule a free session and see the training for yourself, or contact us directly. You can also call or text (863) 450-0165.