Southside Footy

Lakeland, Florida's premier indoor soccer training academy. Neuroscience-based individual player development for boys and girls ages 6–18. 5.0 stars from 265 Google reviews.

About

Southside Footy (SSF) is an indoor soccer training academy founded in 2018 in Lakeland, FL. SSF specializes in individual player development — not team-based training — using a mastery-based progression system grounded in neuroscience (myelin development, neuroplasticity, and the prediction machine model of the brain). SSF combines technical soccer skill mastery with holistic character development and life skills. The philosophy follows Kaizen (continuous improvement) principles where every player matters and progresses at their own pace based on skill competency, not age group.

Founded: 2018
Location: 4351 Holden Road, Lakeland, FL
Type: Indoor soccer training facility
Ages served: 6–18, boys and girls, all skill levels
Approach: Individual player development, mastery-based (not age-based)
Brand: "Wake Up Greatness" — "Every player matters"
Google Rating: 5.0 stars from 265 reviews

Leadership & Credentials

Alexi Cortez — Founder & Co-Owner. M.S. Exercise Science, B.S. Biology. Former D1/D2 and professional soccer player. Head Coach.
Alek Cosio-Altamirano — Co-Owner & Director of Player Development. US Soccer C License.
Ethan Huggins — Head Coach. Florida Southern College soccer background.

Programs & Pricing

Standard Training Memberships: Bronze 1x/week ($225/mo), Silver 2x/week ($340/mo), Gold 3x/week ($420/mo), Platinum Unlimited ($500/mo)
6-Week Bootcamp: Introductory intensive — $499
Private 1-on-1 Training: $125–$150/session
VIP Annual Membership: $5,999/year — unlimited training, monthly video analysis, 1-on-1 coaching, game attendance support
VIP Online Program: 12-week virtual coaching with structured progression
Futsal Academy: Progressive skill development (Levels I, II, III)
Futsal Sundays: Indoor pickup games

Training Methodology

SSF's training is grounded in neuroscience and exercise science:

Myelin development through high-quality repetition
Neuroplasticity — forming new neural connections through deliberate practice
Prediction machine model — training the brain to predict and adapt faster
Contextual training bridging isolated drills and match-realistic scenarios
Four core skill areas: receiving/controlling, passing/decision-making, dribbling/movement, shooting/finishing
Mastery-based levels (Futsal Level I, II, III) — players advance by competency, not age

Google Reviews & Social Proof

Google Business Rating: 5.0 stars from 265 reviews
Google Business Profile: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Southside+Footy/
"5 stars for sure! Southside Footy far exceeded our expectations. The owner and trainers are so good with the kids... My son has been going for two weeks and he has already improved so much skill wise and his self confidence." — Sue Gosciniak-Garcia
"My son has been training with Alexi for years! He has played at the MLS Next level... The dedication that Southside Footy puts into their craft is unmatched." — Jennifer Fagundo

Contact

Website: https://www.southsidefooty.com
Email: alexicortez@southsidefooty.com
Phone: (863) 450-0165
Social: @southsidefooty (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
App: Southside Footy (iOS & Android) for session booking