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LAKELAND'S #1 LEADERS IN SOCCER TRAINING

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OUR PROMISE

EVERY PLAYER MATTERS

At Southside Footy, we promise to develop technically sound, mentally tough, and physically capable players. But more than that, we promise to care. We promise to push, inspire, and encourage every kid to become the best version of themselves, both as players and as people. We're not here for quick wins. We're here for long-term growth. That's the Southside way. Every player matters.

OUR MISSION

At Southside Footy, we're driven by a passion to instill determination, fuel skill, and lead with heart. Our values guide every step:

CHARACTER

We believe in unshakable character, where thoughts, words, and actions align.

COMPETITIVE GREATNESS

Competitive greatness means leaving everything on the field.

KAIZEN

We embrace Kaizen — knowing that discipline unlocks freedom.

JOGA BONITO

Joga Bonito reminds us to play beautifully, while owning our actions with 100% responsibility.

With our expert soccer coaches, every player matters, and we invest in their future by providing the care, attention, and opportunity they deserve to thrive both on and off the field.

The Squad

Meet the Coaches

Alexi Cortez

Co-Owner, Founder

Alexi, a native of St. Petersburg, FL, transitioned from his college and professional soccer career to establish a training academy. Seven years on, he remains dedicated to inspiring players of all ages and abilities. His mission is to demonstrate that while training to be a great soccer player is important, soccer is a powerful tool for learning essential character traits and mental resilience that extends far beyond the pitch.

Alek Cosio-Altamirano

Co-Owner, Director of Player Development

Alek brings over a decade of experience and a lifelong passion for soccer. From Fort Worth, TX, Alek played competitive soccer with clubs like Dallas Texans and Solar SC. He played D2 NCAA soccer at Florida Southern where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business and Free Enterprise. With a US Soccer Association C license, he integrates proven training methods to help athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.

Ethan Huggins

Head Coach

Ethan is a graduate student from Tampa, FL, currently playing for the Men's Soccer Team at Florida Southern College. He brings his passion and expertise to Southside Footy, where he has been a valuable team member. Ethan's goal is to elevate each player's athletic and teamwork abilities, leveraging his own collegiate soccer experience to offer targeted, insightful guidance.

THE SOUTHSIDE WAY

MORE THAN TRAINING

At Southside Footy, we provide results-driven soccer training in Lakeland that develops mentally tough, technically sharp, and physically capable players. But more than that, we promise to care. We push, inspire, and challenge every athlete to become the best version of themselves—both as soccer players and as people. We're not here for quick fixes. We're building lasting confidence, and real development. That's the Southside way.

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Players Trained

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Years Coaching

Masters

In Exercise Science

C License

From USSF

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Touches Per Session

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Every Single Day

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