LeftFoot Coaching Academy: Common Questions
Updated Scheduling and Cancellations Policy below
----Even MORE Answers!----
What Level is my daughter or son?
Typically the classification of play through MYSA is not a qualifier for how technical a player demonstrates their skills to be.
I’ve worked with u15 premier players that have the technical skills of a u11 player. In my system of training this player would be working in the Level 1 Academy to learn the process and technique to advance to a higher level of skill and match application.
Most players start at Level 1 but not always. New Player Orientation on the first Saturday of every month allows for players to be assessed and learn some of the patterns and culture of the LeftFoot Coaching Academy before jumping in. Be sure to sign up for NPO if you have not attended any LeftFoot Coaching sessions.
Can I only attend my Level of Training?
No, you can always go up or down a level of training with the permission of the instructor. In fact, I encourage every player to try their skills at a higher level of technical speed and abilities. Sometimes I require higher level players to come back down a level to refresh skills that they need to brush up or to instruct.
If you are u9 wanting to play with the Level 3’s I will think you’re nuts, but you can come and train with us if you want since that is how my best players got better. And if you don’t get the ball all day, don’t cry. But good job for trying, its good for you.
Why are the rates higher to begin?
For players to train at LeftFoot Coaching Academy I require a significant amount of discipline, coachability and attention from the player. I only want to work with players that are ready for a significant investment of time and energy to become better players. If my rates were lower, everyone would be a customer and I’d spend more time coaching everyone who wanted something great for less.
My time with a player is focused, energetic, passionate, precise and results driven. At the same time, I want to work with players for 3-4 years, so the price is higher and then lowers as you grow older within the Academy. I’ve found that there is a maintenance of the skills at a later time as your dedication to your club team increases.
What’s the difference between an Academy Package and Academy Training Sessions?
The Academy Package allows for players to purchase more sessions and more frequency based on the number of overall sessions they want to attend.
The Academy Training Sessions allows players to come into the Academy for a less discounted rate so they can attend maybe one session a week; two the next week and three another but I may not see them attend for another month in between.
Academy Training is only available for players that understand the culture of LeftFoot Coaching Academy and have already purchased and attended the Academy through the Academy Package.
I have some friends that want to sign up, can they?
I hesitate to encourage groups of players to sign up for the LeftFoot Coaching Academy as a group. If you want to get better and are dedicated to your own learning you need to follow the beat of your own drum and come here by yourself. Focus on yourself and come to LFC to get better on your own. They’ll join if they see how good you’ve become. If you want to bring a friend, encourage them to try it for free!
Can we create our own custom groups at the Academy?
Yes. During the weekday hours between 3pm and 6pm most days I allow small groups of players to create their own custom group to be coached by me.
There is a minimum hourly fee for field usage, coaching ($100) and equipment charges ($30) as well as a minimum amount of sessions(x >10) that can be split between any amount of players (limit 14, minimum $7 fee per player).
(example: 10 players from 5-6pm every Monday for 10 weeks would be charged a total of $2,000 or $200 per player for 10 sessions at a rate of $20 per session, per player.)
If we purchase sessions are we guaranteed classes?
Unfortunately, you are not guaranteed the classes you want to attend, but you are guaranteed classes. I do my best to schedule enough classes at variable times for every player to attend at least once per week. Some players attend 3-4 times a month, some go 3-4 times a week. It often varies based on who is involved and the time of year you are looking to attend.
If I schedule a class can I cancel it later?
Yes. You can schedule a lesson up to six months in advance or you can wait until the last thirty minutes before class to schedule and attend if there’s room.
You are only deducted a session once you attend an actual class, not upon booking a session.
If you choose to cancel you must do so up to 1 days in advance for the session. No-shows count toward your total package of sessions.
How do I know what class to sign up for?
Most players should attend Academy sessions once a week since it’s the general format of skills at LFC: movement skills, foot-skills or ball striking and game play. The additional weekend sessions are related to specific games that are popular at the Academy.
How many times a week do you recommend?
It all depends. Typically an athlete can train 4-5 times a week if they understand how to train, rest, and accelerate their learning.
At LeftFoot Coaching Academy we use the formula of “dedicated practice habits” so we don’t waste energy, movement or attention in all our actions. Players mastering “dedicated practice habits” can train 2x a week more effectively than someone attending most clinics and camps 4x a week for two hours each day.
Some of the greatest strides are when players train with me 2-4 times a week for several weeks, but most of my best players have trained with me for over 2 years so we look for sustained growth not immediate impact.
What if my team is practicing on the same night?
Several players in the past have managed this conflict like this: do you have teammates that miss team training for basketball, dance and hockey? What is the difference between missing for another sport or attending a session to make yourself better at your primary sport?
In other instances, families have talked with their coaches and created solutions that satisfied everyone. At LeftFoot Coaching Academy, I support any choice you make and encourage you to attend another session that week. That’s why I created the Academy with maximum flexibility.
If I can’t make the scheduled times for our level can we attend another session?
Yes, it’s like playing up and with older friends. It might be too easy or too challenging but the culture I try to establish is that we all make each other better. We’re not focused on group results we’re aiming for individual results.
Why do you let boys and girls train together?
Because it’s good for both of them to learn how to work together and compete at different speeds of play.
Some boys need the game to slow down so that they can read the movements, angles and skills better. Some girls need the game to be faster and more challenging because playing with their own age group and gender can slow down their game speed, recognition skills and awareness.
The best girls in the nation have trained and played with boys. And the best boys can read the game as if it was in slow motion. Plus, the technical skills learned at the Academy are applicable to everyone.
Are there any refunds or exchanges?
Refunds will only be issued if you have not attended any sessions. There is a trial package of sessions and often there are introductory sessions offered if you want to try out the Academy.
If you have used your sessions and need to discontinue I will allow you to transfer or sell your sessions to a wait-listed client, but those sessions will not be transferable.
Sessions can be extended past their expiration so if you have a significant injury you can use those sessions to pump up your comeback!
Package sessions can be exchanged for Private lessons at the exchange rate of 4:1, but must be done by a system administrator.
What do I need to bring to every session?
Yourself and some water. I try to have a 3:1 ball to player ratio at all times. Be sure to wear proper shin guards and turf shoes.
Updated Scheduling and Cancellations Policy
Scheduling Sessions, Cancellations, Refunds, Exchanges, Drop-ins and No-shows.
The LeftFoot Coaching (LFC) Academy tries to maintain a high quality of training and low student to coach ratios through several mechanisms within our self-service system of scheduling. Students of the Academy will find an easier time scheduling and attending by adhering to all of these patterns and norms when attending the Academy.
It is recommended that you check and verify that your SESSION is ACTIVE prior to attending. LFC may cancel a session at anytime without cause. If you are scheduled for any session that is canceled by LFC these sessions will not be charged as USED.
A purchased session is considered USED when attended, canceled late or was a no-show by the student. A package is considered USED when one session is attended. Late Cancels and No-Shows have specific restrictions on their frequency.
Sessions can be scheduled as much as two months in advance.
Drop-ins are extremely discouraged and players may be turned away if sessions are full. Please schedule your sessions accordingly.
Sessions may be scheduled up to 30 minutes ahead of time. If there is space in a following session players may opt to attend and will be post-billed for the session. Players are encouraged to “double up” in “full field” sessions but are not allowed to double up a “split field” session. Our “full field” ratios vary between 1:10 and 1:6 but our “split field” sessions carry a standard ratio of 1:6. Players cannot attend more than 3 field sessions in a day.
Sessions can be cancelled by players up to 1 day or (24 hours) prior to the scheduled time without being charged (known as Reschedule/Early Cancel). However, any student with more than 15 reschedules will have their remaining schedule deleted by LFC.
All cancellations must be in by noon 12pm CST of all weekday sessions and 8am for weekend sessions to be considered an Early Cancel. Any cancellation within 4 hours of the scheduled session or beyond the noon weekday hour or 8am weekend hour is considered a LATE CANCEL and the session will be deducted from your total allotment of sessions.
No-Shows are players who have scheduled a session but did not cancel or attend the session. No-shows count toward your total package of sessions. ALL No Shows will be charged as an attended session and carry a $35 (pay trainer fee) attached that will need to be paid prior to attending the Academy again. Any combination of 6 no-shows or late cancels will default to a deletion of your remaining schedule and a disabling of your self-service account. A self-service reactivation fee of $25 will be necessary to reactivate your account at the Academy.
Refunds are only allowed if you have not used ANY sessions within a package. Packages and Session allotments may be transferred to wait-listed players, new players, family members or friends but will not be refunded or exchanged.
Private session No-Shows will result in a $50 fee added on to the next session that must be paid in full prior to the next session scheduled.
Thank you for adhering to our scheduling policies and cancellation practices. By following a set of norms this allows families to schedule more opportunities to book popular sessions and make the most of their Academy experience. Thank you.
© Copyright 2010 LeftFoot Coaching Academy, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Updated Scheduling and Cancellations Policy below
Why is it different?
At any clinic or camp in Minnesota you may have expert coaches working with over 15-40 kids per session for $25+ a session.
At LFC Academy there is a limited amount of players accepted to train in the Academy in any given semester but an unlimited amount of access and training that players are exposed to.
Since there is a smaller group of players they have a long term group bonding that lasts beyond club seasons and team formation.
Also, because each player is directly coached by me you get my expertise in developing each individual player to be the best they can be. The Academy is multi-age, multi-gender and multi-skilled but ONE community.
Having coached several elite players (7 All State or Regional ODP Players), Division I players (Six in total) combined with the success rate of promoting players beyond their current level of play is second to none at LFC. The focus is on creating great athletes that have superb technique, are smart, focused and dedicated to becoming the best they can be.
Players are inspired to focus and develop fundamental and advanced skills that make them standout, excel and succeed at the NEXT level of play, not just beat local clubs, but Regional and out-of-state competition.
What's more is that I’m more than just a soccer coach. Kids love working out with me since I push them, guide them and inspire them to be more than just good, we go for special.
I also coach players to take risks, develop their technical and creative skills as well as understand the finer points of their own psychological confidence. I take average players and make them better. I take players that are struggling and help them shine.
Do I need to leave my club?
No. Think of LFC as a private tutoring program that you would take to develop your test scores for college. Since I work with every player in a small group setting I really work on maximizing that players technical and emotional capacity to excel on their club team. Several of my players have had four club coaches in four years, but I’ve been with them the whole time.
How does it fit my schedule?
With the LFC Self-Service online system players can sign up for sessions whenever they have an opening in their schedule. There is maximum flexibility, opportunity and only one location to go to. Players schedule themselves into time-slots that are appropriate to their challenge needed that day.
What day is it?
Because LFC has its' own facility the Academy has sessions EVERYDAY. It's the only soccer program or facility that is open for players to play every day of the week, when you want.
Because LFC has its' own facility the Academy has sessions EVERYDAY. It's the only soccer program or facility that is open for players to play every day of the week, when you want.
How do I sign up?
You can register and pay online. LFC accepts VISA and MasterCard. Once you purchase your sessions you can start scheduling sessions to go to. You can even pay in installments. Go to www.leftfootcoaching.com and Click on Register Player.
Where is it?
The LeftFoot Coaching Academy is at 6022 Pillsbury Ave, Minneapolis, MN
----Even MORE Answers!----
What Level is my daughter or son?
Typically the classification of play through MYSA is not a qualifier for how technical a player demonstrates their skills to be.
I’ve worked with u15 premier players that have the technical skills of a u11 player. In my system of training this player would be working in the Level 1 Academy to learn the process and technique to advance to a higher level of skill and match application.
Most players start at Level 1 but not always. New Player Orientation on the first Saturday of every month allows for players to be assessed and learn some of the patterns and culture of the LeftFoot Coaching Academy before jumping in. Be sure to sign up for NPO if you have not attended any LeftFoot Coaching sessions.
Can I only attend my Level of Training?
No, you can always go up or down a level of training with the permission of the instructor. In fact, I encourage every player to try their skills at a higher level of technical speed and abilities. Sometimes I require higher level players to come back down a level to refresh skills that they need to brush up or to instruct.
If you are u9 wanting to play with the Level 3’s I will think you’re nuts, but you can come and train with us if you want since that is how my best players got better. And if you don’t get the ball all day, don’t cry. But good job for trying, its good for you.
Why are the rates higher to begin?
For players to train at LeftFoot Coaching Academy I require a significant amount of discipline, coachability and attention from the player. I only want to work with players that are ready for a significant investment of time and energy to become better players. If my rates were lower, everyone would be a customer and I’d spend more time coaching everyone who wanted something great for less.
My time with a player is focused, energetic, passionate, precise and results driven. At the same time, I want to work with players for 3-4 years, so the price is higher and then lowers as you grow older within the Academy. I’ve found that there is a maintenance of the skills at a later time as your dedication to your club team increases.
What’s the difference between an Academy Package and Academy Training Sessions?
The Academy Package allows for players to purchase more sessions and more frequency based on the number of overall sessions they want to attend.
The Academy Training Sessions allows players to come into the Academy for a less discounted rate so they can attend maybe one session a week; two the next week and three another but I may not see them attend for another month in between.
Academy Training is only available for players that understand the culture of LeftFoot Coaching Academy and have already purchased and attended the Academy through the Academy Package.
I have some friends that want to sign up, can they?
I hesitate to encourage groups of players to sign up for the LeftFoot Coaching Academy as a group. If you want to get better and are dedicated to your own learning you need to follow the beat of your own drum and come here by yourself. Focus on yourself and come to LFC to get better on your own. They’ll join if they see how good you’ve become. If you want to bring a friend, encourage them to try it for free!
Can we create our own custom groups at the Academy?
Yes. During the weekday hours between 3pm and 6pm most days I allow small groups of players to create their own custom group to be coached by me.
There is a minimum hourly fee for field usage, coaching ($100) and equipment charges ($30) as well as a minimum amount of sessions(x >10) that can be split between any amount of players (limit 14, minimum $7 fee per player).
(example: 10 players from 5-6pm every Monday for 10 weeks would be charged a total of $2,000 or $200 per player for 10 sessions at a rate of $20 per session, per player.)
If we purchase sessions are we guaranteed classes?
Unfortunately, you are not guaranteed the classes you want to attend, but you are guaranteed classes. I do my best to schedule enough classes at variable times for every player to attend at least once per week. Some players attend 3-4 times a month, some go 3-4 times a week. It often varies based on who is involved and the time of year you are looking to attend.
If I schedule a class can I cancel it later?
Yes. You can schedule a lesson up to six months in advance or you can wait until the last thirty minutes before class to schedule and attend if there’s room.
You are only deducted a session once you attend an actual class, not upon booking a session.
If you choose to cancel you must do so up to 1 days in advance for the session. No-shows count toward your total package of sessions.
How do I know what class to sign up for?
Most players should attend Academy sessions once a week since it’s the general format of skills at LFC: movement skills, foot-skills or ball striking and game play. The additional weekend sessions are related to specific games that are popular at the Academy.
How many times a week do you recommend?
It all depends. Typically an athlete can train 4-5 times a week if they understand how to train, rest, and accelerate their learning.
At LeftFoot Coaching Academy we use the formula of “dedicated practice habits” so we don’t waste energy, movement or attention in all our actions. Players mastering “dedicated practice habits” can train 2x a week more effectively than someone attending most clinics and camps 4x a week for two hours each day.
Some of the greatest strides are when players train with me 2-4 times a week for several weeks, but most of my best players have trained with me for over 2 years so we look for sustained growth not immediate impact.
What if my team is practicing on the same night?
Several players in the past have managed this conflict like this: do you have teammates that miss team training for basketball, dance and hockey? What is the difference between missing for another sport or attending a session to make yourself better at your primary sport?
In other instances, families have talked with their coaches and created solutions that satisfied everyone. At LeftFoot Coaching Academy, I support any choice you make and encourage you to attend another session that week. That’s why I created the Academy with maximum flexibility.
If I can’t make the scheduled times for our level can we attend another session?
Yes, it’s like playing up and with older friends. It might be too easy or too challenging but the culture I try to establish is that we all make each other better. We’re not focused on group results we’re aiming for individual results.
Why do you let boys and girls train together?
Because it’s good for both of them to learn how to work together and compete at different speeds of play.
Some boys need the game to slow down so that they can read the movements, angles and skills better. Some girls need the game to be faster and more challenging because playing with their own age group and gender can slow down their game speed, recognition skills and awareness.
The best girls in the nation have trained and played with boys. And the best boys can read the game as if it was in slow motion. Plus, the technical skills learned at the Academy are applicable to everyone.
Are there any refunds or exchanges?
Refunds will only be issued if you have not attended any sessions. There is a trial package of sessions and often there are introductory sessions offered if you want to try out the Academy.
If you have used your sessions and need to discontinue I will allow you to transfer or sell your sessions to a wait-listed client, but those sessions will not be transferable.
Sessions can be extended past their expiration so if you have a significant injury you can use those sessions to pump up your comeback!
Package sessions can be exchanged for Private lessons at the exchange rate of 4:1, but must be done by a system administrator.
What do I need to bring to every session?
Yourself and some water. I try to have a 3:1 ball to player ratio at all times. Be sure to wear proper shin guards and turf shoes.
Updated Scheduling and Cancellations Policy
Scheduling Sessions, Cancellations, Refunds, Exchanges, Drop-ins and No-shows.
The LeftFoot Coaching (LFC) Academy tries to maintain a high quality of training and low student to coach ratios through several mechanisms within our self-service system of scheduling. Students of the Academy will find an easier time scheduling and attending by adhering to all of these patterns and norms when attending the Academy.
It is recommended that you check and verify that your SESSION is ACTIVE prior to attending. LFC may cancel a session at anytime without cause. If you are scheduled for any session that is canceled by LFC these sessions will not be charged as USED.
A purchased session is considered USED when attended, canceled late or was a no-show by the student. A package is considered USED when one session is attended. Late Cancels and No-Shows have specific restrictions on their frequency.
Sessions can be scheduled as much as two months in advance.
Drop-ins are extremely discouraged and players may be turned away if sessions are full. Please schedule your sessions accordingly.
Sessions may be scheduled up to 30 minutes ahead of time. If there is space in a following session players may opt to attend and will be post-billed for the session. Players are encouraged to “double up” in “full field” sessions but are not allowed to double up a “split field” session. Our “full field” ratios vary between 1:10 and 1:6 but our “split field” sessions carry a standard ratio of 1:6. Players cannot attend more than 3 field sessions in a day.
Sessions can be cancelled by players up to 1 day or (24 hours) prior to the scheduled time without being charged (known as Reschedule/Early Cancel). However, any student with more than 15 reschedules will have their remaining schedule deleted by LFC.
All cancellations must be in by noon 12pm CST of all weekday sessions and 8am for weekend sessions to be considered an Early Cancel. Any cancellation within 4 hours of the scheduled session or beyond the noon weekday hour or 8am weekend hour is considered a LATE CANCEL and the session will be deducted from your total allotment of sessions.
No-Shows are players who have scheduled a session but did not cancel or attend the session. No-shows count toward your total package of sessions. ALL No Shows will be charged as an attended session and carry a $35 (pay trainer fee) attached that will need to be paid prior to attending the Academy again. Any combination of 6 no-shows or late cancels will default to a deletion of your remaining schedule and a disabling of your self-service account. A self-service reactivation fee of $25 will be necessary to reactivate your account at the Academy.
Refunds are only allowed if you have not used ANY sessions within a package. Packages and Session allotments may be transferred to wait-listed players, new players, family members or friends but will not be refunded or exchanged.
Private session No-Shows will result in a $50 fee added on to the next session that must be paid in full prior to the next session scheduled.
Thank you for adhering to our scheduling policies and cancellation practices. By following a set of norms this allows families to schedule more opportunities to book popular sessions and make the most of their Academy experience. Thank you.
© Copyright 2010 LeftFoot Coaching Academy, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
