One of the city’s newest athletic centers is pledging to do what clubs and academies have not: make youth soccer accessible, for fun and development alike. Tampa Training Ground recently opened a massive outdoor and indoor facility at 6621 Memorial Hwy., and it is now welcoming local youth and adult soccer players for pickup, training, and accessible club-neutral soccer and futsal.
The family-run and service-disabled veteran-owned business was launched by a local couple who are both former D-1 athletes, and whose kids are currently navigating the world of youth soccer. Their vision was to create a place for youth and adults alike to play, with an emphasis on providing affordable, high-quality training and facilities to local youth players, as well as offering teaching to aspiring and rising coaches.
“U.S. soccer is still to pay to play,” co-founder Mike Jerman explained. “There’s nowhere to just play, and practice, and have fun with your buddies.”
Or at least, there wasn’t. Now, with the opening of Tampa Training Ground, there’s a facility run by and for soccer lovers, former players and coaches. As the Tampa Bay Area’s first club-neutral soccer and futsal training facility, TTG was created for players who want to train with intention, compete at a high level, and unlock their full potential.
TTG opened its outdoor fields this January and has been welcoming members for pickup and training every day since. Later this year, the sprawling facility will open its indoor fields, just in time for the sticky and rainy season in Florida. It’s the first facility of its kind in the region, and the only spot you can avoid the weather without emptying your wallet.
One of the big perks of the training program at TTG is that all members get unlimited open play and pickup time, with coaching supervision throughout it all. Want a little 7-on-7 to get sharp? Hop in a scrimmage. Want to kick around with friends after school or on the weekends? There’s a field waiting for you.
As they kick off, training packages are available at 4 sessions for $100 or 2 for $60. The TTG team is keeping prices reasonable to make the game accessible to everyone, not just the families that can afford the expensive club and league fees. With the World Cup on the horizon, it’s nice to have an option when that soccer interest is at its peak.
In fact, TTG will also be hosting camps once the indoor facilities officially open, and they are conveniently promising that camp sessions will be scheduled around “real parent working hours.” That’s a relief for drop-off and pick-up plans.
We should also follow up on the point that Tampa Training Ground isn’t just for youth soccer. The goal is to provide recreational fitness and fun for all skill levels and all ages. Not only is TTG launching adult soccer leagues, but they also offer coach education and licensure, referee certification courses, and direct opportunities for experience and growth.
The backbone of the operation is Mike Singleton, Tampa Training Ground’s Director of Coach & Player development. Singleton is one of the most highly decorated and experienced soccer pros in the region, a long-time coach and training leader who has not only coached at the D-1 level in the NCAA, but has worked with U.S. Soccer youth national teams, served on committees for the FIFA World Cup and Gold Cup, and has more than half a dozen licenses and degrees to back up his credentials.
Singleton’s passion for soccer, sport psychology, and personal development have made him the perfect person for this position. Aspiring coaches and local youth alike are already excelling under his guidance at TTG.
To learn more and to sign up, visit tampatrainingground.com.