At Nexus, every player trains in an environment where they are challenged, supported, and able to grow. Our training groups are competitive and balanced, ensuring each session pushes players toward their next level of development.
Training Groups: From 4 ➡️ 5 groups
Nexus has expanded from four to five smaller, more intentional training groups — adding an additional coach to provide every player with more focused attention and a balanced, competitive environment for learning.
Groups are determined by a combination of:
• Age – to align with natural developmental stages.
• Experience level – based on prior training and competition.
• Tactical readiness – ability to understand and apply game concepts.
• Physical and mental maturity – strength, endurance, mindset, and resilience.
Smaller group sizes allow for deeper coaching, more personalized feedback, and better alignment between training intensity and individual readiness. Player progress is reviewed monthly and adjusted as needed to ensure every athlete remains challenged and supported at the right level.
Morning vs. Afternoon Training
• Morning Sessions: Organized by ability level to maximize learning and intensity.
• Afternoon Sessions: Organized by grade level for scheduling purposes but remain highly competitive, with weekly competitions (1v1s, 2v2s, 3v3s, and scrimmaging) and targeted individual technical training.
Coaches report directly to Coach Henry and provide a Student-Athlete Evaluation every three weeks to track development and ensure accountability.
Additionally, coaches will use select afternoon sessions to meet with players for discussions and planned sessions focused on mental performance, nutrition, video analysis, and overall progress check-ins, both individually and collectively.
In some cases, students may be asked to stay after school for 30–60 minutes for invisible training in one of our development components. These sessions are by invitation and not mandatory, but highly recommended for players seeking to maximize their growth and take full advantage of the Nexus environment.
⸻
Update to Group 5
Starting this semester, Group 5 will focus primarily on 11v11 fútbol development during school training hours. At this stage, players are expected to master full-game structure, positioning, transitions, and tactical awareness.
Futsal will continue once a week through Heart & Sole, but strictly as a technical supplement, not for competition. These sessions help players remain sharp, creative, and confident on the ball while keeping their main focus on fútbol.
Futsal builds the base. Fútbol defines the path.
Update to Film Class
Film will now be done during 2nd session for students in 8th-10th grade. The day is TBD.
Groups are determined by a combination of:
• Age – to align with natural developmental stages.
• Experience level – based on prior training and competition.
• Tactical readiness – ability to understand and apply game concepts.
• Physical and mental maturity – strength, endurance, mindset, and resilience.
Smaller group sizes allow for deeper coaching, more personalized feedback, and better alignment between training intensity and individual readiness. Player progress is reviewed monthly and adjusted as needed to ensure every athlete remains challenged and supported at the right level.
Morning vs. Afternoon Training
• Morning Sessions: Organized by ability level to maximize learning and intensity.
• Afternoon Sessions: Organized by grade level for scheduling purposes but remain highly competitive, with weekly competitions (1v1s, 2v2s, 3v3s, and scrimmaging) and targeted individual technical training.
Coaches report directly to Coach Henry and provide a Student-Athlete Evaluation every three weeks to track development and ensure accountability.
Additionally, coaches will use select afternoon sessions to meet with players for discussions and planned sessions focused on mental performance, nutrition, video analysis, and overall progress check-ins, both individually and collectively.
In some cases, students may be asked to stay after school for 30–60 minutes for invisible training in one of our development components. These sessions are by invitation and not mandatory, but highly recommended for players seeking to maximize their growth and take full advantage of the Nexus environment.
⸻
Update to Group 5
Starting this semester, Group 5 will focus primarily on 11v11 fútbol development during school training hours. At this stage, players are expected to master full-game structure, positioning, transitions, and tactical awareness.
Futsal will continue once a week through Heart & Sole, but strictly as a technical supplement, not for competition. These sessions help players remain sharp, creative, and confident on the ball while keeping their main focus on fútbol.
Futsal builds the base. Fútbol defines the path.
Update to Film Class
Film will now be done during 2nd session for students in 8th-10th grade. The day is TBD.
FOUNDATION PHASE - TRAINING GROUP 1
“Love the Ball. Learn the Game.” Objective: Build a strong technical foundation, instill confidence, and promote a lifelong love for the game. Players develop coordination, creativity, and comfort with the ball through fun, guided learning. They begin to understand attacking, defending, and teamwork — all while learning to compete. Key Focus: • Ball control, dribbling, passing, and finishing fundamentals • Early introduction to defending — body shape, positioning, and timing • Awareness of space and direction • Confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship Futsal Integration: Futsal is a core part of training, helping players develop technical control, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making. Sessions are fun and creative while introducing simple tactical ideas and early defensive principles. |
DEVELOPMENT PHASE I - TRAINING GROUP 2
“Build the Base. Play with Purpose.” Objective: Focus on technical execution with tactical purpose — introducing structured play, positions, and early systems of play. Players learn to connect individual skills to team concepts and begin to compete with more intent and discipline. Key Focus: • Passing, receiving, and shielding under pressure • Introduction to positional play and spacing • Understanding transitions: attack ↔ defense • Defensive coordination: pressure, cover, and compactness • Mental discipline and consistent effort Futsal Integration: Futsal plays a major tactical and technical role, teaching players to: • Think and act faster • Rotate and move as a unit • Defend and attack collectively • Compete through small-sided, high-intensity games |
DEVELOPMENT PHASE II - TRAINING GROUP 3
“Do the Simple Things Well. Execute with Purpose.” Objective: Refine individual skills and connect them with tactical understanding. Players learn to make better decisions, execute with precision, and compete consistently under pressure. Key Focus: • First touch, control, and passing accuracy at speed • Small-group combinations and transitions • Compact defending and pressing principles • Strength, stamina, and recovery discipline • Accountability and composure in competition Futsal Integration: Used to sharpen technical speed and tactical awareness, futsal sessions emphasize movement, positioning, and collective play — bridging indoor and outdoor performance. |
DEVELOPMENT PHASE III - TRAINING GROUP 4
“Think Faster. Play Smarter. Compete Consistently.” Objective: Apply technical mastery within tactical systems and competitive structures. Players learn advanced game management, positional discipline, and how to read and adapt to different match situations. Key Focus: • Tactical understanding of systems and rotations • Managing tempo and transitions • Leadership and communication in competition • Physical conditioning for match demands • Mental resilience and consistency Futsal Integration: Used to refine speed of thought and tactical sharpness, helping players maintain creativity, rhythm, and decision-making under game-like pressure. |
HIGH PERFORMANCE PHASE - TRAINING GROUP 5
“Train Like a Pro. Think Like a Team.” Objective: Prepare elite-level players for professional or college environments. This phase is reserved for players competing at MLS NEXT, ECNL, or equivalent levels. Key Focus: • Position-specific technical and tactical development • Advanced team systems and tactical flexibility • Game management, leadership, and consistency • Recovery, nutrition, and performance habits • Mental strength, focus, and accountability Futsal Integration: Futsal becomes a supplemental training option, available, through Heart and Sole, to players who wish to keep their technical edge sharp, stay creative, and enjoy a change of rhythm while focusing primarily on 11v11 competition. Goalkeeper Integration: Goalkeepers train within tactical sessions — not apart from them — learning to initiate play, manage defensive lines, and contribute to team structure. They also participate in film review, feedback, and leadership development. |
Training Group Concepts Reports: (Click to view)
Every 4–6 weeks, Nexus publishes a Training Concept Report to give families a clear picture of what players are working on in training. These reports outline our
Perception → Decision → Execution model and show how each age group is developing technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. By following these updates, parents can see the purpose behind our training cycles and how we build complete athletes step by step.
August 12, 2025 - September 5, 2025
September 8, 2025 - October 4, 2025
Every 4–6 weeks, Nexus publishes a Training Concept Report to give families a clear picture of what players are working on in training. These reports outline our
Perception → Decision → Execution model and show how each age group is developing technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. By following these updates, parents can see the purpose behind our training cycles and how we build complete athletes step by step.
August 12, 2025 - September 5, 2025
September 8, 2025 - October 4, 2025
From One Fútbol Parent to Another...
As a parent of a high-performing athlete just like you — and alongside a team of leaders, coaches, and teachers who are all parents of high-performing athletes — I understand exactly what’s at stake for your child. We know the commitment, the sacrifices, and the dreams that drive families like yours, because we live it every day.
At Nexus, we treat every player as if they were our own. I receive weekly updates on every student, and our coaching staff collaborates constantly to track progress, address challenges, and celebrate growth. We even have someone recording sessions so I can stay connected to what’s happening on the field, no matter where I am.
This is more than a program — it’s a shared investment in your child’s future, built on trust, care, and a relentless commitment to helping them reach their full potential. Please review the FAQs I've received over the years as a coach, along with my answers. Please know that you can reach out to me anytime you have questions.
— Henry Costas
Co-Founder & Head of Fútbol
Nexus Fútbol Academy
As a parent of a high-performing athlete just like you — and alongside a team of leaders, coaches, and teachers who are all parents of high-performing athletes — I understand exactly what’s at stake for your child. We know the commitment, the sacrifices, and the dreams that drive families like yours, because we live it every day.
At Nexus, we treat every player as if they were our own. I receive weekly updates on every student, and our coaching staff collaborates constantly to track progress, address challenges, and celebrate growth. We even have someone recording sessions so I can stay connected to what’s happening on the field, no matter where I am.
This is more than a program — it’s a shared investment in your child’s future, built on trust, care, and a relentless commitment to helping them reach their full potential. Please review the FAQs I've received over the years as a coach, along with my answers. Please know that you can reach out to me anytime you have questions.
— Henry Costas
Co-Founder & Head of Fútbol
Nexus Fútbol Academy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My child is the “best” in the group. What can he get out of the session?
In every group, there are always players who might be considered the top performers or the oldest. Historically, our higher-performing players have embraced the role of pushing and supporting teammates who may be at the same or different stages of development. This not only sharpens leadership and communication skills but also reinforces adaptability and resilience — qualities essential for success at higher levels. Even for our “best” players, coaches adjust the speed, intensity, and complexity of their challenges so they’re never coasting. When appropriate, we also give them opportunities to train with higher-level groups, ensuring they’re always progressing toward their next level.
Our top performers at Nexus today have been called up to trial with their national teams — despite never having the chance to consistently train with players older, more physically developed, or more experienced than themselves. Yet, through intentional training design, varied challenges, and exposure to high-pressure scenarios, we’ve helped them achieve a level of performance that few in their age group ever reach.
Q: My child is bored training with kids who are less skilled. What can he do?
When parents says “less skilled,” they’re often thinking about their version of "technical ability" — dribbling, passing, shooting — in a way that’s easy to see. As coaches, we look at skill more broadly: tactical awareness, decision-making under pressure, work rate, discipline, and adaptability. In fútbol, technical ability refers to a player’s mastery of the fundamental skills needed to control and manipulate the ball effectively in any situation — and to do so with both feet, speed, precision, and consistency, even under pressure. A player might be behind in one area but ahead in another, and those differences can challenge even the most advanced players.
What we've also found is that sometimes a child’s “boredom” comes more from a parent’s own perspective, based who they are training with, rather than the player’s own experience. Parents can unintentionally project their thoughts onto their children, shaping how they (will) interpret their training or games. If you ever hear this, start by asking open-ended questions about what they’re learning, enjoying, or finding difficult. Often, you’ll find they’re being challenged in ways that aren’t immediately obvious — mentally, tactically, or in leadership roles. And if there’s ever a concern, we encourage players to talk directly with their coaches or a trusted staff member so we can address it together and keep their development on track.
If your child is clearly the leader in the group, that’s his or her opportunity to dominate the session — to set the tone, raise the standard, and model the behaviors we want in all Nexus players. We’ve seen that those who embrace this role often grow in ways that can’t happen if they’re always surrounded by players at or above their own level. Players who consistently excel in these situations often find themselves moving up when ready, or being challenged in other ways — including training against older, more advanced groups when possible.
Q: Why does Nexus divide players into training groups instead of keeping them all together by grade or birth year?
At Nexus, your child’s development is our priority. Players progress best when training with others who are at a similar technical, tactical, physical, and mental level. This ensures they are always challenged — not overwhelmed or held back — and can grow at the fastest rate possible.
Q: My child plays up an age group in club. Can he or she train up at Nexus?
"Playing up" is relative — it depends on the level of competition, the team, and the role your child plays there. At Nexus, some of our highest-performing players have rarely, if ever, trained or competed “up” in age. What matters most is consistent challenge, growth, and mastery at the right stage — not the number on a birth year.
We group players based on ability, readiness, and overall development, not strictly by age or grade. This ensures that every player is in the environment where they will be pushed, supported, and set up for long-term success.
Q: What do I do if my child comes home and complains about his or her training group?
Before you as the parent reach out, encourage your child to speak directly with their coaches — Coach Rodrigo or Coach Conrado — so they can share their thoughts and feelings firsthand. If they don’t feel comfortable starting with a coach, Ms. Canales or Ms. Josephine are also great adults to talk to. Eventually we do want all students to feel confident and comfortable to have tough conversations with their coaches.
We want our players to take ownership of their development, and part of that is learning to voice concerns respectfully. If they’re not happy, this is a safe environment to practice those conversations and build communication skills they’ll need in every part of life. (For any discussion, we will provide translation if needed with our Spanish and Portuguese-speaking coaches to make sure your child feels understood and supported.)
Q: Will my child still see friends if they’re in a different group?
Yes. Our schedule includes shared academic classes, lunch, Play 2 Win sessions with classmates. They’ll still have plenty of time with friends — but they’ll also have training time with peers who push them to be their best.
Q: How often can my child move between groups?
We review groups monthly — more often if needed. Movement is based on performance, effort, attitude, and readiness. Players can move up or down to ensure the right level of challenge and growth. In some cases, when multiple groups are training at the same location, there is additional flexibility: coaches may adjust group placement on a case-by-case or even day-by-day basis to match the needs of each player. This keeps training dynamic, personalized, and rewarding for everyone.
Q: How are changes in training groups communicated?
If your child moves to a different training group, we’ll let you know directly, via our main communication tool WhatsApp, with the effective date and a brief explanation. Most changes will happen after our monthly group review, but they can occur anytime if coaches see an opportunity for better challenge or development. A change in training group most likely means a change in the morning drop-off location on least of one the days of the week, and we want to make sure you are able to have your child at the right location on the right days.
Players will always be told first so they understand the “why” behind the move and can transition confidently. We keep these changes transparent so both players and parents know what to expect. A change in training group will not happen mid-week.
Q: How are groups decided?
Coaches look at more than just skill — we also consider futbol IQ, work rate, maturity, physical readiness, and ability to handle higher demands. It’s a holistic approach to make sure each player is in the environment where he or she will thrive.
Q: Could my child be “stuck” in a "lower" group?
No. If a player is ready for more challenge, he or she will move up. Our mission is to help every player progress as quickly as possible — and sometimes the right “fit” for growth is different from what parents expect at first.
Q: How does Wellness class fit into this?
Wellness is taken with the same training group so lessons on mental performance, recovery, nutrition, and physical performance training (strength, speed, conditioning, and more) can be tailored to that group’s specific needs and stage of development. While a player might seem ready for a higher training group, they may not yet be mentally prepared, physically ready, or mature enough to fully benefit from the Wellness class and performance training alongside those peers. This is why Wellness and performance readiness are factors when forming groups — ensuring that every player is not only challenged appropriately on the field, but also able to engage meaningfully in the off-field learning that supports their overall development.
Q: How will I know if my child is progressing?
You’ll often notice progress outside of Nexus before you even see it on paper. Parents tell us they start to see changes in their child’s composure under pressure, smarter decision-making in club games, sharper technical execution, and improved confidence on and off the ball. At home, you might notice greater self-discipline, stronger focus, or a more positive attitude toward challenges.
For formal feedback, you can refer to our Evaluation & Report Cards page, where we outline exactly how we measure technical, tactical, physical, mental, and discipline growth throughout the year. Together, these give you a full picture of how your child is developing — not just as a player, but as a person.
Q: My child is the “best” in the group. What can he get out of the session?
In every group, there are always players who might be considered the top performers or the oldest. Historically, our higher-performing players have embraced the role of pushing and supporting teammates who may be at the same or different stages of development. This not only sharpens leadership and communication skills but also reinforces adaptability and resilience — qualities essential for success at higher levels. Even for our “best” players, coaches adjust the speed, intensity, and complexity of their challenges so they’re never coasting. When appropriate, we also give them opportunities to train with higher-level groups, ensuring they’re always progressing toward their next level.
Our top performers at Nexus today have been called up to trial with their national teams — despite never having the chance to consistently train with players older, more physically developed, or more experienced than themselves. Yet, through intentional training design, varied challenges, and exposure to high-pressure scenarios, we’ve helped them achieve a level of performance that few in their age group ever reach.
Q: My child is bored training with kids who are less skilled. What can he do?
When parents says “less skilled,” they’re often thinking about their version of "technical ability" — dribbling, passing, shooting — in a way that’s easy to see. As coaches, we look at skill more broadly: tactical awareness, decision-making under pressure, work rate, discipline, and adaptability. In fútbol, technical ability refers to a player’s mastery of the fundamental skills needed to control and manipulate the ball effectively in any situation — and to do so with both feet, speed, precision, and consistency, even under pressure. A player might be behind in one area but ahead in another, and those differences can challenge even the most advanced players.
What we've also found is that sometimes a child’s “boredom” comes more from a parent’s own perspective, based who they are training with, rather than the player’s own experience. Parents can unintentionally project their thoughts onto their children, shaping how they (will) interpret their training or games. If you ever hear this, start by asking open-ended questions about what they’re learning, enjoying, or finding difficult. Often, you’ll find they’re being challenged in ways that aren’t immediately obvious — mentally, tactically, or in leadership roles. And if there’s ever a concern, we encourage players to talk directly with their coaches or a trusted staff member so we can address it together and keep their development on track.
If your child is clearly the leader in the group, that’s his or her opportunity to dominate the session — to set the tone, raise the standard, and model the behaviors we want in all Nexus players. We’ve seen that those who embrace this role often grow in ways that can’t happen if they’re always surrounded by players at or above their own level. Players who consistently excel in these situations often find themselves moving up when ready, or being challenged in other ways — including training against older, more advanced groups when possible.
Q: Why does Nexus divide players into training groups instead of keeping them all together by grade or birth year?
At Nexus, your child’s development is our priority. Players progress best when training with others who are at a similar technical, tactical, physical, and mental level. This ensures they are always challenged — not overwhelmed or held back — and can grow at the fastest rate possible.
Q: My child plays up an age group in club. Can he or she train up at Nexus?
"Playing up" is relative — it depends on the level of competition, the team, and the role your child plays there. At Nexus, some of our highest-performing players have rarely, if ever, trained or competed “up” in age. What matters most is consistent challenge, growth, and mastery at the right stage — not the number on a birth year.
We group players based on ability, readiness, and overall development, not strictly by age or grade. This ensures that every player is in the environment where they will be pushed, supported, and set up for long-term success.
Q: What do I do if my child comes home and complains about his or her training group?
Before you as the parent reach out, encourage your child to speak directly with their coaches — Coach Rodrigo or Coach Conrado — so they can share their thoughts and feelings firsthand. If they don’t feel comfortable starting with a coach, Ms. Canales or Ms. Josephine are also great adults to talk to. Eventually we do want all students to feel confident and comfortable to have tough conversations with their coaches.
We want our players to take ownership of their development, and part of that is learning to voice concerns respectfully. If they’re not happy, this is a safe environment to practice those conversations and build communication skills they’ll need in every part of life. (For any discussion, we will provide translation if needed with our Spanish and Portuguese-speaking coaches to make sure your child feels understood and supported.)
Q: Will my child still see friends if they’re in a different group?
Yes. Our schedule includes shared academic classes, lunch, Play 2 Win sessions with classmates. They’ll still have plenty of time with friends — but they’ll also have training time with peers who push them to be their best.
Q: How often can my child move between groups?
We review groups monthly — more often if needed. Movement is based on performance, effort, attitude, and readiness. Players can move up or down to ensure the right level of challenge and growth. In some cases, when multiple groups are training at the same location, there is additional flexibility: coaches may adjust group placement on a case-by-case or even day-by-day basis to match the needs of each player. This keeps training dynamic, personalized, and rewarding for everyone.
Q: How are changes in training groups communicated?
If your child moves to a different training group, we’ll let you know directly, via our main communication tool WhatsApp, with the effective date and a brief explanation. Most changes will happen after our monthly group review, but they can occur anytime if coaches see an opportunity for better challenge or development. A change in training group most likely means a change in the morning drop-off location on least of one the days of the week, and we want to make sure you are able to have your child at the right location on the right days.
Players will always be told first so they understand the “why” behind the move and can transition confidently. We keep these changes transparent so both players and parents know what to expect. A change in training group will not happen mid-week.
Q: How are groups decided?
Coaches look at more than just skill — we also consider futbol IQ, work rate, maturity, physical readiness, and ability to handle higher demands. It’s a holistic approach to make sure each player is in the environment where he or she will thrive.
Q: Could my child be “stuck” in a "lower" group?
No. If a player is ready for more challenge, he or she will move up. Our mission is to help every player progress as quickly as possible — and sometimes the right “fit” for growth is different from what parents expect at first.
Q: How does Wellness class fit into this?
Wellness is taken with the same training group so lessons on mental performance, recovery, nutrition, and physical performance training (strength, speed, conditioning, and more) can be tailored to that group’s specific needs and stage of development. While a player might seem ready for a higher training group, they may not yet be mentally prepared, physically ready, or mature enough to fully benefit from the Wellness class and performance training alongside those peers. This is why Wellness and performance readiness are factors when forming groups — ensuring that every player is not only challenged appropriately on the field, but also able to engage meaningfully in the off-field learning that supports their overall development.
Q: How will I know if my child is progressing?
You’ll often notice progress outside of Nexus before you even see it on paper. Parents tell us they start to see changes in their child’s composure under pressure, smarter decision-making in club games, sharper technical execution, and improved confidence on and off the ball. At home, you might notice greater self-discipline, stronger focus, or a more positive attitude toward challenges.
For formal feedback, you can refer to our Evaluation & Report Cards page, where we outline exactly how we measure technical, tactical, physical, mental, and discipline growth throughout the year. Together, these give you a full picture of how your child is developing — not just as a player, but as a person.