Anyone who plays soccer knows that it’s not a one-dimensional sport.
You need various different qualities to perform well and be successful on the field. Soccer practice with your team can only work on a limited number of these aspects—focusing mainly on the vision of the team.
But what about focusing on you, as a player?
At Athletic Preparation, we know how to pinpoint your individual strengths and weaknesses and push you to get better. Although our coaching and guidance help you do more effective training, it’s the work you put in that makes a difference.
As one of our players to watch, Fo Demetriou, a soccer senior at Seaholm High School, plays travel for Michigan Hawks and has really gained an edge training with us as she heads to Oakland University next year on a scholarship.
Fo, why did you want to start training with us?
As a center back and a midfielder, I need to be able to make those quick movements to catch up with opposing players and ultimately, win the ball back. As a player, I had already thought I was quick enough on the field.
But once I started training here, I realized that was not the case. I had not reached my limit yet and since I’m planning to head into college soccer, I wanted to get faster and stronger to be able to compete against older girls on the field.
How do you find Athletic Preparation?
The environment here is extremely athlete-oriented. Since they have such a wide range of athletes training here at any given time, I can use that sort of tangible competitiveness to help me improve my game and push me to better.
As a girl, I am able to typically work with or against boys here who are better than me. That definitely gives me an edge and pushes me to be better.
Why did you decide to train at Athletic Preparation?
I did try out a few other places before deciding to stay here at Athletic Preparation to work on my fitness, strength, and speed.
What really drew me here was not just the coaches—who are great motivators and help you push yourself, especially on your need-to-work areas—but the atmosphere.
Although the workouts are hard and they really push you to your limit, Athletic Preparation creates this balance between having a lot of fun while working hard so it’s not all grind—although it is quite tough.
What kind of results did you achieve with your training ?
Coming here, I wanted to get more explosive off the ball, and the training has helped me a lot with that.
I think the stats speak for themselves. I’ve increased the speed of my sprint, upped my deadlift by 60 lbs, and my vertical jump got higher by three inches!
But it’s not all about numbers. Especially in a sport like soccer, you can be the best athlete on paper but your performance is highly based on how you feel as a player on the field.
After working with the staff at Athletic Preparation, I feel a huge difference in my game. Since my time training with them, I’ve gotten more explosive on the field and stronger in physical challenges. I feel more energetic, faster, and have developed quicker footwork.
Why would you recommend speed and strength training for other soccer players?
Since I started training here, I’ve recommended this place to my teammates and would recommend it to any player who is looking to up their game.
Especially with injuries being so prevalent in a game like soccer—and especially for girls—it’s important that you put in the extra work to help prevent it.
The coaches here really help target your improvement points and get you to work on what you need to help increase your speed, strength, and explosiveness.
Even though I love soccer and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world, with my new strength and speed, it feels like a totally different game.
At Athletic Preparation, we work with athletes from as young as age 8 to Division 1 soccer players. No matter what level you’re at, you can always improve your game and prepare yourself for a better athletic career.
Whether you are trying to secure a scholarship, make a club team for next season or just get better on the field.
Schedule your Athletic Evaluation today and lets help you play the best soccer this season.