The problem with American soccer...It isn’t talent.
- Christian Pulisic
I’m James McGhee
For two decades this sport was my world...
I trained relentlessly, chased every opportunity, and eventually signed a pro contract. But everything in my life was tied to performance—when I was succeeding, I felt unstoppable… yet any sign of adversity shattered the identity I had built my entire life on.
I lost confidence, developed anxiety, and began to fear the game I once loved. I was a talented player whose relationship to the sport and to myself inevitably brought a premature end to my career. I was devastated.
It became evident to me quite quickly that I wasn’t the only one.
The current U.S. soccer system prioritizes performance, politics, and pressure while simultaneously neglecting the holistic development of the human and the athlete.
I am committed to creating new pathways of opportunity in which ambitious youth soccer players can grow and thrive.
Our Philosophy
We believe player development isn’t just about technical training or physical prowess—it's about integrating who you are at the deepest level.
At our academy, we focus on 3 foundational pillars of excellence:
1. Identity — Who am I?
When athletes root in who they are (not what they achieve), they become confident, free, and unshakable.
2. Inspiration — What do I want?
Once they know who they are, we lift their eyes to what they could become.
3. Initiative — How do I get there?
Finally, we empower them to take responsibility for the effort and energy required to reach their goals.