First Touch Soccer Academy (FTSA) is a club neutral youth soccer training program, located in Essex County, NJ. The mission of the organization is to offer players the opportunity to progress along the developmental continuum through innovative, creative, yet demanding coaching. First Touch Soccer Academy will offer a variety of camps, clinics and small group training.

"Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple." (Bill Shankly, Liverpool FC)

FTSA specializes in developing a player’s ability to receive the ball in a variety of manners. All core fundamentals of the game will be taught, but they will be developed from the solid foundation of consistent touch and control when receiving the ball. A player attending FTSA programs will learn how to receive to turn, receive to pass, receive to shoot, receive to dribble, receive to protect the ball, receive to change direction with the first touch and receiving balls from the air. A progressive training program will see pressure, and players having to cope with pressure, added to unopposed activities as soon as players show basic comfort with the ball, allowing for individual, tactical and technical development.

FTSA will follow thoughtful curriculum that is based upon a player being in one of the seven stages of Long Term Athletic Development (LTSD). Due to a flexible approach to player development the philosophy at FTSA is to ensure players train in an ability appropriate environment, thus players will not be limited by age or gender.