Building The Training Ground: Why I Do What I Do
If you had told me years ago that my career in emergency medicine would lead me to building a youth sports facility, I probably would’ve laughed. But looking back, it makes sense. I spent decades as a paramedic, often seeing people on the worst days of their lives. At the same time, I was coaching kids in youth sports—something I’d been doing for over 30 years. The common thread? Both jobs are about people. About trust. And about showing up when it matters.
The Training Ground was born from that mix of experience. It’s not just a gym or a soccer club—it’s the product of a lifetime spent trying to make people stronger, more confident, and more capable, whether on the field or in life.
A New Start, Same Mission
Back in New York, I started a youth soccer program that took off. We built it from scratch, growing it into one of the most respected programs in the area. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t political. It was built on reps, structure, and a commitment to doing things the right way. When I moved to Franklin, Indiana, I had no plans to recreate that. But the community had other ideas.
Families who knew my background asked me to bring that program model here. So I did—but I expanded it. Soccer is still a huge part of what we do, but The Training Ground is bigger than one sport. It’s a space where kids can develop across multiple sports—soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, speed and agility—all with the same foundational focus: discipline, repetition, mentorship, and love for the game.
Why This Matters
Let’s be honest—youth sports today are a mess. Too many programs are built around the elite few, chasing wins, rankings, and hype. That’s not what I’m about. I care about the kid who’s never touched a ball just as much as the kid aiming for college scholarships.
The Training Ground is where we teach the how. How to move. How to fall and get back up. How to lead. How to train with purpose. And how to keep going when things don’t go your way.
We put a big emphasis on early exposure, especially for the 4–8 age group. These years are often ignored or turned into chaos. We bring structure and fun to those first steps in sports—so kids walk away with confidence, coordination, and the joy that comes from learning something new.
Training the Athlete and the Person
This place isn’t just for kids. It’s for teens too. Our Leadership Program gives athletes 14 and up a chance to step into coaching roles. They get paid, they learn responsibility, and they gain experience most kids their age don’t get until much later. And honestly, watching those teens grow into leaders is one of my favorite parts of the job.
We also work hand-in-hand with local schools and community partners to make sure our training fits into the bigger picture. We’re not here to compete with school teams or travel clubs—we’re here to support them. Our goal is long-term development, not short-term trophies.
What’s Next
We’re just getting started. We’re building systems that other communities can replicate. We’re developing tools for coaches, parents, and young athletes that go beyond drills and sprints. And we’re laying the groundwork for a leadership platform called Coaching the Coach—designed to train not just athletes, but the adults guiding them.
If you’re looking for flash and fame, we’re probably not your place. But if you want your kid to build character, confidence, and real skill—if you want them to be seen, supported, and challenged—then welcome to The Training Ground.
This isn’t a side gig or a retirement hobby. It’s a mission I’ve been living for decades. And I’m just getting warmed up.
