It started with a simple idea: build a place where kids could train hard, feel supported, and walk away better than when they came in. Not just better athletes—but better people. That’s the heart of The Training Ground.

We didn’t set out to build just another sports facility. There are plenty of gyms, fields, and leagues already out there. We wanted to create something different—something built on purpose. A place that understands what it’s really like to raise athletes in today’s world. A place that builds leaders, not just scorers. That values reps over hype. That cares more about who your kid becomes than where they rank.

And that’s how The Training Ground was born.

Our Backstory

Like many good ideas, it started from frustration—and from experience. After decades coaching everyone from 4-year-olds to semi-pro teams, we saw the same pattern: kids with potential falling through the cracks, parents overwhelmed with options, and coaches burning out trying to do everything alone. We knew we could do better.

We opened The Training Ground in Franklin, Indiana, as more than a facility. It was a blueprint for how to develop athletes the right way. Our mission? Offer clear structure, consistent programming, and meaningful mentorship—starting with kids as young as 4 and supporting them through high school.

The Training Ground isn’t just for soccer players (though we love our soccer roots). We offer multi-sport training across soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and speed & agility, all built on foundational skills and high-rep learning. We don’t chase trophies—we build technical, physical, and mental strength that lasts.

Why We Do What We Do

Let’s be honest—youth sports today can feel like a rat race. Travel teams. Rankings. Politics. Pressure. Burnout. That’s not what sports are supposed to be about. We believe sports should be a tool for development, not a source of stress.

So we flipped the script.

At The Training Ground, we focus on fundamentals first. We create space for every level of athlete, from first-timers to future college players. We train in age-appropriate formats. We teach leadership, accountability, teamwork, and resilience—every single session.

And we’re especially focused on kids ages 4 to 8. These early years are critical, but too often overlooked. We’ve doubled down on this age group with fun, structured programming that builds confidence, coordination, and a love for sport.

How We’re Built

We’ve made our membership options simple:

• Once-a-Week ($65/month): Pick one day from our schedule.

• Twice-a-Week ($95/month): Choose any two training days.

• Unlimited ($120/month): Unlimited days in your sport + Speed & Agility.

• Extreme Athlete ($150/month): Access to every sport and every training session.

We train in collaboration with local schools and use both our own facility and school fields/gyms to maximize reach. And we hire high schoolers to mentor and coach younger athletes—because learning goes both ways.

What’s Next

We’re just getting started.

This year, we’ve expanded our Leadership Program for teens, offering paid coaching opportunities to athletes 14 and up. They’re not just helping with drills—they’re learning how to lead, teach, and communicate.

We’ve also launched new partnerships with the Franklin Community School system and the Franklin Community Soccer Association to streamline the athlete development pipeline. From first kicks to varsity tryouts, our goal is to be the trusted guide every step of the way.

And we’re developing a new platform called Coaching the Coach, which equips youth coaches with the tools they need—not just Xs and Os, but real-world leadership training. We’re pulling back the curtain on how to teach life through sport.

The Long Game

We believe sports can shape lives. But only if we run the right plays.

That means keeping our programs affordable and accessible. It means providing structure in a world full of chaos. It means mentoring young coaches and empowering parents. It means celebrating the kid who learns to sprint hard after failure just as much as the kid who hits the buzzer-beater.

The Training Ground is about more than athletics. It’s about doing things the right way—for the kids, for the coaches, and for the community.

So if you’re looking for hype and trophies, we’re probably not your place. But if you’re looking for growth, grit, and a tribe that’s building something real—we’d love to meet you.

Welcome to The Training Ground.