My experience at the academy has been transformational for me as a player. The training structure is rigorous enough to prepare you physically yet functional enough to prepare yourself mentally so that decision-making on the field progresses from decisions to habits.

Apart from the world-class facilities, what makes Altitude Rush special is the coaching. I must credit Coach Tom Durkin for my development as a player and person. It is because of him that I learned what it takes to succeed at the next level. Coach Durkin’s dedication and insight into the game is unlike any coach I have ever played for. You can trust Coach Durkin and the academy to help you reach your goals, whether that be playing collegiately or professionally!

My experience at the academy is something I’ll never forget. While at times it may feel overwhelming and be quite tough but in reality, the staff is just preparing you for what’s coming. The adversity and the different challenges you will be facing on and off the pitch daily is something that you only understand when you’re in that position.

I’ve been blessed learning and soaking in everything that I’ve been taught by Tom Durkin and applying it to my game which has really helped. Not only has it improved my SOP, technical ability, and knowledge/ability to read the game.

We’re taught to have courage and strength and to fight for each other and push ourselves and each other to the max, to grow as a player and person. To focus on the things we control our Attitude Concentration and Effort. Turn you from a boy to a man and really build character. All of these morals have helped me at the next level in a professional environment. The way I carry myself on and off the pitch. I’m just grateful for all coaches and staff who have got me to where I am today.

Hi, my name is Xavi Csato and I play for Stetson University. I came to the academy my Junior year of high school and lived in Port St Lucie as part of the residency program. I credit my time living at the facilities and playing under coach Tom Durkin and his coaching staff as responsible for preparing me for the demands of playing in college.

Not only did I develop valuable life skills living alone, but the intensity of Coach Tom’s trainings as well as his and the other coaches’ vast knowledge and experience helped me tailor my game to play at the next level. Through his trainings and teachings, Tom helped me understand the game at a tactical level, understanding not only my role on the field but the roles of those around me.

The training also helped me improve my technique, enabling me to play at a faster pace, and make more of an impact on the field. I highly recommend the academy to any aspiring soccer player who wishes to pursue playing soccer at the next level, as Coach Tom and his staff have the knowledge, tools, and connections to get you where you want to be.

Looking back as a College sophomore, I have fond memories of the 3 years I spent with the Academy as part of the residency program.

Arriving from Japan as an International Student with limited English language capability, the immersion in school and sports allowed me to focus on my long-term goal..a Division I scholarship. Don’t get me wrong a made a lot of sacrifices being away from my family, friends, and familiar culture, but the academy staff helped me to adapt quickly. I felt welcomed, I learned about a new culture, and made new friends from all walks of life.

In short, school wasn’t my favorite thing but the teachers and staff stayed with me and pushed me to excel in the College Prep courses and improve my English. On the field, my coaches and teammates were amazing…for us it was like a Soccer University and Laboratory. We were learning and practicing twice a day and we experimented every weekend on match days. The Coaching Staff is the best I have encountered and prepares you with specialists in every aspect of the game.

In addition, they provided lots of exposure for us to college and pro coaches and that is how I landed here at Temple University. These experiences prepared me for college and beyond and if you have the chance to attend I wish you
the same success and experience.