⚽︎ Building a Private Goalkeeping Coaching Business with Jack Carillo
Soccer Coaching Business sat down with Jack Carillo, founder of Carillo Keeper School, to talk about his journey from player to coach, how he turned a side hustle into a thriving soccer training business, and what it takes to grow a goalkeeper coaching brand in today’s competitive soccer training landscape.
Leo: So Jack, how did you start Carillo Keeper School?
Jack: I started working for someone else at a facility, and they were taking most of the profits. When I asked if we could renegotiate my pay at the time — since my program was so successful — the owner had a negative reaction. That led to me leaving the facility.
Thankfully, most of the players and families followed me to my next location, where I managed the facility while also running my own goalkeeping program. Unfortunately, it was short-lived because I tore my ACL while playing semi-pro soccer. Once I was out, no one could really step into my role, and the facility eventually shut down and was sold to another company that went in a different direction.
After that, I took a bit of a hiatus from coaching classes and started doing more one-on-one private training. It was mostly cash-based, which helped with revenue but made it impossible to track profits or expenses like travel. As a younger coach, I made a lot of mistakes I now understand much better.
Later, I coached at a few colleges — New York College and St. Thomas Aquinas — and during that time, I met my wife. We got married, and when we were saving for our wedding, she actually encouraged me to get back into coaching. She said, “Do what you love — it’ll be better than picking up a night shift job.”
That advice got me back into the game. I started planning summer camps, clinics, private sessions, and club partnerships, and over the past five years, that has grown into something I’m really proud of.
Now, we work with about 100 goalkeepers a year and have eight coaches under me — some are in college, others have full-time jobs and coach part-time. We run winter and spring clinics, summer camps, and we’re even planning a holiday Goalkeeper Wars tournament this fall.
How Carillo Keeper School Stands Out
Leo: So tell us a bit more about your business — how is your goalkeeping company different from others?
Jack: Orange County, New York, isn’t known for its financial stability. It’s not like Westchester or New York City — the cost of living and wages are lower. So when some goalkeeper coaches come here charging $150 an hour, it’s short-lived. They usually move on.
My focus has always been on affordability and accessibility. I’d rather build strong numbers than chase high prices. We offer discounts for siblings and focus on creating value over ego.
Where we differ is that I specialize in developing new and young goalkeepers. Most coaches focus on advanced players — the ones already diving and flying around. I focus on the ones who can’t catch yet. We build the fundamentals and confidence first.
One of my proudest stories is a kid who came to me as a 9-year-old striker wanting to try goalkeeping. He fell in love with it and now plays at West Virginia University. That’s the kind of development we focus on — growth from the ground up.
What Makes a Great Goalkeeping Session
Leo: You’ve coached for a long time. What do you think makes a great goalkeeping session?
Jack: First — it has to be fun.
If it’s all drills and pressure without joy, it becomes a chore. The coach needs to bring energy, the players need to enjoy it. After every session, I ask my keepers three questions:
Did you get a good workout?
Did you learn something new or improve on something?
Did you have fun?
That last question is the most important. Goalkeeping is a high-pressure position — we stand in front of hard shots and often get blamed for losses. If you stop having fun, it’s time to step away.
Second — every session needs a plan.
You have to know your goal for that day. Without a structure, you’ll lose serious players who crave direction.
And third — meet players where they’re at.
If you’re coaching mixed levels, you need to challenge each group appropriately. The advanced keeper shouldn’t feel held back, and the beginner shouldn’t feel lost.
Handling Different Skill Levels
Leo: How do you handle sessions with goalkeepers at different levels?
Jack: For my programs, I separate them. When it’s my camp, I create groups based on age and skill:
Future Pros: 14 and under
Elite Development Academy: 15 and up
Within those, we further divide based on ability. On day one, we evaluate everyone and move players if needed. Parents appreciate the honesty.
At club sessions, where you can’t fully separate, I build drills that push both groups — maybe small-group footwork for the advanced ones, simpler catching work for the others. Then we bring everyone together for games so younger keepers can see what the next level looks like.
So — fun and competition together, but focused development during drills.
Biggest Obstacle as a Coach-Turned-Business Owner
Leo: What’s been your biggest challenge since starting your coaching business?
Jack: Honestly, not knowing my worth early on.
When I first started, I just accepted whatever pay I was offered because I wanted to coach. Later, when I tried to renegotiate, I realized how much that limited me.
Also, being a goalkeeper coach used to mean being an afterthought. Clubs often didn’t value the position enough to pay extra for specialized training. That’s changing now, thankfully — parents are more educated and goalkeeping is becoming more respected.
The Future of Private Training in the U.S.
Leo: Where do you see private training going in the next few years?
Jack: Private and supplemental training is only going to grow — not just in soccer, but across all sports. Parents are investing in development for scholarships and college opportunities.
In soccer, the pay-to-play model is both good and bad — it creates opportunities but also pressure. The key is avoiding burnout. I always remind my players: if you stop enjoying it, it’s not worth it.
More coaches are getting educated too — learning about fitness, psychology, and development beyond technique. That’s the direction I see the industry heading.
Advice for New Coaches Starting a Business
Leo: What advice would you give a coach who’s thinking of starting their own business?
Jack: Ask yourself why.
If your goal is just to make money, you’ll burn out. But if it’s to see kids grow and love the game, you’ll stick with it.
Also — make it your own. Don’t just copy what others do. Find your teaching style, your values, your system. And never think you’re the best — always keep learning.
Parents don’t send their kids to you because you’re “the best.” They send them because you help their child wake up excited to play. That’s the real measure of success.
Streamlining the Business Side
Leo: Tell us about your current sales and registration process.
Jack: When I started, everything was cash-based — messy and hard to track. About four years ago, I discovered Demosphere, a platform that handles my website, registration, and payments all in one place.
It was a $500 setup fee, and they take a small cut per transaction, but it changed everything. Now I can track every registration, payment, and email contact automatically. I can compare profits from camp to camp, forecast attendance, and pay my coaches fairly.
Before, I was guessing — now I can run reports, send email blasts, and manage everything professionally.
If you’re still using cash or spreadsheets — trust me — switching to a proper system saves time, money, and stress.
The Next 5 Years
Leo: Where do you see your business in the next five years?
Jack: My goal is to return to where we were heading before the pandemic — residential goalkeeper camps.
Before COVID hit, we ran our first residential camp at a local college. It was a huge success, but the pandemic stopped that momentum. Now, I want to expand into two or three residential camps across the Hudson Valley, while still offering local day options.
We already have goalkeepers coming from Pennsylvania and NYC, so this would make it easier for them and open bigger opportunities for our advanced players.
Leo: That’s amazing, Jack. Thanks so much for sharing your journey and insights.
Jack: Thank you so much — I really appreciate it!
⚽︎ How to Automate Your Soccer Coaching Business and Grow Faster
Running a private soccer coaching business is incredibly rewarding—but it can also be overwhelming. Between scheduling sessions, managing payments, tracking player progress, and marketing your services, many coaches find themselves drowning in administrative tasks.
The good news? You don’t have to. Automation tools and smart systems can streamline your coaching business, giving you more time to focus on what you love most: coaching players and growing your impact.
Why Automation is a Game-Changer for Soccer Coaches
As a private coach, your time is your most valuable asset. Manual scheduling, constant emails, and payment reminders can eat up hours each week. Automation allows you to:
Reduce repetitive tasks
Increase consistency in communication
Provide a professional experience for players and parents
Scale your business without burning out
Think of automation as having a virtual assistant who never sleeps—it keeps your business running smoothly even when you’re on the field.
Key Areas to Automate in Your Coaching Business
Scheduling & Bookings
Tools like Calendly or Acuity allow players and parents to book sessions directly on your calendar—eliminating back-and-forth emails.
Payments & Invoicing
Platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or Coach Accountable can automatically process payments, send reminders, and even offer subscription packages for consistent income.
Player Progress Tracking
Digital platforms like TeamSnap, SoccerHub, or TrainHeroic let you track individual player performance, share drills, and send updates automatically.
Marketing & Communication
Automated email campaigns, social media scheduling, and messaging apps can help you stay in touch with players, share success stories, and attract new clients effortlessly.
Benefits Beyond Time Savings
When your systems are automated:
You appear professional and organized
Players and parents experience seamless communication
You have more capacity to take on new clients
Your business grows faster without increasing your workload
Automation doesn’t just save time—it creates opportunities for growth and scalability that were previously impossible as a one-person operation.
Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t have to automate everything at once. Start with one or two key areas that are taking up the most time. As you gain confidence and see results, expand your automation to other parts of your business.
Even small changes can lead to significant growth over time.
Free 15-Minute Call
If you’re ready to stop drowning in admin and start growing your soccer coaching business faster, I’ve got you covered.
Book a free 15-minute strategy call with me, and we’ll:
Identify your biggest time-wasting tasks
Pinpoint the automation tools that fit your business
Create a simple plan to streamline your coaching operations
Don’t wait—your time is valuable, and your business deserves to run like a well-oiled machine.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Call Now
Automation is no longer optional—it’s essential for private soccer coaches who want to grow efficiently and sustainably. By automating your scheduling, payments, communication, and progress tracking, you free yourself to focus on coaching, scaling your business, and making a bigger impact on players’ lives.
Take the first step today—schedule your free 15-minute call and see how automation can transform your coaching business.
⚽︎ Creative Marketing Strategies to Get More Private Soccer Coaching Clients
If you’re a soccer coach trying to grow your client base, you already know that being a great coach isn’t enough — you also need to be a great marketer. With so many trainers, academies, and programs competing for attention, standing out takes more than just word of mouth. The good news? You can use creative, modern marketing strategies to get more soccer coaching clients and build a thriving business.
Let’s break down how to do it step-by-step.
Define Your Niche and Ideal Player
Before you market yourself, you need to know who you’re marketing to. Ask yourself:
Do you specialize in youth players or adults?
Are you focused on technical skills, fitness, or tactical understanding?
Do you work with individuals, small groups, or teams?
Once you define your niche — for example, “elite youth striker training” or “private technical sessions for beginners” — you can tailor your messaging, visuals, and promotions to attract the right audience.
Pro tip: Use clear, specific language in your bios and ads like “Helping 10–16-year-olds master first touch and passing.”
Build a Strong Personal Brand
Your brand is more than a logo — it’s the feeling people get when they see your name online.
To build a standout soccer coaching brand:
Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery across your social media and website.
Share your story: why you coach, what you believe in, and what results you’ve helped players achieve.
Highlight testimonials and before-and-after results (videos work great here).
Example: A short video reel showing a player’s progress from your training sessions can be 10x more convincing than any written testimonial.
Leverage Social Media Creatively
Social media is your biggest opportunity to reach new clients for free — but creativity is what makes you stand out. Here are some ideas:
🎥 Create short skill tutorials (use trending audio and clear on-screen text).
⚽ Share “player of the week” posts featuring your current athletes.
🎯 Show behind-the-scenes content like warm-ups, drills, or how you analyze player performance.
💬 Engage — respond to comments, use polls, and share feedback sessions.
Use platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts — short-form video is the best format for organic reach in 2025.
Bonus idea: Collaborate with local teams, schools, or sports influencers for cross-promotion.
Offer Free Value to Build Trust
People buy from coaches they trust — and trust comes from value. Create simple, free content that helps players improve before they ever hire you.
Ideas include:
A free PDF guide (“Top 5 Soccer Drills to Improve Ball Control”)
A weekly email tip or newsletter
Hosting a free mini-clinic or live online Q&A session
By giving away useful information, you show expertise and build goodwill — which converts into paying clients down the line.
Use Local SEO to Attract Nearby Players
If you coach in person, optimizing for local search is crucial.
Here’s how to get more visibility in your area:
Set up a Google Business Profile with updated photos, hours, and reviews.
Add location-based keywords to your website (e.g., “soccer coach in Dallas” or “private soccer lessons in Toronto”).
Ask happy clients to leave 5-star Google reviews.
When someone searches “soccer coach near me,” you’ll be among the top results — and that’s free advertising.
Build Partnerships with Local Organizations
Partnerships multiply your exposure.
You can:
Partner with local schools or youth teams to offer specialized clinics.
Collaborate with gyms, sports stores, or nutritionists to cross-promote services.
Sponsor or volunteer at local soccer tournaments to showcase your expertise.
This strategy builds community credibility while directly reaching potential clients in person.
Create a Referral Program
Word of mouth is powerful — especially when you give clients a reason to talk about you.
Offer small rewards like:
A free training session for every 3 referrals
Branded gear (t-shirts, water bottles, etc.)
Discounted group sessions
Encourage parents and players to refer others — make it fun, easy, and worthwhile.
Showcase Success Stories
Nothing sells like results. Feature stories of real clients — with their permission — to demonstrate your impact.
You can:
Share before-and-after training videos
Post testimonial graphics on Instagram
Record short interviews with players or parents
Highlight measurable improvements: faster sprint times, better ball control, or improved confidence. These stories act as social proof and inspire others to sign up.
Run Smart Paid Ads
If you’re ready to scale faster, a small investment in paid ads can bring big results.
Focus on:
Facebook & Instagram Ads: Target parents in your local area with interests in youth soccer.
Google Ads: Target searches like “private soccer coaching near me.”
Retargeting Ads: Show ads to people who visited your site but didn’t book a session.
Use video or testimonial content for your ads — it converts best for coaches.
Track, Test, and Improve
Finally, treat your marketing like your training sessions — always analyze and improve.
Monitor:
Which posts or ads bring the most inquiries
What type of content your audience engages with
How many leads turn into paying clients
Use that data to double down on what works and drop what doesn’t. Continuous improvement is the secret to long-term success.
Getting more soccer coaching clients doesn’t require a massive budget — it requires creativity, consistency, and authenticity. By combining modern digital marketing with your passion for coaching, you can build a recognizable brand, attract more players, and grow your business faster than ever.
Remember: great coaches don’t wait for clients — they create opportunities through smart marketing.
Ready to grow your soccer coaching business?
Book a free 15-minute strategy call with me to discover how to attract more clients, build your brand, and increase your income.
⚽︎ How to Find the Right Facility for Your Soccer Coaching Business
If you’re a private soccer coach, one of the biggest challenges (and opportunities) you’ll face is finding the right facility for your training sessions. The perfect location can help to grow your brand, help you attract more players, and give your sessions a professional edge. On the flip side, a poor setup can limit your growth or drive clients away.
This guide breaks down how to find, evaluate, and secure a soccer training facility that fits your goals, your players, and your budget.
Define What Type of Facility You Need
Before you start touring locations, get clear about your training model:
Group sessions – You’ll need a larger field (indoor or outdoor) with enough space for drills, scrimmages, and safe player movement.
Private or small-group lessons – A half-field, futsal court, or smaller turf section may work fine.
Year-round training – Consider an indoor facility or a venue with both indoor and outdoor options.
👉 Pro Tip: Write down your session format, number of players, and equipment requirements. This helps you communicate clearly with facility managers and avoid paying for space you don’t need.
Consider Location and Accessibility
Convenience is a huge factor for parents choosing training programs. Look for facilities that are:
Within 15–20 minutes of your target neighborhoods
Easy to access from major roads
Safe and well-lit, especially for evening sessions
Have ample parking or nearby drop-off areas
A slightly smaller facility in the right location is usually better than a perfect pitch in an inconvenient area.
Know Your Budget (and Hidden Costs)
Facility costs vary widely depending on region and amenities. On average:
Outdoor turf rental: $50–$150/hour
Indoor field rental: $100–$250/hour
Full-field rentals: Often discounted for longer commitments
Don’t forget to account for:
Equipment storage fees
Insurance requirements
Lighting or utilities charges
Seasonal rate changes
If your schedule is flexible, ask about off-peak discounts (early mornings or weekdays).
Check the Facility’s Policies and Amenities
When you find a promising spot, review the fine print. Key questions to ask:
Are there restrictions on equipment or training drills (e.g., no agility poles or resistance bands)?
Is liability insurance required, and do they provide a certificate of coverage?
Can you brand the space (e.g., banners, pop-up tents, or cones with your logo)?
Are there bathrooms, water access, or a waiting area for parents?
If you plan to expand into camps or clinics, look for facilities that allow larger bookings or offer exclusive-use packages.
Build Relationships with Facility Managers
Your relationship with the facility staff can make or break your experience. Be professional, reliable, and respectful of the space.
Show up on time, leave it clean, and communicate clearly about your needs.
Long-term, these relationships often lead to:
Priority booking during peak hours
Discounted rates
Opportunities to collaborate on local soccer events or camps
Explore Creative Options
If traditional soccer fields are scarce or expensive, think outside the box:
Community centers or churches with gyms or outdoor areas
School fields (rent through local districts)
Multi-sport complexes with turf zones
Parks and recreation departments that offer field permits
In many cities, you can even partner with local clubs to rent during their off-hours — a win-win for both sides.
Think Long-Term: From Renting to Owning
Once your coaching business grows, consider transitioning from renting to leasing or owning your own facility.
Owning gives you more control over scheduling, branding, and expansion.
Before taking that step, analyze:
Your current client volume and retention rate
Financing options (e.g., SBA loans or partnerships)
Potential for multi-sport rentals to offset costs
Even if ownership is years away, start building a vision of what your ideal facility would look like.
Finding the right training facility isn’t just about turf and goals — it’s about setting the foundation for a sustainable soccer coaching business.
When your players feel safe, parents feel confident, and you have a space that supports your coaching style, everything else — from marketing to retention — becomes easier.
So take your time, do your research, and invest in the environment where your athletes will grow.
Ready to grow your soccer training business?
Let’s chat! Book a free 15-minute strategy call with me to discuss how you can attract more clients, streamline your marketing, and scale your soccer training business.