⚽︎ Building a Youth Goalkeeping 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!
⚽︎ The Business Blueprint for a Profitable Youth Soccer Club
Starting a youth soccer club can be one of the most rewarding business ventures — both financially and personally. But running a profitable soccer club requires more than love for the game. It demands strategic planning, financial discipline, smart marketing, and a deep understanding of what parents and players truly value.
If you’re a coach who currently runs a youth soccer club, this blueprint will guide you through the key pillars of building and scaling a sustainable, profitable youth soccer business.
Define Your Club Vision and Business Model
Before you register your first player, define what kind of club you want to run.
Ask yourself:
Will you focus on recreational, competitive, or elite development programs?
Are you targeting local community players or travel/academy-level talent?
Will your model be non-profit or for-profit?
Each model will affect your pricing, funding, and growth.
For-profit clubs thrive by offering premium training, better facilities, and transparent value — not just lower prices.
Create a Clear Financial Plan
Your soccer club is a business first — and businesses need clear financial planning.
Key revenue streams include:
Player registration and seasonal fees
Camps and clinics
Sponsorships and local partnerships
Branded merchandise and uniforms
Tournaments and facility rentals
Expenses to track carefully:
Facility rental or maintenance
Coaching staff salaries
Equipment and uniforms
Insurance and league fees
Marketing and admin costs
💡 Pro Tip: Use simple accounting software (like QuickBooks or Wave) to manage cash flow and automate invoicing.
Build a Strong Coaching and Development Philosophy
Your coaching quality is your club’s product.
Players and parents pay for development, structure, and safety — not just games.
Create a player development pathway that shows:
Clear age-group goals
Training standards and curriculum
Licensed, consistent coaching
Progress tracking and feedback systems
A structured program builds trust and retention, the lifeblood of your business.
Develop a Winning Marketing Strategy
Even the best-run club won’t grow without visibility.
Marketing strategies for youth soccer clubs:
Build a clean, mobile-friendly website with easy registration and schedules.
Use social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to showcase training, success stories, and highlights.
Collect video testimonials from parents and players.
Run Google My Business and local Facebook Ads targeting families within 10–20 miles.
Attend community events and school fairs for direct engagement.
Remember: Word of mouth is your most powerful marketing channel — but only if the experience delivers value.
Operational Excellence: Systems That Scale
As your club grows, you’ll need systems — not just effort.
Invest in:
Club management software (e.g., TeamSnap, PlayMetrics, or SportsEngine) for scheduling and payments.
Standardized onboarding for coaches and volunteers.
Parent communication plans with clear expectations and timelines.
Annual planning calendars for tryouts, camps, and league seasons.
These systems reduce chaos, increase retention, and free up your time for growth.
Build Partnerships That Add Value
Successful clubs grow through strategic relationships.
Examples:
Partner with local schools for facility access and player recruitment.
Collaborate with local businesses for sponsorships.
Work with colleges or semi-pro teams to create development pathways.
Offer co-branded camps with pro players or influencers to boost credibility.
Partnerships expand your reach, reduce costs, and enhance community reputation.
Retention, Growth & Sustainability
The most profitable clubs don’t just attract players — they keep them.
Retention strategies:
Offer loyalty discounts or multi-season memberships.
Celebrate milestones (Player of the Month, team achievements).
Communicate progress with parents regularly.
Encourage feedback and adapt programs accordingly.
Track retention rates each season — it’s a key metric of both satisfaction and stability.
The Long Game: Building a Legacy
A truly profitable youth soccer club doesn’t rely on one season’s success.
It builds a brand that represents quality, opportunity, and community.
Focus on:
Consistent branding and uniforms
A reputation for player development
Transparent leadership and communication
Giving back to the local community
The goal? To become the trusted destination for youth soccer in your area.
Running a youth soccer club is more than coaching — it’s entrepreneurship with heart.
With the right business systems, development philosophy, and marketing strategy, you can create a club that’s both profitable and impactful.
Build it smart. Build it strong. Build it for the players — and the business success will follow.
Book Your FREE 15-Minute Soccer Club Growth Call with me Today!
Discover exactly how to grow your youth soccer club’s memberships, revenue, and retention — in just 15 minutes.
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