With our Little Footballers Program, our mission is to foster the growth of young players with a nurturing and engaging environment. We believe in offering more than just soccer lessons; we provide a comprehensive platform for young players to develop foundational skills, enhance their confidence, and cultivate a deep love for the game.
Javier Ayala is the Founder of Bay Area Soccer Academy and Little Footballers. Javier oversees mentorship programs tailored for young athletes aspiring to play at high youth levels, collegiate soccer, or even in the professional ranks. With a rich background in soccer both locally and internationally, Javier is now focusing his expertise and passion toward nurturing entry-level players, guiding them to hone their skills and realize their full potential.
Javier's Journey from Player to Coach:
Born and raised in East Palo Alto, California, Javier's soccer journey is deeply rooted in a family that has deep passion for the game. His natural talent was evident early on, leading him to play for UC Berkeley from 2004-2007. His collegiate career was marked by outstanding achievements, including NCAA Tournament appearances all four years, winning the PAC-10 Championship in 2006 and 2007, and making significant progress in national competitions.
Javier's professional playing career included training stints with MLS teams such as Chivas USA, San Jose Earthquakes, and Sporting Kansas City, along with playing internationally in Puerto Rico, Thailand, and Germany. This diverse experience has given him a unique perspective on the game, enriching his coaching philosophy.
Transitioning to Coaching:
Javier coached at the College level at UC Berkeley, USF and San Francisco State. With over two decades of coaching experience at the youth level, Javier has worked with players aged 4-17 across academy and recreational programs, demonstrating a profound commitment to developing young talent.
Reach out to us today!
* Convenient & Accessible: We understand the busy schedules of families, which is why our program is conveniently scheduled right after school to ease the logistical burden on parents.
* Focused on Foundations: Our after school program focuses on building strong foundations in soccer while making sure the children have fun and stay active.
* Experience & Expertise: With Javier Ayala's extensive background in soccer, both locally and internationally, we bring a wealth of knowledge to our training sessions.
Philosophy
* Safe & Fun Environment: Safety is our top priority. All activities are conducted in a secure environment designed to foster enjoyment and learning.
* Character Building: We believe in nurturing not only athletic skills but also life skills. Our program emphasizes respect, teamwork, and perseverance.
* Skill Development: Our curriculum is designed to develop the fundamentals of soccer such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate manner.
* Professional Coaching: Programming developed by Javier Ayala, founder of Little Footballers and a seasoned player and coach, our program offers young athletes high-quality training from someone who has competed and coached at the highest levels.
Program Overview
Target Age Group: 4-10 Years
Location: Various schools across East Bay, CA
Schedule: Sessions run once to 3 times a week per school, immediately after school hours.
At Little Footballers, we extend our passion for soccer beyond the field and into the classroom with our After School Program, specially designed for young players eager to develop their soccer skills after school. This program combines our expertise in youth development with the convenience and fun of after-school learning.