Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Shim.
Ashleigh, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I first learned to play soccer at the age of eight. Little did I know, it would give me everything I have today. Soccer has given me lifelong bonds and meaningful relationships, an education, a living, clothes, food, helped me see the world, taught me what it means to never give up even when the odds are against me, how to win at all costs, what sacrifice means, the importance of diligence and discipline in character building, and how much it can do for other people, especially kids and so much more. I founded a soccer training institution called TRAINED2GO SOCCER ACADEMY about three years ago, out of my love for the game and my understanding that soccer can create avenues for kids to better their lives. The US soccer system is designed for kids from economically advantaged backgrounds to succeed and at the highest levels of play, excludes those who cannot afford it. With the help of my mother and a lot of different people growing up, I was fortunate to play club soccer at a high level and then get a scholarship for my college education. I then went on to play professional club soccer in Germany, Sweden and for the Jamaican National Team.
I remember sleepless nights dreaming about what it would be for me to play at the highest level and what I needed to do to get there. As a kid, I remember constantly riding my bike miles with one soccer ball to train alone only to get kicked off the private fields at Patton Park in my hometown in Jacksonville, shortly after I started my workout. I remember in college wanting to quit soccer at least once every year because of the mental demand. I remember graduating and wanting to fulfill my dream and become a pro. I remember waking up at 5 am every weekday in the summer to train with the FIU Men’s team, then going to the gym to lift with my strength coach Jesus Gallo, then training at night with a boys team. I remember thinking about where my next meal was coming from, being totally broke on the path to becoming a pro and questioning whether or not this was for me. Then, I remember signing my first contract to play in the Bundesliga 2. I remember signing a second contract to play in Sweden. I remember getting called to help Jamaica qualify for its first-ever World Cup. I remember controlling my breath as I walked up to take the 3rd penalty in the deciding match for the qualification to the World Cup. Then, I remember standing in the Stade de Alpes in France at the 2019 Women’s World Cup thinking, “I said I was going to do this and I really did it.” I remember the bonds created with my teammates. I remember God testing my faith through this whole process and my growth as a person as a result.
My goal is to reconstruct youth girls soccer development in Miami, FL and ultimately help to create avenues for these players for different opportunities in their lives, wherever soccer may take them. With my team from TRAINED2GO SOCCER ACADEMY, we have made extra training more affordable and inclusive. From $15 skills classes to free camps/clinics, we will continue to help players be the best they can be. We understand not everyone wants to be a pro or will become a pro, but we understand that many other achievements can come from this awesome game. God has given me everything through soccer and made me who I am today. In the near future, my business partner Yaneash Donaldson, and I will seek to open an affordable, inclusive all-girls soccer club in Miami, FL. It’s time to use TRAINED2GO for a bigger purpose.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road is never smooth. If you aren’t faced with challenges, you will never grow.
Some of the struggles TRAINED2GO SOCCER ACADEMY has faced is finding quality coaches who care first about player development. We now have a team of incredible, genuine people who not only care about the players but more importantly, about the kids themselves. Also, the business took a few hits, when I was away for national team duties because I am the main point of contact and I handle everything on the administrative end. But now that we have built a team of competent, knowledgeable people, it has become less work on my end which is a great thing. That helps me stay more focused on coaching and leading our team of coaches.
Please tell us about TRAINED2GO SOCCER ACADEMY.
TRAINED2GO SOCCER ACADEMY, LLC is a personal soccer training service that elevates player performance by improving the technique, tactical knowledge, cognitive and physical ability of all players at all levels.
With a special focus on the developmental ages (4-18), T2G’s training system helps older players to stay in match-fit condition while raising their level of play in season and out of season. For younger players, we pay special attention to teaching proper technique in dribbling, passing, receiving, heading, striking, serving, and every technical aspect of the game.
Our ability to cater to all demographics with the affordability and inclusiveness we provide as a training institution sets us apart from other training systems.
Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
My sheer will is the most important characteristic that helps me be successful. I will never give up until I accomplish something. Whether it was school, soccer, or business, if I put my mind to something, I will definitely have it and I know nothing can stop me from getting the things I want in life. No is not an answer that I will take when I want something to happen.
Pricing:
- Skills Class $15
- Group Training $25
- Quarterly Free Clinics
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ttgsocceracademy.com
- Phone: 904-962-2655
- Email: ttgsocceracademy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ttgsocceracademy
- Facebook: @ttgsocceracademy
Image Credit:
FIFA – Gary Prior
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