Elite Sports meets Elite Education
A Disruptor EDU Case Study
Case Study: Transforming the Academic Program at Prospect Soccer Academy
Introduction
Prospect Soccer Academy (PSA), located in Lake Forest, California, was founded by professional soccer players from the United Kingdom who experienced the UK’s academy system firsthand. Their vision was to replicate this model in the United States, offering young athletes a pathway that combined academics, elite soccer training, mindset development, and strategic education. While PSA quickly built a loyal following for its soccer development program, the academic side of the academy presented significant challenges that threatened its growth and sustainability.
Background
Client: Prospect Soccer Academy (PSA)
Location: Lake Forest, California
Industry: Youth Sports & Education
Vision: To provide a holistic academy experience that balances academics, soccer development, and personal growth.
The Challenge
Although PSA excelled in soccer training, the academic program relied heavily on secondary virtual providers. Families began expressing concerns that the academic experience was not meeting the same high standards as the soccer program. This imbalance created several issues:
Enrollment Struggles: Families hesitated to commit to a program where academics felt secondary.
Profitability Concerns: Enrollment challenges meant PSA was not breaking even financially.
Lack of Educational Expertise: The leadership team, while experts in soccer, did not have a background in education and were unsure how to strengthen the academic side of the program.
Reputation Risk: Without a strong academic foundation, PSA risked losing credibility with families seeking a balanced pathway for their children.
Our Role
The consulting engagement began with guiding PSA leadership through their options, helping them define what families were truly looking for, and identifying what students needed to thrive. From there, a comprehensive academic plan was created to support PSA’s vision and ensure long-term success. After the initial project, PSA brought the consultant back to support hiring and training an entirely new academic staff to implement the plan and achieve the academy’s goals.
The Process
Clarity on Needs: Conducted a full financial review to establish enrollment goals aligned with profit targets. Surveyed parents and staff to identify gaps in the academic program.
Academic Plan Development: Designed a unique academic plan with curriculum, scope, and sequence tailored to PSA’s community. Emphasis was placed on communication, mindset, and entrepreneurial skills while preparing students for future opportunities.
Team Building: Created systems for hiring, onboarding, and training a new academic team to deliver the same level of excellence as the coaching staff.
Marketing Alignment: Ensured marketing copy and messaging accurately reflected the quality and scope of the new academic offering.
Family Communication: Directly engaged with parents to communicate enhancements and prepare them for the new academic year.
The Solution
The redesigned program integrated rigorous academics with PSA’s elite soccer training, creating a balanced and holistic experience. The new academic framework emphasized both traditional learning outcomes and future-ready skills, while the newly trained staff ensured consistent delivery of high-quality education. Marketing and communication strategies were aligned to build trust and confidence among families.
Results
Enrollment Growth: Increased from 21 confirmed enrollments to over 40 within three months, with a waitlist established.
Financial Turnaround: Achieved profitability through higher enrollment and stronger family retention.
Qualified Team: Successfully hired and trained a new academic staff aligned with PSA’s mission and goals.
Stronger Messaging: Marketing funnel and communications clearly conveyed the value of the integrated academic and athletic program.
Family Satisfaction: Parents expressed confidence in the balance between academics and athletics, leading to a thriving community.
Lessons Learned
Consistency in messaging and program quality at every level builds trust, which in turn creates loyal families and a thriving community.
Leadership in education programs must have clarity in their mission, understand every aspect of their offering, and be able to communicate it effectively.
A holistic approach that balances academics, athletics, and personal development is essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Through strategic program development, Prospect Soccer Academy transformed its academic offering into a robust, future-focused program that matched the excellence of its soccer training. By aligning financial goals, academic rigor, staffing, marketing, and family communication, PSA not only achieved profitability but also built a thriving community of student-athletes and families. This case study demonstrates how education program development consulting can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.