Total Soccer Academy

Total Soccer Academy

Nantucket · Ages 9–19

European vision. Local roots.
Building better players and a stronger island game.

0–19 Age Groups
0 Training Phases
0 Clear Idea of Play

Built for Nantucket.
Driven by a European Vision.

Total Soccer Academy exists to develop better soccer players and better teams right here on our island. We believe the game can be more organized, more intentional, and more vertical than what is typically seen locally.

Our approach is rooted in a European understanding of football — emphasizing structure, intelligent movement, and clear principles of play. The head coach is currently completing Johan Cruyff courses to deepen this vision and bring modern, progressive ideas to Nantucket’s young athletes.

We are focused on the community: creating opportunities for players aged 9 to 19 to grow technically, tactically, and as people, while strengthening the island’s soccer culture.

Soccer tactics board
Organization • Verticality • Intelligence
João Araújo, Head Coach
Head Coach

João Araújo

Portugal · Germany · Brazil

The ball is still the most magical object I know.

I have played soccer almost my entire life. The game is not a job to me — it is the thing that shaped who I am. I study it, watch it, and live it so I can pass that love on and make every player around me better.

Born and raised in Portugal, I also lived in Germany and Brazil, where I could watch training and matches up close. That mix — European organization, Brazilian joy, and a clear idea of play — is what I bring to Nantucket.

My goal is simple: better players, better island teams, and better people. If I can help Nantucket grow through this game, that is the work.

Let’s play.

Programs for Ages 9–19

Structured training designed to develop complete players who understand the game.

Youth soccer training
Ages 9–12

Foundation Phase

Technical mastery, basic organization, and love for the game. Building the foundations of intelligent movement and ball control.

  • Technical skill development
  • Introduction to team shape
  • Fun, high-intensity sessions
$180 / month · 4 sessions
Inquire
Competitive soccer players
Ages 17–19

Performance Phase

Advanced tactical concepts, leadership, and preparing for higher levels of the game or college pathways.

  • Complex team organization
  • High-level decision making
  • Physical & mental preparation
$250 / month · 4 sessions
Inquire

Clear Options for Every Player

Monthly group packages are based on 4 sessions per month. Need more frequency or private work? See the options below.

Group Sessions

Monthly packages · Ages 9–19

Foundation (9–12) 4 sessions / month
$180
Development (13–16) 4 sessions / month
$220
Performance (17–19) 4 sessions / month
$250

Want to train more often? Ask about 3× or 4× per week packages.

Higher Frequency

3× or 4× per week

3× per week ~12 sessions / month
From $420
4× per week ~16 sessions / month
From $520

Exact price depends on age group. Contact us for a custom plan.

Private & Small Group

60-minute sessions

One-on-One Individual focus · 60 min
$75
Small Group (2–4 players) Shared session · 60 min
$45 / player

Ideal for technical work, position-specific training, or catching up.

A Different Way of Playing

We don’t just train players — we teach them a clear idea of the game. Inspired by the Dutch school and the work of Johan Cruyff, our sessions emphasize:

01

Organization

Clear structure in and out of possession. Players know their roles and how the team functions as a unit.

02

Verticality

Progressing the ball forward with purpose. Breaking lines and creating dangerous situations through intelligent movement.

03

Intelligence

Players who understand why they do what they do — not just what to do. Decision-making is trained every session.

“Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.”

— Johan Cruyff
Soccer pitch and tactics

Common Questions

We currently work with players from 9 to 19 years old, split into Foundation (9–12), Development (13–16), and Performance (17–19) phases.

All training is on Nantucket. Exact fields and times are shared after you reach out, depending on the season and group.

Yes. New players can arrange a trial session so we can see the level and you can experience the training environment before committing.

We follow a European, Cruyff-inspired approach focused on organization, verticality, and player intelligence rather than just individual skills.

Every donation is used only to grow the academy and our athletes: training materials, equipment, and the medium- to long-term goal of building a proper club on Nantucket.

Ready to Train with Us?

Reach out to learn more about programs, schedules, and how to get involved on Nantucket.

Location Nantucket, Massachusetts
Languages English · Portuguese · Spanish

Start the Conversation

Whether you’re a parent, player, or interested in collaborating — we’d love to hear from you.

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