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ABOUT NFA-FK 5280

NFA Club

Test Your Limits

Welcome to NFA-FK 5280, the premier club of Nisola Futbol Academy dedicated to disrupting the status quo in Colorado youth soccer. Built on a foundation of elite training principles and the personal history of our Technical Director, Sola Abolaji, NFA-FK 5280 is more than a club – it’s a commitment to player-focused development, innovation, and quality over quantity. Our approach is designed to nurture technically skilled, tactically intelligent players who embody resilience, creativity, and character on and off the field.

 

At NFA-FK 5280, we do things differently. With a boutique mindset, we prioritize long-term growth over short-term results, offering a rigorous yet supportive environment where players can progress from U7 to U19. Our limited, elite teams are carefully curated to maximize individualized coaching, consistent technical standards, and the personal investment needed to prepare athletes for the highest levels of competition – from college to careers and beyond.

Join us at NFA-FK 5280, where we believe in defying conventions to develop legends. We’re not just building teams; we’re cultivating a new generation of athletes ready to lead, compete, and inspire.

  • What differentiates NFA from other clubs?
    What sets NFA-FK 5280 apart is our commitment to a different kind of youth soccer environment—one rooted in purpose, process, and genuine player development. Unlike many American clubs, we don’t operate on a pay-to-play model with multiple teams per age group. Instead, we have a single, selective team per age group, creating a player pool that mirrors a European-style youth academy. This approach fosters a competitive, growth-oriented environment rather than simply filling rosters. Our goal isn’t to collect players; it’s to develop athletes who are deeply committed to the journey. Our biggest differentiator? Our coaches. They’re not just here to build résumés or chase wins. Our coaching staff has competed and coached at the highest levels, bringing confidence and experience to every session. They believe in what they’re building, without the insecurity often seen in programs that prioritize quantity over quality. They’re here to guide players through a true developmental process, free from the distractions of club “politics.” We value a competitive environment where every player has an equal chance to earn their next opportunity, based on merit and growth. At NFA, we know each player isn’t just a number; they’re someone’s son or daughter, and we honor that responsibility as “sacred.” We’re not just a club; we’re a family-oriented environment. From clear communication of expectations to our hands-on developmental approach, we support each athlete’s journey with the respect and dedication it deserves. Our training methods go beyond typical drills or cone exercises. We engage in “deep practice,” where players focus on skills with intention, precision, and continuous improvement. We’re here not just to participate but to elevate, disrupt, and, ultimately, take over. At NFA, we’re not building just another club. We’re creating a legacy—one dedicated athlete at a time.
  • I thought NFA was only a training environment; when did you start forming teams and why?
    Nisola Futbol Academy is a club neutral, training academy. Our passion for the sport instils in us a responsibility to help any and all players who seek our methods to improve technically and physically while complementing their commitments to their home clubs.
  • What is your organizational structure?
    NFA-FK 5280 is led by a team dedicated to player development and club excellence: Sola Abolaji, Technical Director: Oversees the implementation of our training philosophy, ensuring high standards across all teams and programs. Weaver Athlete Management: Handles international, professional, and collegiate recruitment for our players. Anita O’Connor, CEO: Manages the club’s strategic direction and operations. Together, our leadership ensures consistent, high-quality training and support for every player. Coaching and Training Staff At NFA-FK 5280, we prioritize excellence in coaching. All of our coaches and trainers are highly qualified and experienced, holding USSF coaching licenses. Unlike many programs, we do not rely on volunteer coaches, ensuring that every player benefits from knowledgeable, dedicated professionals. Competitive Teams We field competitive teams that are focused on player development while equipping them with the tools to succeed in every match. Winning is part of our philosophy, but our primary goal is to develop players within our training model. Our teams compete in: CSA (Colorado Soccer Association) Leagues Local and Out-of-State Tournaments Showcase Matches: Against top clubs nationwide and internationally to provide exposure to collegiate and professional recruiters. Our unique network enables us to arrange games against elite clubs across the U.S. and international teams that offer diverse styles of play. These opportunities challenge our players and enhance their development. While we aim to dominate locally as a benchmark for success, we also provide pathways to the highest levels of competition. Every player and team earns their place through consistent effort and performance, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of elite soccer.
  • What will be the competition level of the teams you form?
    Our goal is to field competitive teams focused on development, but we aren’t driven solely by the immediate results. We aim to place teams in leagues and tournaments where they will be challenged appropriately to grow and succeed in a way that aligns with our philosophy. By working with a CSA (Colorado Soccer Association) member, we now have access to local leagues where we believe our teams can make a significant impact while maintaining a developmental focus. We will also enter into competitive tournaments locally and nationally giving our players the opportunity to express themselves against high-level competition.
  • What makes NFA-FK 5280 different from other clubs?
    NFA-FK 5280 is focused on quality over quantity. We prioritize holistic player development, meaning we emphasize technical, tactical, and character growth. Our club is designed for players who are serious about their soccer journey and are looking for a high- quality, boutique experience rather than a large, "big box" club.
  • How are players selected and how are teams formed?
    At NFA-FK 5280, we don’t create multiple teams per age group. Instead, we establish a player pool for each age group, similar to the youth academy model. This approach allows us to focus on individual player development while fostering a highly competitive training environment. Players are selected based on their skill level, commitment to growth, and alignment with our philosophy. Our player pools provide flexibility for advanced training, small- sided games, and competitive matches, where players can challenge themselves and grow within a structured, developmental framework. This structure is designed for players with elite mindsets and families who prioritize long-term development within a competitive setting. We steer clear of the “politics” often found in traditional soccer clubs. At NFA-FK 5280, we care about each player’s progress and encourage a growth mindset, focusing on helping every athlete reach their highest potential within a supportive yet challenging atmosphere.
  • What age groups do you serve, and how are players selected?
    We serve players from U8 through U18 and select players based on their skill level, commitment to growth, and alignment with our developmental approach. Our goal is to form a limited number of elite teams in each age group, focusing on individual progress within a team environment.
  • What is your training and playing philosophy?
    Our training philosophy centers around our four pillars: Technical Mastery, Tactical Intelligence, Dynamic Creativity, and Empowering Leadership. We aim to develop well-rounded players who are technically skilled, tactically aware, and capable of adapting to game situations with quick thinking and creativity. Our Technical Director ensures that all teams follow this structured development process.
  • How often do the teams train and what is the game schedule?
    Teams typically train 3-5 times per week, incorporating Nonpareil’s technical and performance training in addition to traditional team training sessions. The game schedule is structured around development-focused leagues and tournaments that align with our philosophy, providing competitive opportunities that challenge and enhance our players' growth.
  • What is the commitment level required?
    NFA-FK 5280 is designed for dedicated players and families. We expect high attendance and commitment, as regular practice is essential for progression. We look for players who are prepared to fully commit to their growth within our environment.
  • What are the costs associated with joining the club?
    Costs include registration fees, uniform costs, training fees, and any tournament or travel fees. This figure will be in line with the industry standard.
  • Is there a pathway for players to advance within the club?
    Absolutely. Our pathway is designed to take players from entry-level skill-building to elite performance, with a clear progression for those who show the dedication and potential to move forward. Our structured development model includes opportunities for players to advance to more competitive teams or take on leadership roles within their teams.
  • Do you provide feedback on player progress?
    Yes, player development is a key focus. We regularly assess players and provide feedback on their progress. Our coaches and Technical Director work closely with players to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that each player has a clear development plan.
  • How is the club responding to potential changes in the soccer landscape, such as the US Soccer school year change?
    We are already preparing to adjust for anticipated changes to ensure a smooth transition for our players. Our development model is flexible and focuses on individual growth, so we’re able to adapt our training and team structures to avoid the disruptions that might impact other clubs.
  • What are the next steps for joining?
    The next steps include completing contacting us through our player tryout form, followed by an assessment or tryout session with our coaching staff. From there, we’ll discuss team placement and start working on an individualized development plan.
  • Do you offer any additional training outside of team practices?
    Yes, we offer supplemental programs, including technical labs, performance labs for strength and agility, and seasonal intensives. These programs help players focus on specific skills and are open to players looking for extra training opportunities.
  • How does NFA-FK 5280 manage communication with parents?
    We prioritize clear and consistent communication with parents. We use standard communication platforms for quick updates and announcements, and we have dedicated channels for specific programs to ensure everyone stays informed without sharing personal contacts with others. All communication and feedback can first and primarily be directed to Anita.
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