CONTACT
INFORMATION
- COPA Soccer Training Center
- 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
- (925) 357-8999
- charliec@copastc.com
- www.copastc.com
Introduction to
COPA Soccer Training Center
Mission
Overview:
• Opened on January 2, 2020
• The only one of its kind in Northern America
• Attracts more than 750,000 visitors each year
• COPA STC is a pioneering initiative at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and sports science. • COPA STC aims to become a globally accepted standard in talent identification at scale.
Learn More:
KEY FEATURES AND OFFERINGS
Objective Player Pathway
ASSESSMENTS
COPA SCORE
Ages 12+
SKILLS CHECK
Ages 6-8
COPA STC MEMBERSHIPS
PROGRAMS
COPA
PR Release/News/Blogs
QUOTES
FOR Media Outlets from the COPA Team
“The future of soccer identification lies in understanding and leveraging data. At COPA STC, we are pioneering efforts to integrate advanced performance metrics into everyday training, making objective evaluation and targeted development a reality for all our athletes.”
"COPA STC's use of objective data to drive our training methodologies is revolutionizing how we think about player development. By focusing on measurable and scalable metrics, we can tailor our programs to fit the unique needs of each athlete, ensuring optimal development and performance."
“Our approach towards objective assessments and talent identification is designed to create more opportunities for more people in the sport. It is unlocking doors for young players who otherwise may not have been seen on the pitch. It is creating more focused development plans, gamified around feedback. And it is providing football organizations with a broader and deeper look at all their potential players.”
TESTIMONIALS
"There is so many different tournaments, it's hard for colleges coaches to get out and see everyone. This data gives us a benchmark of where a player stands, it will help with a player who might not be playing at the highest level or with a club with the resources to be seen. It allows us to find players we may not have been to otherwise."-
"The data is really important as it's the fine margins that differentiates the good players from the great. What COPA is doing here with the assessments really separates what we are looking for in finding an elite player"
"As the world is going more towards data and data analysis, this process COPA is taking will help bridge the gap in the recruiting process"-
"Using COPA and the data they provide on prospective, it's a brilliant way to enhance and refine the recruiting process for college coaches"
"Player's get to attend COPA and see how they objectively compare against college players across the key metrics. A lot of good has come from this ID Camp and I see this approach growing."
"The technical, speed of play and decision-making parameters right now is based on each individual coach's thought process. This approach becomes more concrete and will really impact recruiting. By comparing our current college players data, and the ones have been successful at the Division 1 level, with potential recruits."
"COPA is a cutting-edge experience for our program. It provides data that our staff and our players themselves wouldn't receive from the human eye. They can then take this quantitative analysis to focus on the specific areas they need to improve in. Plus, it's incredibly fun for everyone and we look forward to coming back every year."
“COPA gives us the opportunity to have our team evaluated through objective measures. This shows us where they stand and how they progress against players all over the world. It also allows us to narrow the funnel in player identification. We are able to compare scores of the different evaluative tests and get data driven information to contribute to our high level player evaluation.”
"COPA Soccer Training Center is an amazing place. We have taken our players there several times, and they really appreciate the unique opportunity to test themselves at a world-class facility that they see on YouTube at top professional clubs in the world like Borussia Dortmund and Paris St. Germain It’s also a unique opportunity to compare themselves against top division, one and professional players, and see how they measure up."
"We are fortunate to have access to SpeedLab at COPA training center for our teams training sessions in order to help develop our players. The SpeedCourt has been an instrumental tool in assisting improving our players agility and cognitive reaction abilities on the court. The immediate objective feedback we receive has allowed me to provide instantaneous coaching and also track the players progress over time."
“Over the past few years, we have consistently developed to become the leading innovator in German football. The great thing about this merger is that in COPA STC, we have another international partner in the field of innovation. It is really exciting for us as TSG Hoffenheim to participate in the development of such an innovative company and to be a part of the associated scientific projects.”
“High potential players are inevitably missed because they are not caught by the traditional methods of scouting. The COPA Score can evaluate hundreds of these prospective athletes and provide us with critical data we would otherwise not have. This objective evaluation can help fill in the gaps of the identification and recruiting processes.
“COPA Soccer Training Center is one of the most advanced, data-driven, and unique training venues in the entire world, and we are thrilled to be a part of the COPA story.”
"We are very excited to begin our partnership with COPA, we believe a greater focus on Sports Science will benefit clubs in the player development process at all levels. The COPA leadership, staff knowledge, professionalism, world-class facility, player training, and assessment opportunities will provide us a unique opportunity to assist those clubs, coaches, and players seeking to improve in this area. We cannot wait to bring our PDP players, PDP staff, and wider membership into this facility to utilize the fantastic technology within the facility to better assist these players in reaching their goals in soccer."
“I utilize COPA Train to prepare me for OL Reign preseason and US National Team camps. The elite coaching and world-class technology provide me a data driven approach to training. COPA STC is hands down the best place to train.”
“My time at COPA STC has been amazing, it’s helped me prepare for the field and for the season. I feel like a kid in a candy store, this whole place. The biggest improvement I’ve made a COPA STC is the speed of play in the COPA Cube. I was very fixated on the accuracy and trying to get 100%. Once I worked on my speed of play, it really translated and transition into the game and really helped me in the long run.”
“COPA is definitely a place I wish was around when I was growing up. The facility and technology aids with an athlete’s agility on and off the ball and overall technical skill.”
“In today’s game too much talent slips through the cracks and a facility like COPA will flip the recruitment world on its head. They are revolutionizing football at every level.”
“Not only is COPA an amazing resource for pros, it will shape the careers of the next generation, and that’s what makes me excited for the future of our sport.”
“The COPA score allows an athlete to see precisely where they’re deficient, and continuously build on that area. It’s an avenue to prove, improve and compare their game.”
“COPA is creating an atmosphere to compete against not only others, but yourself—the epitome of fighting to perform and be at your very best.”
“I love the attention to detail at COPA, whether it is working on speed, decision making, or change of direction. It is a facility I will absolutely use till the end of my career.”
“The staff at COPA was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. I felt like a better player after using the facility, it will be a huge asset for players of all genders and ages.”
“COPA is a playground for soccer players. It’s the type of facility I wish I had growing up, and I believe it’s a game changer for future generations.”
“I have seen tremendous improvement in my game since starting at COPA. It has improved my speed, cognitive ability and touch quicker than any other facility I have been to.”
“Ever since we started COPA we have been treated like family. My son has really enjoyed improving his skills with all of the technology COPA has to offer and the great staff and coaches have really made an impact on his growth also. Thanks to them, especially coach Brian, he’s always excited to come back to the next session!”
"If your kid is passionate about soccer, COPA is the place to go. The technology is stunning, and professionalism of the staff, good coaching, and a safe environment supports our son’s development as a player. At first, I thought COPA would be a technical training supplement to club soccer. It’s more. They work on all aspects of the game at COPA. It’s complete development and very impressive."
"Our family has been attending COPA sessions since they opened and we have been very impressed with the facility and the instructors. I strongly believe that the technology format has helped to renew my son's interest in soccer (he is a gamer at heart and loves the Cube and other elements there) and has helped to provide benchmark data for my daughter so that she can continue to push herself and develop during a time when competitive play wasn't an option. There are so many ways that COPA can help to drive what motivates children at all levels."
“COPA has been our savior through Covid and beyond. My 4 and 7 year old both have attended camps and weekly classes for more than six months and have loved every minute. The facility is impressive upon entry, it is always spotless and sanitized. The staff is beyond friendly and accommodating not to mention, they all have impressive credentials. I feel so fortunate to have found COPA for my children and feel like we are part of an amazing club that will be a part of our lives for many years to come.“
CONTENT
GALLERY
Playlist
RECENT
Achievements
- a. TSG Hoffenheim – Bundesliga (Men & Women)
- b. LA Galaxy – MLS
- c. FC Cincinnati – MLS
- d. Racing Louisville – NWSL
- e. Lexington Sporting (USL)
- a.Benchmarks – what does it mean to be a D1 player? Established performance benchmarks for schools such as Stanford & California Berkeley.
- b.Competency – what skills are minimally needed to play at the college level?
- c.Top players assessed include:
- i.Elise Evans – Stanford WSoc – USYNT U20
- ii. Andrea Kithata – Stanford WSoc – USYNT U20
- iii. Karlie Lema – California – PAC-12 Conference Team 2023
- iv. Zach Bohane – Stanford MSoc – PAC-12 Conference Team 2023
- v.Isaiah Easley – USF MSoc (Transfer from 2023 National Champions Clemson)
- a. These players will be invited to train at TSG this summer
- b. Leading American Training and Research Facility COPA STC and German Bundesliga Professional Soccer Club TSG Hoffenheim Announce Groundbreaking Science and Research Partnership – COPA STC
Recently graduated college players who have not joined NWSL teams, are taking part in COPA STC’s assessment battery. This effort is to support their development create opportunities for them to play professional soccer in Europe or the USA through our partners.
- a.Coaches observed 11v11 games
- b.Coaches received a full data report of all attending players
- c.Coaches received a comparison of all attending players versus their active college roster of players
- d.Players took part in an in-depth individual assessment, identical to what all college players received.
- e.Players received an in-depth scorecard that contained a comparisons to the college player database, only found at COPA STC, across a collection of key metrics.
- a. The following players have made the professional debut for the Oakland Roots in the past 12 months. All have taken part in regular assessments and training at COPA STC, in their individual player development and advancing their career as professional footballers.
- i.Tim Syrel
- ii. Kieran Bracken Serra
- iii. Etsgar Cruz
- iv. Ilya Alekseev
- v. Javier Bedolla-Vera
- vi. Ali Elmasnaouy
- vii. Thomas Camier
- viii. Luis Saldana
- b. The following players excelled in COPA’s pre-season testing in 2023, and went on to establish themselves as first team regulars in 2023:
- i. Danny Gomez – Center midfield
- ii. Time Syrel – Goalkeeper
- iii. Luis Saldana – Attacker
- c. Ilya Alekseev, a former Ballistic United player, has recently established himself as a 1st team regular for the Roots, at age 18. Ilya began with the ‘Roots Recognized Initiative’ in 2022, and graduated into Project 51O later that year (the Roots reserve side dedicated to the most talented young players ages 15-19 in the Bay Area). Ilya took part in performance assessments at COPA STC, in 2022, along with 37 other talented young players identified by the Roots. The assessments were able to display an advanced level of physical skills, with Ilya placed in the 90th percentile or higher amongst the 1st team. For Ilya, to break into the first team he would need to improve other elements of his game, identified through COPA assessments and through the club’s Technical Director, Jordan Ferrel. Ilya, along with a collection of his Project 51O Academy players, have trained weekly at COPA STC maximizing the opportunity that technology backed training creates for individual player development. The SpeedCourt supported the development of his movement, reactionary and inhibition skills. The COPA Cube™ challenged Ilya’s technique weekly, the consistency of receiving and his overall speed of play. skills.lab Arena was leveraged to improve his awareness and perceptual habits, as well an increased emphasis on heading skills, a skillset identified needing development by the club’s technical staff. His continued development in a club that values young players, excelling on the field for Project 51O throughout 2023. Ilya kicked off his USL Championship debut this March with a equalizing goal V the Charleston Battery. This goal, executed with his head no less, epitomized the hard work Ilya has put in and effectiveness of his supporting development environment.
- i. COPA STC Named Official Talent ID Partner of Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club – COPA STC
- ii. How Ilya Alekseev’s debut showed off Oakland’s growing Roots | Young Player Spotlight
- d. Ethan Kohler, a 18 year old Bay Area native, is currently on the books at Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Ethan took part in COPA STC’s assessments in January 2023, as part of the Oakland Roots and excelled compared to his teammates. Particularly impressive seeing as Ethan was only 17 at the time and had no senior professional playing experience.
- e. Goalkeeper Tim Syrel, 20, was signed by the Oakland Roots from Project 51O to a professional contract in September 2023. As part of COPA’s partnership with Oakland Roots and the provision of in-depth players assessments, the two organizations were able to establish benchmarks for Tim to work toward, particularly on the technical aspect of his game. With the Roots playing style requiring a large interaction from their goalkeeper as part of build up, Tim, the Roots technical staff and COPA technical staff set out on a systematic approach to developing these skills. Support on this objective from the advanced technology only found at COPA helped refine Tim’s technique in a feedback orientated manner. This approach, through purposeful repetition and continuously optimizing the environment worked wonders for 6’5” Tim as he gained more confidence with the ball at his feet. The COPA Cube was leveraged weekly to support his technical skills through purposeful practice and high repetitions – how he received the ball, his passing and his speed of play were a big focus here. The skills.lab supported his skills further, as it replicated the contextual challenge of decision making seen within the game. Completing this additional training outside of team practice helped fill the gap that was needed for tim to stand a chance of breaking through. His speed of play and distribution skills were recognized objectively to have improved over the course of 9 months, through COPA’s approach towards repeat assessments. Not only that, there was significant recognition from the Roots technical staff in Tim’s development in Project 51O and in daily training with the first team. His continued development earned him his professional contract in September 2023, an ambition of his as he left full time education at UC Davis to pursue professional soccer.