Rising Stars: Meet A.J. Allen of Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to A.J. Allen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey really started with a love for the game and a deeper passion for helping young athletes realize they’re capable of more than they think. Soccer was always more than just a sport for me, it was structure, discipline, confidence, and community. As I grew in the game, I realized my real gift wasn’t just playing, it was teaching.
I started coaching about 18 years ago. In the beginning, it was just about helping kids develop technically. But over time, it became bigger than that. I saw how much sports impact confidence, mindset, and identity especially in young athletes. That shifted everything for me. I stopped focusing only on performance and started focusing on development building the whole athlete physically, mentally, and spiritually.
That vision led me to build A8 Soccer Training. I wanted something that didn’t treat athletes like numbers. I wanted a community. I wanted structure. I wanted accountability. I wanted kids to leave sessions better not just as players, but as young men and women.
Over the years, I’ve coached at multiple levels, trained youth, colleagues, and semi-pro athletes, earned certifications in personal training, youth fitness, nutrition, and strength & conditioning, all to make sure I could serve athletes at the highest level possible.
Now I’m leading a brand-new high school program from the ground up, which is something I’m incredibly excited about. It’s an opportunity to build culture from day one, to create something that lasts.
At the core of it all, my mission hasn’t changed: develop the athlete, strengthen the mindset, build character, and create an environment where growth is expected.
I’m still growing. I’m still learning. Still building. And that’s the part I love the most.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like anything meaningful, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest obstacles was during Covid. At that time, everything shut down, fields closed, group training stopped, and there was a lot of uncertainty. I was very close to having to shut the business down completely. It was one of those moments where you question everything you’ve built.
What made it difficult wasn’t just the financial side, it was the fear of losing the impact I had on the athletes and the community. Training wasn’t just income, it was purpose.
But instead of giving up, I stayed patient and kept my faith. I adapted where I could, stayed connected with families, and trusted that if I stayed consistent and committed, things would recover.
Coming out of that season made the business stronger. It taught me resilience, discipline, and how to lead through uncertainty. Now we’re not just surviving, we’re thriving. We’ve grown, expanded opportunities, and built even stronger relationships with the athletes and families we serve.
That experience reminded me that obstacles are part of the journey, but they also shape you into a better leader, coach, and person.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a soccer performance coach and the founder of A8 Soccer Training, where I specialize in developing athletes of all levels with a focus on technical skill, athletic performance, and mindset. My work combines soccer training with strength, conditioning, and confidence development to help athletes grow both on and off the field.
I’m known for my ability to connect with athletes and help them see potential in themselves they didn’t realize they had. I focus on developing the whole athlete, not just better players. The athletes that are more confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals.
What I’m most proud of is the impact. Seeing athletes grow in confidence, fall in love with the process, and carry those lessons into life means everything to me.
What sets me apart is that this is more than training for me, it’s mentorship, structure, and community. Every athlete matters, and my goal is to help each one become the best version of themselves

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, and the clients and families who have trusted me over the years. They’ve played a huge role in the growth of both myself and the business.
My family has been my foundation. They’ve supported the long hours, the uncertainty, and the vision, even in moments when things weren’t guaranteed. Their belief in me kept me grounded and motivated.
My clients and their families have also been a major part of this journey. They’ve trusted me with their athletes, supported the program, and continued to show up consistently. Many of them saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself, and that pushed me to grow into the role and responsibility I carry today.
My friends and supporters have encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me to keep going during difficult seasons.
All of them have helped position me to give my best every day. Their belief, trust, and support are a big part of why A8 Soccer Training continues to grow and impact athletes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://a8soccertraining.setmore.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/a8soccertraining
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/a8soccertraining