The desire to see children develop friendships and foster self-respect through sports led Luis Valencia from casual coaching to opening a new indoor soccer facility in Doraville.
Evolve Atlanta Soccer ATL, located off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in a converted 13,000 square-foot warehouse, offers ball mastery and skills training for both youth and adults.
It includes a regulation turf field, as well as a futsal field, a hard court slightly larger than a regulation basketball court that uses a smaller, heavier low-bounce ball.
Valencia, who played soccer growing up, said he was drawn to coaching when he started assisting with his sons’ teams on a casual basis and saw the value of guiding young minds as they developed their physical skills.
“I went from just trying to wrangle the kids to taking on coaching duties and then I got my [US Soccer] D License [for experienced coaches working with youth from under six to 11],” he said. “I saw a need then for a place to train indoors, especially during cold winter weather.”
After a year of searching Valencia took over an “old, dusty space” that formerly housed an auto collision center and turned it into what is now Evolve Soccer.
The program offers classes soccer fundamental sessions to children of all ages, including shooting, ball mastery and goalkeeping classes. There are also adult classes for people who want to brush up on their skills or re-engage in the sport.
“Yes, you are teaching children skills, but they will remember you forever,” Valencia said. “I want Evolve to be a place where people know they are going to make friends who have love and respect for one another, no matter what their level of skill.”
There are also drop-in sessions for both youth and adults each week, and the facility is available for rent for special events like birthday parties.
People are encouraged to enjoy a free trial class and check out the facility and its amenities, Valencia said.
“I just want everyone who comes to Evolve to have a great time,” he said.
Evolve Soccer Atl is located at 2600 Chestnut Drive, Unit 2 in Doraville. More information is located on its website, including drop-in schedules and available services.
