GOAT Soccer Academy | undefined Logo
GOAT Soccer Academy | undefined Logo
GOAT Soccer Academy | undefined Logo

GOAT SOCCER ACADEMY

WHERE LEGENDS BEGIN.

Elite Soccer Training in the Cape Fear Area.

Former UNCW Soccer Player and Coach at GOAT Soccer Academy

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

If you want to reach your goals & build character, you are in the right place... GOAT Soccer Academy was created to help young soccer players excel.

Our team of coaches will help your child reach their dreams, whether it's playing Varsity, Collegiate, or Professional soccer.

Group soccer training session for kids aged 7-12 in Wilmington, NC

LEARN. PLAY. GROW.

Sessions are focused on developing technical ability, improving positional awareness, increasing athleticism, and enjoying the beautiful game.

What sets our training apart from competitors is that we focus on a core value taught in European and South American countries -- ball control mastery.

Group soccer training session for kids aged 7-12 in Hampstead, NC

Training Memberships Designed for Long-Term Growth

Private Training & Group Training

Private Training
Group Training

MEET THE FOUNDER

Coach Gabe

I started playing soccer at 5 years old in Sneads Ferry, NC. It was clear that if I wanted to play Division 1 soccer, I would need to move on to a more significant soccer scene. I moved to Raleigh to play for the biggest soccer academy in the United States, North Carolina FC. I fulfilled my dream and played five years at the Division 1 level for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where I captained the team for my graduate season. The only passion I have that is greater than playing soccer... is teaching it!

6+ years of experience with private training sessions
10+ UNCW Boys & Girls Soccer Camps
Coach at Soccer Genome in Raleigh, NC, from 2016-2018
U-12 Wilmington Hammerheads Classic Coach in 2023

Headshot of Gabe Mercer, the Founder of GOAT Soccer Academy

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

"I can't say enough good things about Gabe, as he's been working with my son for years. His soccer resume speaks for itself. However, it's those things that aren't on a resume that separate him from others. On time, with a good plan, flexible, and most importantly, keeps pushing the level of play while making space for fun."

Vance, Wilmington

Parent

"We love training with GOAT Soccer Academy! Coach Jon has created individualized sessions for both boys that focus on their needs to enhance technique and further their soccer development. Coach Jon is easy to communicate with and is very encouraging to both boys, providing them with drills and skills that can be practiced at home as well. I love to see their confidence soar, Thanks Coach Jon!"

Lindsay, Carolina Beach

Parent

"Gabe is a great personal trainer and I have grown a lot over the past year or so as a player having him to train with. He is very good at teaching and knows exactly what to say whenever you don't quite get something. He spots the issues whatever it may be and fixes them through great instruction."

Connor, Hampstead

Player

"Gabe is hands down the best trainer the boys have had! The quality of the sessions, his communication with the boys and parents, he's always early and set up."

Elisha, Hampstead

Parent

"My son has trained with Gabe for 2+ years. Gabe brings an encouraging and positive energy to all training sessions. Gabe's sessions are well thought out, with a focus on improving individual technical ability. In a typical hour-long session, you can expect to get in 700+ touches. I highly recommend Gabe to any parent with a child that loves the game and wants to improve and compete at a high level."

Thomas, Wilmington

Parent

"My daughter had a session with Gabe today. He is amazing. So positive. He had a plan the whole time there was no downtime and he made a game out of everything so it didn't seem like work. Coach Gabe is top notch!"

Tory, Sneads Ferry

Parent

"My son loves training with Gabe! His positive, energetic approach to training certainly has encouraged his soccer development. I would absolutely recommend Gabe to any parent who is seeking to improve their child's technical skills."

Courtney, Wilmington

Parent

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