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.

IMG_4214

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.

Landfall Group Fish

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.

Winston ?

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 MEMBERS 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

"My daughter has enjoyed working with Coach Brennan for the last year! Her game play and in-game decision making has improved greatly! My son just started as well and he looks forward to training!"

Kristen, Wilmington

Parent

"Our family has had such a wonderful experience with GOAT Soccer Academy. In a short time, our little one has learned great soccer skills and how to interact with other children in a sports environment. The coaches Josh and Brennan couldn't be nicer. They are great with young kids!"

Emily, Wilmington

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

"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

"These coaches are great! We have enjoyed the engagement with the Coaches Gabe, Josh and Brennan and have seen great results from the sessions. The coaches are knowledgeable, care about the players and are very responsive."

Matt, Wilmington

Parent

"In a short amount of time, Coach Gabe with GOAT Soccer Academy has done wonders with my son and his soccer skills. Coach Gabe has been working with my son who is 11 years old and we've seen a huge improvement in his technical footwork and confidence. Coach Gabe uses a fun and engaging style to keep his players working hard while still enjoying training sessions. We couldn't be more pleased with GOAT academy and all it has to offer! High highly recommend!!!"

Priscilla, Sneads Ferry

Parent

"My son has been with GOAT for two years - it has been such a great environment to foster his development - Coach Josh is the best! He is honest and holds the kids accountable while making every session fun and engaging. The small group settings have allowed for a dynamic environment and focused attention on individual growth as well. The owner, Gabe, is knowledgeable about the sport and what it takes to compete at top levels. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to progress and get extra meaningful touches in the ball!"

Garrett, Wilmington

Parent

"My daughter has been attending group lessons since May and has LOVED working with Coach Brennan! She has learned so much and is eager to go to practice each week which is so great to see! Thank you to everyone at GOAT Soccer Academy for making learning fun and instilling and fostering a love of soccer in kids!!"

Candice, Wilmington

Parent

"Coach Brennan has been working with my 3 kids for months now. We are very happy with him. The kids have enjoyed each session and their skill has significantly improved!"

Christian, Wilmington

Parent

"My son has been training with GOAT Soccer for several months and he is having a blast. Coach Brennan really runs a great lesson, with the perfect mix of skill drills and fun. My son is always excited to go to his soccer lessons, and Coach Brennan seems to genuinely enjoy teaching him the game. We are extremely lucky to have found these guys!"

Will, Carolina Beach

Parent

"If you're on the fence about using GOAT soccer academy, get off and get on board! We've trained with Gabe, Connor, Josh, and Brennen, and have always walked away more than satisfied with the level of training we've received. These coaches are truly the cream of the crop."

Taylor, Wilmington

Parent

"Absolutely awesome!!! My son has grown leaps and bounds since I have signed him up!! Best around for sure!!"

Cary, Hampstead

Parent

"GOAT Soccer has been a great experience for my son. We found GOAT when looking for technical training and after speaking with Gabe about the program he has created, I felt confident this would be a good fit. My son absolutely loves working with Coach Carson, who takes a genuine interest in him both on and off the pitch. Carson's personalized approach has helped my son refine his skills and build confidence. Highly recommend GOAT Soccer for any player looking to elevate their game with top-notch private coaching!"

Anne, Wilmington

Parent

"GOAT Soccer Academy is the bomb! Our son, 9, has fallen in love with soccer over the last year and committed himself to developing his skills. While the general rec leagues have been a good starting point, nothing has prepared him like his time with GOAT. We have been working with GOAT for a little over 6-months and the impact on his skills/confidence/attitude/determination is beyond our expectations!"

Ashley, Hampstead

Parent

"I would highly recommend GOAT Soccer Academy to any Wilmington soccer player that is serious about skill development."

Kyle, Wilmington

Parent

"Highly recommend Goat Academy. My daughter has worked with them and the coaches are great. They run great drills and make the players confident in the game."

Susan, Carolina Beach

Parent

"My boys (9&11) have thoroughly enjoyed training with Coach Josh and Coach Brennan. They have participated in both group and individual trainings and have each grown so much with their ball handling skills, confidence in 1v1 situations and strength. I would highly recommend GOAT training for anyone looking to up their game."

Suzy, Wilmington

Parent

"We have really enjoyed working with Coach Gabe! His group training is well structured and keeps the kids engaged and active the entire time. Our son has shown great progress since working with him. Highly recommend!"

Jenny, Wilmington

Parent

"Coach Brennan is awesome my two boys learned a lot of skills and dribbling and kicking the ball. I recommend GOAT Soccer Academy."

Abdul, Wilmington

Parent

"GOAT Soccer Academy is fantastic, goal focused and ensures growth with every individual. My son loves training with him and we appreciate the focused skilled training he provides."

Jennifer, Hampstead

Parent

"GOAT Soccer Academy does a fantastic job training kids of all ages and positions to play soccer."

Gail, Hampstead

Parent

"My son started working with Coach Gabe one night a week a few months back. He loved it so much that we decided to pick up a second weekly session. He's learned so much and has improved tremendously."

Ashley, Hampstead

Parent

"Gabe has been an incredible soccer trainer for our 7-year-old. From the very first session, it was clear that Gabe has a unique talent for balancing fun and challenge, making each practice both enjoyable and educational."

Kaylee, Jacksonville

Parent

"My 10 year old son has been a member of Goat Soccer Academy for 2 months now. He currently plays competitive soccer and just wanted supplemental training to perfect his craft. He absolutely loves working with Gabe, after his first session the first thing he said was " I want to be like him ". Coach Gabe is such a positive role model. He is effective and does not waste time when training he makes every second count and I appreciate that. My son will be staying with him for as long as we are living here!"

Thiara, Hampstead

Parent

"We found GOAT academy when my 9 y/o decided he wanted to play soccer. The kids at school were excluding him, telling him he wasn't good enough to join. Coach Gabe was so welcoming and met Landon where he was. He pushed and encouraged him to work hard every minute, but in such a kind and fun way. He has a beautiful way of breaking down every aspect of the game and making the kids think. The improvement my son has made in just a few weeks is incredible . In addition to the increased skills my son has gained so much confidence. He looks forward to each week with Gabe, counting down the days to GOAT academy each week. It's worth every penny."

Lisa, Wilmington

Parent

"Highly recommend Gabe and GOAT Academy! These sessions are the perfect complement to a player's team training each week."

Amy, Wilmington

Parent

"Coach Gabe and the GOAT Academy team are awesome! My two boys have trained with him for several months now and they look forward to it each time. He pushes them to challenge themselves and keeps the environment fun and energetic. I have seen significant improvements in their foot skills, agility and overall confidence on the field. We highly recommend coach Gabe and his team if you want to take your game to the next level."

Sara, Wilmington

Parent

"My 9 year old enjoyed his one on one training sessions with Gabe immensely! The technical drills/footwork were so beneficial to his game. Gabe is a natural with kids, and I would highly recommend GOAT to anyone looking to improve their game. We can't wait to start back up in the fall."

Ashley, Hampstead

Parent

INSIDE LOOK

Our Instagram

We look forward to hearing from you

Contact Us

Next

POWERED BY

CoachIQ Logo