We develop fundamentally sound, thoughtful decision-makers.
1991 Total Football Academy provides a high-performance environment built for elite development and long-term athletic growth.
Charter / PCA funding is a way to pay — it never determines player level. No pricing is displayed and no payment is collected on this site for charter services. Participation depends on school approval.
What is 1991 Total Football Academy?
1991 Total Football Academy (1991 TFA) is a youth soccer academy in San Diego, California. We develop fundamentally sound, thoughtful decision-makers through two connected programs: 1991 DAYSHIFT, weekday training built around the homeschool day (Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM), and 1991 Friday Elite Lab, high-performance Friday training in 4 birth-year groups of 12.
Every player is assessed and placed by a 1991 coach. DAYSHIFT players train in ASCEND (the development pathway) or APEX (the performance pathway). PCA, other charter, and private-pay families are all welcome — funding is only how you pay, never what level your player trains at.
1991 is club-neutral: players keep training and competing with their own clubs — from Cal South recreational and competitive leagues to ECNL and MLS NEXT — and use 1991 to develop the technique and decision-making that carries into every match. Friday Elite Lab groups are organized by birth year, the same age-group system U.S. Soccer uses for youth player registration.
Updated · San Diego, California
Why families choose 1991
A coach places every player
Parents never have to guess a level. Every DAYSHIFT player is assessed and placed in ASCEND or APEX, and moves up after reassessment.
Built on decision-making
Training focuses on how players think, not just how they move — scanning, spacing, transitions, and choices under pressure.
A clear rhythm every week
Build on Monday, Break on Tuesday, See on Wednesday, Compete on Thursday. Friday Elite Lab adds high-performance work by age group.
Feedback after every session
Every session ends with reflection, coach feedback, and one next objective, so families always know what comes next.
Status
Senior National Team / Argentina
The Global Pathway
Samantha
Weiss.
From San Diego elite development to the heart of world football at the Predio Lionel Andrés Messi.
The Achievement
At 1991 Total Football Academy, we build more than players—we build legacies. Samantha achieving a Senior National Team call-up for Argentina (AFA) is the ultimate proof of our development model.
"Her impenetrable mindset is what stood out the most."
— Coach Edgardo Becerra
The Ascent
Initially trialing for the U20 squad, Samantha's impact was so immediate that she was fast-tracked to the Senior Squad within three weeks of arrival in Buenos Aires.
ARG
SENIOR DEBUT
JUL 09
HISTORIC CALL
Why 1991
A Training Environment
Built for Real Development
We focus on how players think, not just how they move. Training is built around decision-making, awareness, and confidence in real game situations.
The Weekly Model
One Week. One System.
DAYSHIFT creates the weekday homeschool/charter pathway. Friday is reserved for high-performance athletes. Both connect into one family profile, one registration system, and one 1991 development journey.
1991 DAYSHIFT
ASCEND + APEX
The school day becomes a development advantage. Every player is assessed, placed intentionally, and given a pathway forward.
Friday Elite Lab
4 groups · 12 athletes each
High-performance training for serious players. Different ages, same standard. Assessment or invitation required.
Philosophy
Parent-First
Experience.
Simple steps for the family. Strong logic behind the scenes.
See the Full JourneyMatch
Find your player's pathway and age group in under a minute.
Placement
A 1991 coach reviews every player. No guessing, no self-selecting a level.
Register & Confirm
Forms, then private payment or charter-funded confirmation — kept separate and clear.
Train & Develop
After training, see what your player worked on and what comes next.
Quick Answers
Parents Ask.
What's the difference between DAYSHIFT and Friday Elite Lab?
1991 DAYSHIFT runs Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, built around the homeschool day, with two pathways: ASCEND and APEX. 1991 Friday Elite Lab is high-performance only — four age groups of 12 athletes, same standard for every group.
What are ASCEND and APEX?
Two DAYSHIFT pathways. ASCEND is the development pathway — teaching-heavy, building technique, confidence, and game understanding. APEX is the performance pathway — faster and more demanding. Same methodology, same standard, different level of challenge.
Can I choose APEX or Friday Elite for my player?
No. Every player starts with a placement decision made by a 1991 coach. APEX and Friday Elite Lab require an assessment or invitation and coach approval. Players can move from ASCEND to APEX after reassessment.
Does charter / PCA funding affect my player's level?
Never. Funding is only how you pay. PCA, other charter, and private-pay families all go through the same placement, and funding type is stored separately from player level.
How are Friday groups decided?
By birth year only: 2018–2017, 2016–2015, 2014–2013, and 2012–2011. Groups are mixed gender with a fixed capacity of 12. When a group is full, we offer a waitlist spot.
Do you take payments here?
Not for charter services. No pricing is displayed and no payment is collected on this website for charter-funded enrollment — the school pays 1991 directly as an approved vendor. Private-pay families complete a secure checkout once placement is confirmed.
What happens after I submit a request?
A 1991 coach reviews your player's profile, then we schedule an assessment or confirm placement. Charter families also request 1991 through their school's vendor directory. You'll receive your player's pathway and next steps by email.
How do I get started with 1991?
Use Find My Player's Pathway on 1991tfa.com to see where your player fits, then submit a DAYSHIFT placement request or a Friday Elite Lab review request. A 1991 coach reviews every request and follows up by email with next steps.
Where is 1991 located and how do I contact you?
1991 Total Football Academy trains in San Diego, California. Email askadmin@1991tfa.com or text +1 (858) 224-2111. Contact us for current training locations.
What does my player get after training?
Every session ends with reflection and coach feedback. Families see what the player worked on and the one objective that comes next.
Testimonials
The Verdict.
"The intensity and focus on actual decision-making changed my game entirely. No other program pushes players like this."
"A completely different level of coaching—just pure football intelligence and development."
"Finding a program that actually develops players instead of just running cone drills was hard. 1991 is the only one that focuses on high-performance thinking and game intelligence."
"The transition to using our charter funding was seamless. 1991 handled all the vendor paperwork, and now my kids get professional coaching as part of their school day."
"Other programs just run drills. 1991 teaches you how to think. I finally understand the 'why' behind the movements I make on the pitch."
Contact 1991 TFA.
Questions about placement, Friday eligibility, charter approval, or session availability? Reach the 1991 team directly.