2/27/25 – Spellman Performance and Surf Soccer are excited to announce a partnership designed to redefine athletic development for youth soccer players nationwide.

Central to this collaboration is Les Spellman’s new partner, Jeff Praino, who joins as General Manager and Performance Director for this effort.

The partnership brings together Surf Soccer, one of the nation’s premier youth soccer organizations, and Spellman Performance, a global leader in speed and performance training.

Together, they aim to set a new standard for athlete development, integrating science-backed methodologies and cutting-edge performance analytics into Surf Soccer’s already world-class training programs. 

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Surf Soccer,” said Les Spellman, Founder of Spellman Performance.

“Having Jeff Praino lead this effort ensures that we’re not just delivering results but setting a gold standard for youth athletic performance. Jeff’s experience and expertise make him the perfect leader to drive this initiative forward.”

What the Partnership Entails

• The Performance Lab: A new training facility run and operated by the Spellman Performance team, located at Surf Sports Park in San Diego. 
• Leadership by Jeff Praino: As General Manager and Performance Director, Jeff will oversee the integration of Spellman Performance methodologies within Surf Soccer’s programs. He will lead efforts to implement advanced speed training, data-driven performance evaluations, and athlete development strategies.
• Cutting-Edge Training: The collaboration will introduce Spellman Performance’s Universal Speed Rating (USR) system to evaluate and enhance players’ speed, acceleration, and agility.
• Nationwide Impact: The program will roll out across Surf Soccer’s expansive network, starting with Surf Soccer’s flagship locations in San Diego and expanding to affiliates nationwide.
• Comprehensive Athlete Development: Players will benefit from personalized training programs, designed to optimize their physical and mental capabilities for peak performance on the field.

Elevating Youth Soccer

“Our goal is to help all Surf athletes reach their goals,” said Josh Henderson, Executive Director.

“With Spellman Performance, we are setting a new benchmark for athletic development in youth soccer. Our players will have access to the best tools and training to help them succeed at the highest levels.”

Athlete Endorsements

Les Spellman’s work has already earned praise from some of the brightest stars in soccer.

• Catarina Macario, U.S. Women’s National Team player and Surf Alum
  “Working with Les Spellman has been a game-changer for my career. His system helped me improve my speed and explosiveness on the field, which directly translates to better performance in games. I’m thrilled that Surf Soccer athletes will now have access to this incredible program.”
  
  
• Jayden Shaw, Professional Soccer Player
  “Les Spellman’s training transformed my game. The speed and agility improvements I gained have given me a clear advantage on the field. This partnership with Surf Soccer will provide young athletes the same tools I used to reach the next level.”

A Shared Vision

Both organizations share a commitment to fostering the next generation of elite athletes.

Surf Soccer’s legacy of producing top collegiate and professional players aligns seamlessly with Spellman Performance’s innovative approach to speed and performance training.

“I’m thrilled to lead this initiative and work closely with Les Spellman and the Surf Soccer team,” said Jeff Praino, General Manager and Performance Director.

“Together, we’re combining expertise and innovation to give Surf Soccer athletes the tools they need to excel on and off the field.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership will officially launch with the opening of The Performance Lab, a new training center located at Surf Sports Park.

At the Performance Lab, athletes will train under Spellman’s holistic training approach to improve their speed, agility, fitness, and power to help them perform better in games and reach their potential as athletes.  

This model will pave the way for a series of events in 2025, including USR Speed Labs and training workshops at Surf Soccer’s key locations.

These programs will provide players and coaches with actionable insights and measurable results, ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

For more information about this partnership and upcoming events, you can follow The Performance Lab on Instagram for frequent updates from the new facility. 

About Spellman Performance

Spellman Performance is a global leader in speed and performance training, helping athletes across all levels optimize their potential. Founded by Les Spellman, the company combines cutting-edge technology and science-backed methodologies to deliver measurable results.

About Surf Soccer

Surf Soccer is the nation’s premier youth soccer organization, dedicated to fostering the development of the "Best of the Best" top-tier soccer talent. With over 47 years of excellence, a nationwide network of affiliate clubs, 17 national championships, countless professional, collegiate, and youth national team players, Surf Soccer is the gold standard for youth soccer development in the United States.