About

Soccer HQ: Where Future Stars Begin

At Soccer HQ, we know that soccer is about more than just playing a game — it’s about building confidence, coordination, and important life skills. That’s why our programs are designed with child development in mind, helping kids grow at their own pace while hitting key developmental milestones. Whether your child is brand new to soccer or ready to sharpen their skills, we create a positive, supportive environment where every player can thrive — and where parents can feel good about every step of the journey.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help kids grow — as players, and as people — by creating an environment where every child can build skills, confidence, and a true love for soccer.

Our Approach

We use soccer as a tool to nurture:

Confidence – Building self-esteem through positive coaching and small, achievable wins

Coordination – Strengthening balance, movement, and gross motor skills through fun, active play

Creativity – Inspiring problem-solving, imagination, and free expression on the field

Community – Teaching teamwork, empathy, and building friendships through shared experiences

Every session at Soccer HQ is thoughtfully designed around how kids grow best — blending child development principles, proven coaching techniques, and a whole lot of fun.

Meet The Soccer HQ Team

Soccer HQ is led by a parent-powered team who understands firsthand what families are looking for — a positive, developmentally appropriate place for kids to grow.

Our coaches and leadership team bring experience in soccer as coaches and professional players, early childhood education, and child development, but what really sets us apart is our shared passion for helping kids thrive.

We believe soccer is more than just a game. It’s a way to build confidence, friendships, and important life skills. At Soccer HQ, we’re proud to create an environment where kids grow not just as players, but as people — and where families feel supported every step of the way.

Justin Phelps

Founder, Soccer HQ

Justin Phelps is a soccer-loving parent and entrepreneur who founded Soccer HQ with a simple mission: to give every child a positive, fun, and skill-building introduction to the game.

The idea came from personal experience — his son fell in love with soccer early, while his daughter’s first experiences left her discouraged. That contrast sparked a vision for something better: a place where kids of all backgrounds could grow their confidence, skills, and love for the game in a supportive environment.

With a background in business and a deep respect for the role soccer clubs play in youth development, Justin created Soccer HQ to complement — not compete with — the club system. Soccer HQ provides high-quality training in a consistent, indoor environment that’s developmentally appropriate and immune to Florida’s extreme weather.

Whether a child is just starting out or looking for extra touches beyond their club schedule, Soccer HQ is here to build confidence, sharpen skills, and nurture a lifelong love for soccer — one session at a time.

Leo Fernandes

Director of Soccer Development – Soccer HQ

Leo Fernandes is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience playing at the highest levels of American soccer. After a standout collegiate career at Stony Brook University, he spent more than ten seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, earning MVP honors in the USL Championship in 2022 and Comeback Player of the Year in 2024. Known for his creativity, leadership, and relentless work ethic, Leo has long been respected not just for his ability on the field, but for the way he carries himself off it.

As Director of Soccer Development at Soccer HQ, Leo plays a hands-on role in shaping the soccer experience. He oversees the development and implementation of the training curriculum, mentors and trains the coaching staff, and ensures every program reflects Soccer HQ’s commitment to skill development, confidence-building, and fun.

Leo is passionate about helping young players unlock their potential in a positive, supportive environment. His unique perspective as both a professional athlete and a parent allows him to connect with families and players in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring. His two young children are part of the Soccer HQ family, and his goal is to help every child fall in love with the game the same way he did.

Brandon Klase

Director of Coaching, Soccer HQ

Brandon Klase brings over a decade of experience and a genuine passion for player development to his role as Director of Coaching at Soccer HQ. Known for his energetic coaching style and positive approach, Brandon connects easily with kids of all ages, helping them build confidence, develop their skills, and discover joy in the game.

Brandon holds a Master’s in Sports Coaching and a U.S. Soccer National ‘C’ License. He’s coached across a variety of age groups and competitive levels, including time in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with both the Lakeland Tropics and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Most recently, he served as Director of the Boys’ Academy at Pinellas County United, where he grew the program from a single team to a full academy system. He also leads the Girls’ Soccer Program at Clearwater Central Catholic High School.

Whether it’s leading camps, designing futsal sessions, or creating thoughtful training plans, Brandon’s focus is always on the long-term growth of the player — on and off the field. At Soccer HQ, he leads the design of our developmentally aligned curriculum and mentors our coaching staff to ensure every child has a consistent, high-quality experience.

When he’s not coaching, Brandon can usually be found studying the game, exploring new training ideas, or spending time in the local soccer community. His coaching philosophy is simple: keep it fun, keep it positive, and always keep the ball rolling.

“Soccer is a game that’s meant to be enjoyed. The best players in the world have a smile on their face when they’re on the field — and that’s what we want to replicate in all our sessions.”

Jennifer Phelps

Director of Child Development & Social-Emotional Learning

Jennifer Phelps brings over 20 years of experience in therapy, education, and behavioral science to Soccer HQ. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and currently serves as Director of the Center for Academic Excellence and Student Well-Being at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she leads a team supporting student learning and development.

Prior to her role in education, Jennifer served as Director of Applied Behavior Analysis at All Children’s Hospital and has co-founded several businesses focused on helping children thrive through research-based programs and services. At Soccer HQ, she ensures every program supports the social-emotional and developmental needs of young players. Most importantly, she's a proud soccer parent who’s passionate about creating a positive, inclusive environment for every child.

Tools That Make a Difference

For older players (ages 8+), we integrate Voon Sports technology—used by top academies around the world—to offer measurable feedback, high-speed decision training, and custom development plans.

Our Promise to Parents

When you join Soccer HQ, you’re joining a supportive community that celebrates effort, growth, and sportsmanship. We’re here to partner with you in your child’s journey — every step of the way.