Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Cullip.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2015, with a newly pregnant wife, we decided against moving to pursue a contract in Finland and stay in Houston. The Technical Institute (TTi) started when I was treading water for the next contract. I was working with a friend’s kid, and one kid becomes 4, then ten very quickly 20. Then, we started to look at the perceived faults in the youth sports community and how we could help from a more ‘holistic’ approach.
We realized the need for an honest yet accurate feedback system, use of technology (GPS & Heart Rate Monitors), as well as regular and ongoing parent education. The other piece was time. Young players have many stresses; academics, school sports, club sports, social pressures, family time etc. so we had to develop a ‘come as you’d like’ philosophy whilst developing the players at the same time. Also, I wanted our staff to be full-time with benefits and a development plan of their own. All of this and then. We added another campus quickly as well as Women’s team playing in the WPSL, which won our respective conference three times in a row and has players playing Worldwide, including Toriana Patterson who played in the FIFA World Cup in France in 2019.
Now we are exactly where we should be. We have wonderful kids that represent players that have minimal experience all the way to players representing their countries. I am proud of how we can integrate them without bias. They train together, and I cannot say how proud I am of them and our staff for all they do to help.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Laughing emoji appropriate. I think this comes down to advice more than what we went through. Do what you can yourself, but learn to express clearly and concisely what you need from those around you. Get the finest human beings in to help your vision – not all tradespeople are great people! Relax on the financial piece – staying up at night worrying will only affect those around you. If you need some, matching – ask. I have learned that people are so very willing to help you if you are genuine, and it will help everyone involved. Take time to breathe; it will be ok (or it won’t!!!!), and you learn to deal as you go, rolling with every inch of every punch. Revel in the successes. Sometimes you go a while without one, being consumed with the problems I have found only caused more. Enjoy when things are going well, that’s important. I have had a couple of people that have invested that I owe my livelihood too. Whilst the gifts of financial investment has been wonderful, having people to count on that have been there had been more invaluable than I can say. It is constantly humbling.
Last – stick to your beliefs. I have wavered at times, and it has only bought me regret, but then conversely, it has bought me exactly where we should be. Watching players go on and play has given me so much pleasure it’s almost indescribable. We aren’t an organization that boasts too much but watching Emma Shields, and Marlyn Campa have been highlights of my professional career, and personally it warms my heart each time. I think that’s all great advice – but I certainly don’t stick to it myself as much as sometimes I could!
Please tell us about your work.
We are open six days a week, and you can come as you would like to get in a session. We have four definitive blocks of training throughout the year, where we try to teach different pieces of the football puzzle to our players. All our camps and clinics are included in our membership, including the summer, where we will have guest coaches from around the World each week (some for longer) and have our players for three field sessions plus other activities each day!
I am not sure what we are known for, you’d have to ask those that come! I want to think that we are known for being good people, honest and dedicated to the sole purpose of helping. A reporter from another magazine once asked name what I could ask if I had one question, and I replied: “How can I help”? Which I think rings true for all of our staff and our players, which I am always pleased with. We make players better whatever the age, gender, level or ability.
I think on the field we are professional, organized, educated, and bespoke. We have clear, clarity soaked advice for players of all ages. Again you would have to ask the players, but I think the element of fun is something we can purvey to players. You have to love what it is you are doing. I hope we are known for that. We have so many wonderful connections all over the World. I hope that starts to come to fruition as we graduate more and more players.
Mostly, I hope that people see the connection we believe in. This that have stayed within the program long term has achieved what they set out for. I always tell players, “No coach, no matter how good can take something out of you that is not already there. It is our role to get you to show it”. I hope that comes through the most.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Clarity. Without clarity, you’ll take around in circles. But don’t BS a kid, they are smart. We have a new generation of parents that have played now. They get the game. If you give them an illusion, they will see through its If you start to throw out buzzwords and general feedback, don’t be surprised if you get eaten alive in the process!
Be clear, honest, generous and find the best pieces. People are happy when they hear what they are good at. Build on the success and focus on how to get the player to do what they need to progress. That, for me, comes back to love for the game. This that truly love it will see and feel your clarity. They will feed off of it. I have a thousand stories of where belief in the player has been the determining factor, not skill equation or tactical awareness and physiological dominance, but simple, honest, clarity driven belief.
Pricing:
- 8-11 Years $179
- 12-18 Years $199
Contact Info:
- Address: 12826 Tosca Lane
Houston, Texas 77024 - Website: www.ttisoccer.com
- Phone: 360 917 6816
- Email: lee.cullip@ttisoccer.com
- Instagram: tti_soccer
- Twitter: tti_soccer
Image Credit:
Jennifer Manley
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