La Famille
Savoir faire don football ( savˌwär ˈfer don football )
The knowing or the ability to do the right or appropriate thing
in any situation in soccer. A player with savoir faire has
admirable confidence and poise in any game situation.
our story
If you want to know us, then you must know our story, as it defines who we are.
La Famille is a family owned and operated business and we treat our clients and players as such. My brother and I grew up playing the beautiful game since the age of 3. We love the game, we live the game, and we believe obsession beats talent every single me! We’ve shared this love for over 25 years!
Many years later, La Famille was founded with the purpose of providing note-worthy training to all ages and skill levels and to have players learn, know, and understand the skills and lifestyle habits that will lead to success on and off the field. We believe this quote sums us up:
We take pleasure in the polish and finesse which we can bring to our operations...to impart an absolute rightness, a high elegance, to the exaction of our affairs. Each day we try to set ourselves still higher standards of subtlety and technical polish so that each of our proceedings may be a work of art, bearing our signature.
Ian Fleming (Live and Let Die)
Our TEAM
Founder
Playing Career and Career Accolades
After graduating high school early, Uriah was recruited for early enrollment into Western Michigan University to play Division I soccer as a starter in his freshman year. During his college career and time with Des Moines Menace as the youngest starter he was selected to play as one of the top players in the country in a Super Elite International Summer Tour, where he competed against international professional clubs in Austria, Italy, and Germany. He gained interest from the U.S. U20/23 National Team for a training camp in Bradenton, Florida, but did not participate due to injury. Prior to joining Western Michigan University, Uriah secured the three-year letter winner and starter at West Bloomfield High School that led the team in goals, assists, and points. He earned Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division I All-State honors and All-conference accolades as both a junior and senior. He set the West Bloomfield single season assist record as a sophomore. He participated on the state and regional Olympic Development Program teams from 2006-2008. He played club with Vardar Academy and won the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) State Cup title. He further won the US Soccer Developmental Academy National Championship with the Derby County Wolves in the summer of 2009.
Coaching Experience
He holds a USSF Grassroots License. Served as a head coach at Canton Prep High School. Assisted at Villanova University’s Men’s Soccer Camp. In, his role, he led group of players and provided knowledgeable and insightful feedback. Served as a role model and focused on providing teaching methods and strategies to assist players with tactical awareness and understanding the game. He also provides personal training where he puts an emphasis on tactical, technical, psychological, and physical training for all ages. Served as Youth Coach at Detroit’s Police Athletic League (PAL). Coached youth from ages U6-U9 and provided educational, athletic, and character-building practices. He’s earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University, in 2014 and a M.S. in Criminalistic Science from Drexel University in 2017, both with Honors. Favorite Player: Lionel Messi & Ronaldinho Favorite Team/s: FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich.
Master Trainer Certification
Personal Training, Strength Coach, & Sports Nutritionist through National Council on Strength & Fitness in Fall of 24’
Trained with top US government personnel across the country
Co-Founder
Miguel's soccer journey is marked by an impressive history with renowned academies and teams:
Albertson u17/u18 Academy, Long Island, NY
Chicago Fire u15/u16, Chicago, IL
Crew Wolves u15/u16 Academy, Livonia, MI
Vardar SC Premier, Livonia, MI
Playing Experience
Miguel's collegiate career includes stints at Temple University Men's Soccer (2013-2015) and Villanova University Men's Soccer (2015-2017). Notable achievements include being the Philadelphia Soccer Six Assist Leader in 2015 and 2016, earning Big East All Second Team and Region 1 Second Team All-American honors.
Miguel's global exposure includes training in Serbia with Partizan Belgrade, representing the USA U20 Men's National Team, and participating in international tournaments in Austria, Germany, Spain, and France. His contributions extend to matches against respected teams such as Redbull Salzberg Reserves, BCF Wolfratshausen, and UD Bellvitge.
Miguel's involvement with various age groups of the USA Men's National Team reflects his commitment to excellence. Noteworthy milestones include participating in the U16/U17 National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida, and being called into a USA U20 National Team Camp.
Director of Operations
Patricia is a dynamic professional with a vast background in accounting and recruiting. With a proven track record, Patricia has held key roles at top-tier companies such as SAP America, Bristol Myers Squibb, PwC and Johnson & Johnson. She excels in managing end-to-end talent acquisition processes, collaborating with hiring leaders, and championing a positive candidate experience.
A recipient of awards for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Patricia also showcased her dedication off the professional field by volunteering as a Team Manager during the 2022/2023 soccer season with Sporting Wesley Chapel. Her passion for youth sports development led her to join La Famille after the season.
With a unique blend of financial expertise, recruiting acumen, and community engagement, Patricia continues to make a positive impact in both professional and sports spheres. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering follow-through set her apart in every endeavor
our message to you
In the dynamic realm of soccer training, have you ever considered how our approach, as coaches, trainers, and parents, impacts the development of our young athletes? We, the coaching team, are dedicated to refining our understanding and application of proven training methodologies and scientific insights, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the physical and strategic aspects of the game.
Taking a moment to reflect on the essential components of soccer training can be a game-changer for your child or athlete, potentially eliminating years of regret related to missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, or subpar performance. As coaches and mentors, we comprehend the profound influence we wield in shaping your child's development, both on and off the field.
It is imperative for us to cultivate the habit of intelligent contemplation before finalizing decisions that not only influence our training methodologies but also contribute to the overall development of our players. Regrettably, some of us in the soccer community have, to some extent, overlooked this fundamental aspect of our coaching philosophy.
By adopting a mindset of thoughtful consideration and an unwavering commitment to ongoing learning, we, as your coaching team, can collectively elevate our training sessions, enhance player development, eradicate the politics of the game, and significantly contribute to the progress of soccer knowledge and excellence. Let us rally together and wholeheartedly embrace the principle of pausing, reflecting, and thinking intelligently as we guide our young athletes through the dynamic and ever-evolving world of soccer.
testimonials
I would highly recommend Uriah and Miguel to anyone looking to improve any and all aspects of their game. They are passionate about the game and committed to their students’ success. The difference in my son Lars after training with them is like night and day. His skills, conditioning, attitude, and ability to make the right decisions have all gone to the next level and then some. Uriah and Miguel are excellent, highly skilled soccer players and awesome motivators who encourage and bring out the best from their students. They will push you hard, and that’s one reason why they’re so good. If you want your child to reach his or her goals and beyond, you won’t find two more dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable trainers than Uriah and Miguel.
Jim Doolittle
Miguel and Uriah from La Famille are top notch trainers with the attitude and work ethic to take anyone’s game to the next level. Their passion and commitment to further the game amongst the youth is truly remarkable. As a player myself, it’s a difficult task to find people of their caliber.
Kellyn Acosta
Our son was ready to move up from rec soccer, but we weren’t ready for the commitment of travel soccer. We were looking for an option that would challenge our son while improving his individual skills. The coaches from La Famille bring high intensity drills from the pros that have improved our sons overall skills. Their insightful and technical coaching are pushing our son to be the best player he can be. We will continue to train with La Famille in all formats (private/small group/large groups) as long as it is possible.
Daniel H.
Our son was ready to move up from rec soccer, but we weren’t ready for the commitment of travel soccer. We were looking for an option that would challenge our son while improving his individual skills. The coaches from La Famille bring high intensity drills from the pros that have improved our sons overall skills. Their insightful and technical coaching are pushing our son to be the best player he can be. We will continue to train with La Famille in all formats (private/small group/large groups) as long as it is possible.
Daniel H.
I was fortunate enough to train with both heads of La Famille. The Sufana brothers take their training very seriously and you’re sure to come out of it a better player. This development centre gives you a chance to take your game to the next level. As a professional soccer player, I would recommend this training program to anyone! Great people, great program.
Adam Guillen
My son loves playing soccer. He looks up to the coaches and looks forward to each session. He has grown leaps and bounds in such a short time. They say you get what you pay for and I believe it! Thank you coaches for always keeping it real. We appreciate your love for the game and time spent on the fields even after a full days work!
Karen
Awesome coaches! They really go above and beyond to give the kids exactly what is needed
Lindsey A.
My son has been playing Rec soccer for 9 years and we really wanted more than that for him. Coach Uriah and Coach Miguel have given him just that. Their coaching has been the best he's ever experienced by far. The technique and skills that they have taught my son has really improved the type of player he has become in such a short time. These coaches take the time to really breakdown and talk about what soccer is all about. If you're looking for good coaching at a competitive level I highly recommend these coaches!
Megan C.
We had just moved to Wesley Chapel and we were looking for soccer training for our son that was more than just recreational soccer. We were looking for a coach/coaches that would instill certain characteristics in their training such as commitment, perseverance, skill, knowledge and discipline. Working with coach Uriah and coach Miguel have given us all of those things. My son looks forward to his training sessions with them and we do as well because we know the work ethic they are trying to instill in our son to make him a better player on and off the field. Highly recommend working with them! Thank you for all you do!
Enza G.