Stop Wasting Time on Random Tactics and Start Developing the Skills that Give the Best Soccer Players Their Edge
What if you could START every season faster, more explosive, and better conditioned?
What if you could PLAY all season without constantly worrying about breaking down or getting injured?
What if you could FINISH the season feeling better than when you started?
Hi, I’m Nick Downing.
I’m a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and retired member of the Men’s U.S. National Team and New England Revolution.
After my playing career, I spent five years with the Revolution overseeing player health, performance, and readiness.
Now I work with athletes at all levels–from youth to college to pro–to improve their speed, agility, endurance, and recovery.
Together, with my team at Pure Performance Training, we’ve helped thousands of athletes to unleash their full potential, on and off the pitch.
“Working with Nick and the Pure Performance Training staff has been invaluable in improving my fitness, helping me to overcome injury setbacks, and taking my play to the next level. You’d be foolish not to seek them out.”
Skills and talent aren’t enough anymore.
The game has evolved; it’s faster and more competitive than ever.
That means many talented players will be left behind.
I hear the stories every day. Hardworking, dedicated players who genuinely want to compete at the next level are being told they’re:
“Too slow.”
“Too injury prone.”
“Too heavy on your feet.”
“Too out of shape.”
“Better luck next year.”
Some players make the leap from good to great while others get stuck.
How can we do better?
I’ve been obsessed with answering this question my entire career. I’ve painstakingly detailed the journeys of some of the most successful professional footballers on the planet.
I’ve dissected how they built their success, navigate injuries, and overcame setbacks–what they eat, how they train, and basically every other tip on how they made it.
And I’ve tested every training method, diet, and recovery protocol on myself as an athlete. Because I don’t claim expertise in anything I haven’t done.
Here’s one thing that seems obvious to me: skills and talent aren’t enough.
At the elite levels, talent is a commodity. To get the edge, you must continue to develop and improve.
Some players hit a certain level of success, then plateau.
Meanwhile, the most successful ones are quietly playing a completely different game.
It’s not enough to just train harder. You must train smarter.
“After playing at the highest level all over the world I can confidently say Nick is someone I fully trust. His programming is effective and engaging and always had me at my best on gameday!”
It’s hard knowing where to start
There’s so much confusing information online and in social media it can feel overwhelming.
You’d think the world of sports performance would be an open forum propelled by science and research that’s then applied to an ever-changing understanding of the human body.
But it’s not.
Even at the highest levels of sport, athlete health and performance are hopelessly disconnected from the needs of individual players. I’ve seen it first-hand.
It’s no wonder athletes today are unsure about the best ways to train, eat, and recover.
Many different fields–Sports Nutrition, Exercise Science, and Physical Therapy–have shone their flashlights into different parts of this cave, but the work is siloed and incomplete.
And this puts us in a rather unique position.
Our multi-disciplinary team looks at problems from every angle–identifying root causes, not just chasing symptoms–and crafting complete solutions.
We combine cutting-edge science, with practical, battle-tested methods to give our athletes an unfair advantage over the competition.
Our mission is to connect the dots–seeing the forest, not just the trees–so you can approach any challenge with confidence.
To remove the stress and guesswork–so you can stay focused on what matters: improving every day
“Nick was a key part of our team getting to an MLS cup and open cup final. He always ensured our bodies were ready to compete at the highest level. Not matter what we needed; he was always there for us! “
It’s not magic. And there is work involved. If you think going through the motions is enough, we’re probably not for you.
But…
If you have a vision for your game that isn’t confined by limitations or other people’s expectations.
And…
You’re the type of person who likes to be in control of your destiny and believes no matter the circumstances, something can always be done to improve.
Then let me introduce you to our signature program called Performance Longevity.
Performance Longevity
Develop the Deep Skills That Give Winners Their Edge
The Secret Skill of Performance Longevity
Being strong and fast isn’t enough for lasting success.
How many great athletes are flashes in the pan, flaming out after one or two good seasons?
For us, it’s about longevity and durability. Finding ways to stay healthy and improve year-over-year.
We all know generic, cookie-cutter training programs don’t work.
You must match the strengths and weaknesses of the individual player to the demands of the sport and position.
It sounds straightforward until you consider individual differences in biomechanics, height and body shape, muscle fiber types, energy system dominance, prior training, and injury history.
That’s why each player begins with a comprehensive evaluation where movement limitations and asymmetries can be identified, and a customized program designed to meet players where they are.
Forget “sports specific.” We take athlete-specific approach.
“Working with Nick and Pure Performance Training was incredible. I was able to prepare properly for preseason while also maintaining my fitness in-season. The care Pure Performance takes in helping build strength and speed while also helping injury prevention has been key to my longevity in MLS. It really helped to take my game to the next level. “
Performance Longevity unfolds in three phases.
Each block has a distinct focus that is scientifically designed to rapidly accelerate your results while avoiding costly injuries.
PHASE ONE: ALIGNMENT
We’ll establish a baseline of training habits and movement skills that build your foundation. The early focus is on balance, strength, and endurance.
You’ll discover:
– Strategic soft-tissue release and joint mobility drills to bulletproof your body from injury.
– The best exercises for building base levels of strength to run faster and kick with more power.
– The right way to absorb and transfer force when changing directions…the number one place non-contact injuries occur.
PHASE TWO: ADAPTATION
You’ll accumulate more training volume with an increase in intensity as you move and perform at higher levels.
You’ll discover:
– The keys to building explosive power for a quicker first step and breakaway speed.
– Our top three methods for building your aerobic engine for second-half endurance, and enhanced recovery between games…even late in the season
– The keys to “ankle-breaking” multi-directional speed
PHASE THREE: EVOLUTION
Phase Three combines all program elements to “lock in” gains.
You’ll discover:
– How to use “rebound” days to expedite recovery and avoiding overtraining
– Straightforward lifestyle, nutrition, and hydration strategies that will fuel peak performance throughout the season.
– How to keep the momentum going into the next season and overcome obstacles that have derailed you in the past
Performance Longevity – Spring Session Program Structure and Costs
The Summer session begins on June 27th.
You can choose to train for 8, 12, or 16-week
Once the program is full the next enrollment opportunity won’t be until summer.
Groups times are at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm M-F.
Step One: Choose the number of times per week you want to train (2x/week or 3x/week)
Step Two: Choose the days and times that work best for you.
Step Three: Schedule your initial evaluation (approximately 30-minutes)
Step Four: Sit back, let us handle the details from there.
Exclusive Bonuses
As much as we love getting you stronger, fitter, and more explosive in the gym, we also know the ultimate goal is to become a better soccer player!
So, as part of this program we’re giving you exclusive access for personalized soccer instruction from the pros.
One Day Finishing Clinic with Charlie Davies (Date and time TBD)
- Techniques to score more goals
- Create space for better shots
- Optimize body positioning and movement based on ball trajectory
- Keep your composure under pressure
- When and how to place the ball to increase your chances of scoring
One Day Breakaway Speed Camp with Nick Downing (Date and time TBD)
- The keys to a faster first-step
- How to develope explosive power for sprinting
- Acceleration and top-end mechanics
- Appropriate progressions and program planning for all abilities
The Details
Here’s what you get:
Comprehensive Movement Assessment
8, 12, or 16 weeks of Done for you Custom Programming and Coaching
One Day Live Coaching with Charlie Davies
One Day Breakaway Speed Camp with Nick Downing
@ 2x/week = $55/per session. Billed in four-week phases of $440.
@ 3x/week = $50/per session. Billed in four-week phases of $600.
Personal Training (Soccer)
2x week
Personal Training (Soccer)
3x week
An Unbeatable Guarantee: Try it for 30-days 100% Risk-Free
We’ve packed a ton of high-quality information into the Performance Longevity program, and I want to make sure you’re able to integrate it into your daily life and make sure that it is really working for you.
If you’ve come to all the sessions and don’t feel that your expectations were blown away for any reason, I insist you get back 100% of your money back.
Our reputation is everything, and we have zero interest in selling anything you don’t feel
FAQ
Common Questions
How is this program different from others like it?
Most sport specific training programs are broadly designed around the attributes and demands of the sport. It sounds straightforward, except it overlooks the most important variable: the athlete.
See, athletes aren’t blank slates. There are substantial variations in height, skeletal shape, muscle fiber make-up, and underlying physiology that impact the way you move, how you adapt to stress, and your predisposition toward certain injuries.
That’s why we identify these variables BEFORE the start of the program through a targeted assessment, so you can be confident that what you’re getting is what you need.
What does a training session look like?
It depends. Every player’s program is tailored to their specific needs. Some programs might be more focused on endurance, while others more on speed or power development.
In the broadest sense, programs will follow a three-phase progression model, including warm-ups, biomechanics, speed and explosiveness drills, resistance training, and player-specific conditioning.
How do I sign-up?
Click the button on the page that corresponds to the number of times per week you would like to train. That will take you to a sign-up page where you can create a profile and enter payment information.
How does scheduling work?
Once you’ve signed-up for the number of times per week you want to train (2x or 3x/week), we will contact you to book times that work best for you. You can book all your appointments for the full 12-weeks, or schedule as you go, based on availability.
What if I have zero experience in a gym?
Great. Welcome. We love beginners.
Is it safe for kids to weight train?
In a word, yes. The safety and efficacy of resistance training for middle school and high school athletes is clear and well established in the research.
Also keep in mind that weight training is only one component of a larger, multi-pronged strategy aimed at all-around physical development. For most middle schoolers, much of their exposure to weight training will focus on learning proper form and mechanics, not setting world records.
Will I get big and bulky?
Bodybuilding style workouts with lots of isolation exercises (think bicep curls or leg extensions) have very little carryover to dynamic, full-body athletic activities, like soccer. Carrying excessively large muscles doesn’t either.
Our program keeps the goal the goal. We focus on training that corresponds to your athletic demands. We’re not interested in turning you into Arnold Schwarzenegger (no disrespect to the Governator intended).
What if I’m injured?
That’s a tricky question because it depends on the nature and extent of the injury, phase of healing, and other variables best left to a medical professional. If you have any concerns specific to participation with an injury, you can contact me directly and I will set up a joint consultation with our Physical Therapist, Dr. Conor Nordengren.
Can I do the program on my own?
You could. Technically. I guess. But I don’t recommend it. Over a twenty-year career working with kids and adults it is very clear that information alone isn’t enough. There will be questions that arise, tweaks that need to be made, limiting beliefs or changes in circumstances to overcome. And for that, you’ll need coaching.
Why is it so expensive?
Let’s be honest, price is the pink elephant in the room. It’s the first thing 99% of our best, long-term clients were concerned about when they first started, too.
So, let’s talk about.
I could tell you about all the accomplishments of our staff, or brag that we’ve worked with thousands of youth and professional athletes, but I think most decent facilities would say the same thing. And they’d be lying to you.
Just kidding. The truth is we are priced at the high end of the market for youth sports training. There are cheaper alternatives. That is…if you believe you’re getting an analogous product and comparable level of expertise. Which you are not. Not kidding.
We offer a premium service, and we charge premium prices. It’s not for everyone. I’m not saying otherwise. But I can tell you the reason we’ve been in business for so long–because of the value we give to our clients.
At the risk of belaboring the point, value is the peace of mind you get knowing you’re in hands of an exceptional team who will guide through a complex, multi-stage journey with–often–unpredictable twists and turns. And we’ll do it knowledge, experience, and care that you won’t find anywhere else.
The price is just what you pay for all of that.
Personal Training (Soccer)
2x week
Personal Training (Soccer)
3x week
“Whether it is off-season training, return to play, or improving performance, Nick and Pure Performance is who I always turn to. They’re versatile and knowledgeable, and the best when it comes to on-field specifics.”
“Nick is phenomenal at putting his athletes in the best position to succeed. He had programs designed for me to grow and prepare in the off-season and to keep me fit, healthy and fresh in season.”