Sogility brings unique training focus to central Indiana
Photo credit: Kevin Johnston/Soc Takes
WESTFIELD, Ind. — As far as owner Chris McGrath knew, there was nothing else around like it. And with local resources available like sports performance outfit IFAST and Jon Busch’s High Performance Goalkeeping (HPG), his idea made total sense.
McGrath brought everything together to open Sogility, a brand-new indoor soccer training facility located just a short drive from Indianapolis at 16462 Southpark Drive Suite A in Westfield. Sogility’s grand opening is set for Nov. 4 from 1-4 p.m. and is open to the public.
“We provide soccer-specific athlete development,” McGrath explained. “We have a partnership with IFAST, who has done soccer athlete development specifically around the Indianapolis area for years.”
Photo credit: Kevin Johnston/Soc Takes
The main ingredient that separates Sogility from other soccer-focused centers in the area is the use of TOCA trainers and balls. TOCA machines focus on improving footballers’ touch and technical ability, and are also quite beneficial for goalkeepers. The units deliver size-two soccer balls at a variety of speeds and angles.
“Our niche is to provide the TOCA trainers, which can deliver somewhere between 250-500 balls an hour accurately,” McGrath said.
The concept behind the idea is that a size-two ball has a smaller “sweet spot” than an official size-five ball. Therefore, it takes more impeccable timing and technique to strike the ball well or control it. TOCA was founded by former U.S. men’s national team player Eddie Lewis.
Image credit: Sogility
McGrath, who’s also the owner of Indy Saints FC, foresees several other uses for Sogility beyond taking reps from the TOCA trainers — thanks to its partners and spaciousness. IFAST will offer its soccer-specific strength and conditioning, while HPG will bring its goalkeeping expertise. The facility can also support up to six-v-six play.
“We’re super excited that Jon Busch has decided to call this his official home for his goalkeeper training,” McGrath added. “We can even get rid of (the movable nets) and play end to end, so we can have two small-sided games going at the same time.”
The facility also boasts an upstairs lounge area for coaches, parents or other observers to overlook the action without interfering with training.
Photo credit: Kevin Johnston/Soc Takes
Teams or individual players hoping to take advantage of Sogility’s services can book appointments for the TOCA trainers, IFAST and HPG directly through its website at Sogility.net. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the Nov. 4 open house to tour the facility and find out more information.
“Soon to be a place where you can get better,” McGrath said. “You can get stronger and quicker, and improve your touch. And put all of those elements together in game play all under one roof, and close to Grand Park.”
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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