What others say about the “Sports Psychology / Mental Game Coach”:

I am a 14 year old chess player and I am ranked number one in Pennsylvania among boys and girls in my age category, top 10 in the nation for my age category among girls, and am in the top 50 among all women in the nation. I represented the U.S. in the World Youth Championships in Greece last year, and have qualified again this year, which will be in Brazil. In the beginning of this year, I was in a complete slump and was stuck on the same rating for a year. I realized that something had to be changed in order for me to improve, and that’s when a friend of mine told me about Felix. I started taking sessions with Felix, and everything started to turn around for me. My mental state of mind during my matches completely changed. Before I came to Felix, I was a really negative person and I had a lot of emotions that were hard for me to control. Now, thanks to Felix, I have transformed into a positive person and now I know how to control my emotions. Felix has taught me valuable skills that help me on and off the chess board, such as un-controllables, how important it is to stay in the present, and not dwelling on the past or concentrating on the future, and rebounding after a tough loss. He has also provided me with countless excerices that help me and are still helping me with how to refrain from negative thoughts and how to really concentrate on only my game and not to be distracted. He has also taught me about setting concrete goals; short term, medium term, and long term, and now my goals are what I look at everyday and what I work for. Most importantly, I have learned how you can be the most talented player in the world but won’t progress unless you practice, practice, and practice consistently. Recently, I became an expert (which means I have achieved a rating above 2000). I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without Felix- everything he has helped me and provided me with is making a tremendous impact on my chess career and I hope to keep on improving. Felix has not only helped me because of the skills he has taught me, but also because he is extremely nice, professional, understanding, supportive, and I can also see that he really cares about my successes and with helping me. Felix, thank you so much!!

Jessica R. – Two time Youth World Championships US Chess Team Member

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me before I left for the World Championships in Greece. I was able to play with few expectations, and even though I was in bad shape opening-wise because I had had less time to prepare at home, I was able to score a solid 6/11 in a very strong section and finish in 32nd out of 100 girls (I started 46th, so I’m happy). I wouldn’t have been able to if I wasn’t in a good mental state, so thank you for the help, Felix!

US National Chess Team Member

I am a competitive chess player who has been playing at various state, national and international competitions. Although I have not been involved in this program for a long time, I can sense that I am already benefiting from mental skills training. I play on an expert level (above 2100 rating) and seek to become a master in the future. In order to achieve my dream, a certain degree of focus and confidence (among other things) is absolutely necessary. Concentration, self-belief, and the ability to combat anxiety are just some of the elements of my chess that sorely needed improvement. Felix’s sessions and exercises (not to mention excellent listening skills) have enabled me to improve my focus during chess games and exhibit a level of skill on the board previously masked by nerves and indecision.
The exercises I worked on encouraged me to establish my goals, determine at which condition I play best, and find performance keys that help me to play at a stronger level. I have learned to combat negative emotions that I frequently experience, such as result-oriented play instead of logical thinking. By practicing these exercises, I was able to eliminate distractions and instead channel more energy into my games. After I began my sessions, I immediately experienced positive results. My first step was to release anxiety based on things and people beyond my control. After I learned to let go of worries and fears over the distant future, I suddenly found myself winning more often! In addition, I have noticed that my self-confidence has risen with my recent results. With an optimistic outlook and goals to reach, I feel that this program has changed the path of my chess career.
While I have only participated in this program for a few months, I believe that I have taken large steps toward becoming my own mental coach, the ultimate objective of this program. Armed with methods I have learned and now practice on a regular basis, I look forward to my future competitions. Thank you, Felix!
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Anna Matlin – US International Chess Player

We have several children who have played soccer most of their lives from kindergarten up to high school. From my experience watching youth soccer through the years, winning seems to be one thing that some players/parents focus on. From the minute I met Felix, it was obvious that he had a very different coaching style than 95% of the soccer coaches I have met. Felix always stressed the importance of team camaraderie and soccer skills for player development. Felix felt player development was far more important than winning games/tournaments. When the entire team focused on player and team development, winning would naturally follow. Felix invested a lot of time working on the skills during practice, but he also taught the players about game psychology and mental toughness. As a parent, I was very impressed by Felix’s devotion to each of his players as well as the team. Felix was always concerned that each player was getting the proper level of training. Whenever a player was “down” because he was not playing well or was injured, Felix would find time to work with the player to get him “out of his slump.” One of our sons who lives for soccer really enjoyed playing for Felix. Our son would get very upset if we hit traffic while driving to practice because he might miss one second of soccer practice. On the way home from practice, our son would talk about how much he enjoyed learning new skills and what a great practice he had. It is a testimonial to Felix, that our son continues on a daily basis to work on each of the skills Felix helped ingrain in him. All these skills have allowed our son to excel in soccer at the state, regional and currently national level of youth soccer in the US. Youth soccer is lucky to have such an enlightened, enthusiastic and devoted coach!

L. Y. – parent of US Soccer U17 National Team player

My son Keith is currently the first goalkeeper for the US Development Academy team. He is there as a result of hard work, talent, luck, and more hard work. Along the way he has had many setbacks and trials. Through some of these hard times he has been guided by a very special man with a gift for communicating to athletes and bringing out their abilities, all the while instilling the confidence that is essential for their success … We met Felix in August of 2006. I immediately sensed his warm, caring demeanor, yet was also impressed by his training regimen. As time went on, my son would experience some powerful lapses in confidence, and this is where Felix’s talent would really shine. He was able to bolster Keith’s confidence and help him to see where the problems lay. As each season progressed we could see the true warrior emerge in my son as he took the field. His confidence continued to grow, not without setbacks, but with a steady increase in his control of the field. Felix laid out a plan for Keith to follow when his confidence flagged, and he continues to use this technique to this day. Knowing Felix is a pleasure. As a truly caring individual, and a consummate professional, he possesses gifts that are a rare commodity in today’s world. He is one of the few trainer / coaches I’ve known who puts the players’ needs first. He is humble, yet demands full participation. He does not lash out in anger at his athletes but helps them to see what they need to change. Felix’s program would be a valuable one for any football club.”"

Sincerely, Matt Cardona

My son, Matthew, is a skilled and determined soccer player who works very hard to achieve his goals. He was very fortunate to have the opportunity to play on a high-level club soccer team, which was my first experience in viewing Felix’s impact on the athletes of today’s world. Felix was part of the coaching staff, as well as the main hands-on trainer of the team. Matt thrived under the expertise of Felix’s training; not only on the technical and tactical side of the game, but also the mental/psychological side. Felix’s calm demeanor, positive attitude, and training techniques towards the execution of game both mentally and physically gave my son self-confidence both on and off the field. At one point, Matt became very overwhelmed with the pressures and mental side of his game, and this is where Felix’s expertise came into play. Felix has an exceptional ability to help a player learn to deal with the pressures of the game on a field that spill over into everyday life lessons – an added bonus. The stresses that are put upon our young athletes of today are enormous, and Felix has great insight with focusing on training both the mind and body, which bring out the best in a player. He is a man of moral character who has inspired many young players to strive to reach their greatest potential. I have known Felix for over five years, and can say this: “Any athlete that has the opportunity to train both mentally and physically under Felix, should consider themselves extremely fortunate, as he brings the best out in each and every athlete he focuses on.

Patrisha Coombs – soccer parent

My son, Kevin, is the last of three of my sons to play high-level soccer. Having seen various coaches through the years, I can honestly say that the physical and mental discipline he learned from Felix is the best we have experienced anywhere. The unique way that Felix combined his extensive knowledge of soccer and his background in psychology to train Kevin in all aspects of the game has enabled him to excel at both the club and high school levels. We are thankful that Kevin was coached by Felix at the right time in his personal development to prepare him for Kevin’s next step– college soccer.

Stephen Doty – soccer parent

Our son has played high level soccer since he was 11 and now plays both Varsity Soccer at his High school and high level soccer on a highly ranked youth soccer team. We have known Coach Felix for the past 5 years and really value the time Felix was coaching our son. Felix helped with both the physical and mental aspects of the game. He helped our son to develop his long-term goals and then encouraged him to take steps towards achieving those goals each day.

Michele R. – soccer parent

Our son, a high level U16 player, had the privilege of being coached and trained by Felix, and became a NJ State Cup Champion and a Region I Finalist … Felix provided our son with the physical and mental training necessary at this high level of competition. He has the ability to improve a player’s technical game while boosting confidence. Felix’s passion for soccer translates into a caring approach towards each individual. His knowledge and love of the game are inspirational! Now a sophomore at one of the Nation’s highest soccer ranked High Schools, our son’s future plans include playing in college.

Amy K. – soccer parent

I’ve known Felix (who played for me) for many years. Felix was a highly skillful soccer player with an excellent field vision, intelligence, a very powerful and accurate left footed shot … He was also an excellent team player who possessed sublime passing skills, great discipline, team spirit and professionalism. He was very much respected by all of his teammates and the coaching staff …

Mike Rybak – former professional coach and professional soccer player in Europe, former professional head coach in ASL and the Super League, four time US Maccabiah team coach, as a head coach – 1990 US Challenge Cup Champion & 1991 US Challenge Cup runner-up.

I’ve known Felix for over 25 years. I’ve known him as a player from his early junior career all the way through some of the highest levels of the game. He was a skillful player who possessed many great qualities and who always gave 100% on the field. He was a great team player with vision and finesse. He was well respected by his teammates and the coaches alike … For the past 10 years or so, Felix has developed into one of the most insightful soccer coaches / trainers I’ve known. His training sessions on skills and agility (involving the ball) are in a different class from most other trainers. What makes Felix unique as a coach is his deep insight into the psychological aspect of the game and the way he prepares his players for competition. He is a great Youth Soccer educator who inspires and develops young players, emphasizing the importance of all aspects of the game, and integrating them all in his practices.

Felix Abramovich – former professional soccer player in ASL and professional indoor soccer league with “Columbus Capitals”, “LA Lasers”, “NY Eagles”. Former player in CSL and GASL, 1985 US Maccabiah team member. Director of Soccer Coaching and Manager at the “Aviator” Sports Complex.

I’m a goalie, playing on a high level High School Varsity team. I made second team all-county and second team all-conference in my junior season. I have also been playing on several very high level teams (including an Academy team). I’ve known Coach Felix for about 5 years now; and I have to say that he has taught me a lot of things on how to improve my soccer skills, physically as well as mentally. He’s always very positive and optimistic and will always make you give it all you’ve got. His training methods to me were the best I’ve ever gotten from any coach. Mental training was the part where Felix helped me most with his great techniques and his calm personality. He always helped me keep my head in the game and be a better player. Felix always motivates me and tells me I can always do better. Thanks Coach for all the great moments we shared and all the things you’ve taught me.

Santiago Mesa – Varsity High School 2nd All-County & All-Conference goalkeeper, Elite / Premier Club Team goalkeeper, NJ State Cup Champion, Regional Finalist

Training with Felix did not start well with my son. Like most ambitious young players anxious to get to the next level, the basics that Felix started with were too simple for him. It took some time for him to realize the foundation Felix was building. Now that he is playing on an academy team and a high school varsity team with a notoriously rigorous program, he has the highest praise for what Felix taught him about the game both on and off the field. Mentally and skillfully, Felix prepared him to compete with the best in his age bracket.

Susanne T. – soccer parent

Not only did Felix teach me skills with the ball, he taught me the mental aspects of the game. I learned that if you don’t use your brain, you can’t use your feet. If you’re not focused, you can’t be effective.

Clinton C. – US Development Academy & High School Varsity Soccer Player

My son plays high level soccer for an Academy team and as Captain of his high school team. Throughout the years he has been coached and trained by many coaches – each with individual skills which allowed my son to grow as a soccer player. My son was fortunate enough to be coached and trained by Felix which took his development to another level. While his soccer training was first class (as evidenced by their State Championship wins), what made Felix’s training different was the emphasis on the mental side of the game and developing the players’ mentally for competition, as well as for life itself. Felix was able to get the players to play to their potential at all times because he spent the time with each player learning about them, what motivates them, how they think and most importantly how to prepare themselves for competition and for life itself. Felix’s individual attention given to my son prepared him for the competitiveness of high level soccer as well as for the rigors of life. I believe a great coach gets their players to perform at a peak level every single time and this is accomplished through mental development. I especially think this is true for young kids as they develop as players. As the kids get older, there are lots of players who have the ball skills but very few that have the mental skills to take their game to the highest levels, while at the same time balancing a strong academic career and social life. Felix’s mental coaching has helped prepare my son for all of these issues. While playing Division 1 soccer is an important goal for my son, as a parent I’m very grateful for the development Felix gave him on the mental side of the game and life. I believe the coaching and development Felix gave my son will be with him throughout his soccer career and beyond.

Robert E. – Soccer parent