Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Duke.
Christian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Christian Duke’s path runs through every layer of the American game—from college captain to MLS/USL pro to coach and program builder. While competing, he began training local players, sharpening a methodology centered on technical standards, speed of processing, and game-ready decisions.
At the same time, Kyle Miller—an operator with a corporate finance/operations background—felt the pull to do work with direct impact. He left the corporate world to partner with Christian and scale what started on a neighborhood field into Refine Soccer Training.
Today, Christian leads the on-field philosophy and coach development, while Kyle drives technical philosophy, operations, finance, and growth. Together, they’ve built a technology-enabled environment that blends high-rep technical work with perception–decision–execution, sports performance, and objective feedback. Refine serves U8 through college and pros, partnering with teams and clubs to raise daily standards—one purposeful session at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Smooth” isn’t how we’d describe it. Transitioning from pro locker rooms to running a youth–to–pro training company came with real friction. Christian had to translate a pro standard into age-appropriate progressions and convince families this wasn’t just more drills—it was decision-making, feedback, and accountability. Kyle walked away from a stable corporate path and rebuilt the back end: budgeting, pricing, payroll, scheduling, and SOPs.
The practical headaches were constant: securing and affording high-quality field space, balancing cash flow, handling growth spurts and slow seasons, and maintaining consistency across coaches without losing the personal touch. Adding technology (Goal Station/A-Champs, sensors, dashboards) raised the bar but also the learning curve and costs. On top of that, injuries, travel, and facility negotiations popped up at the worst times. The upside? Those constraints forced us to build a real system—clear curriculum, measurable standards, trained staff, and partnerships—so players see steady, trackable improvement.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Snapshot
We build a connected ecosystem for player development and access: daily technical training (Refine Soccer), a community nonprofit (Refine the Future Foundation), a home base for play and events (The Soccer Lot), a soccer-first school model (Refine City Prep), and a travel arm that removes logistics barriers (Refine Travel & Events). It started on a small field and grew into a system. A special note: Kaden Lewis—Christian’s first private-training client—grew with us and is now a partner who helps all five businesses flourish.
Refine Soccer Training (core business)
What we do / specialize in: Technical training U8–college & pros, small groups and teams; perception–decision–execution work; finishing; position-specific training; tech-enabled reps (Goal Station/A-Champs).
Known for: Clear standards, measurable progress, and coach consistency—high-rep, high-feedback sessions that translate to games.
Proud of: Players who build pro habits and confidence—not just skills—plus long-term relationships (like Kaden’s) that turn athletes into leaders.
What sets us apart: Tech + curriculum + staff training = the same standard across every session; we show progress with data, not just promises.
Refine the Future Foundation (nonprofit)
What we do: Expand access—scholarships, equipment, training spots, and community programs so cost isn’t the ceiling.
Known for: Direct impact—funds go straight to athletes and programming.
Proud of: First-generation players who stay in the game because barriers were removed.
Edge: We’re embedded in training and clubs, so support is targeted, fast, and accountable.
The Soccer Lot (facility & community hub)
What we do: Games, leagues, birthday parties, team trainings, camps, corporate events—plus a flexible training footprint.
Known for: Welcoming vibe, reliable operations, and a calendar that keeps families active year-round.
Proud of: Turning an urban space into a true soccer community home.
Edge: Programming + events + training under one roof—easy for families, efficient for teams.
Refine City Prep (academics + soccer performance)
What we do: A hybrid model—online academics partnered with structured daily training, sports performance, nutrition, and mentorship.
Known for: A school day built around development, not the other way around.
Proud of: Student-athletes who raise both GPA and game IQ while staying healthy and balanced.
Edge: One schedule, one team—academics, training, and support aligned to the athlete’s goals.
Refine Travel & Events (sports & corporate travel)
What we do: Team blocks, event housing, and corporate travel with our accreditation and tools (e.g., Cvent/EventPipe workflows).
Known for: Negotiating value, simplifying bookings, and supporting families/teams who’d rather focus on competing than logistics.
Proud of: Delivering savings and streamlined itineraries for tournaments, showcases, and partner organizations.
Edge: We sit inside the soccer ecosystem—so our travel plans match training and competition realities.
What ties it all together
• Standards over slogans: We measure what matters and publish progress.
• One ecosystem: Training, school, facility, nonprofit, and travel reinforce each other.
• People first: Coaches are trained to one methodology; families get clear communication and options.
• From client to partner: Kaden’s journey—from Christian’s first 1:1 session to business partner—captures our ethos: develop people, not just players.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Ways to Work With Us
For Athletes & Families
• Technical Classes (U8–U12, U13–U18): weekly skill, decision-making, and finishing sessions.
• Privates & Small Groups: tailored plans with measurable checkpoints.
• Camps & Clinics: seasonal accelerators and specialty blocks (finishing, first touch, IQ).
• Assessment → Plan: 45–60 min eval, written plan, training + at-home micro-work.
First step: Book a class or assessment; we’ll map a 6–12 week plan and show how progress will be tracked.
For Teams & Clubs
• Team Training Blocks (6–12 weeks): we run one session/wk aligned to your game model.
• Coach PD: session design, constraints-led coaching, and tech workflows.
• Tech Integration: Goal Station / A-Champs setup, drills library, benchmarking.
• Camps/ID Days: co-branded events hosted at your fields or The Soccer Lot.
First step: 30-min discovery with your DOC/coach → propose a block calendar + KPIs.
For Schools & Academies
• Refine City Prep Partnerships: bell-schedule training + academics (hybrid), performance, nutrition, mentorship.
• After-School/PE Modules: plug-in technical/performance units with pre/post testing.
First step: Align schedule, space, and student goals → pilot 4–6 weeks, then expand.
For Facilities & Municipalities
• Programming Partner: fill daytime/shoulder hours with classes/clinics.
• Revenue Share & Utilization Plans: predictable calendars + community programs.
First step: Facility walk-through → utilization model → 90-day pilot.
For Nonprofits & Community Orgs
• Refine the Future Foundation: scholarship pipelines, equipment grants, travel support.
• Co-funded Programs: track outcomes (attendance, skill benchmarks, GPA, retention).
First step: Identify target cohort + budget → set success metrics and reporting cadence.
For Brands & Sponsors
• Athlete Access & Content: on-field integrations, sampling, data-backed case studies.
• Event/Program Naming Rights: clinics, leagues, scholarship funds.
First step: Brand goals → audience fit → activation calendar with deliverables.
For Events, Teams & Companies (Travel)
• Refine Travel & Events: tournament housing, team blocks, corporate travel set-ups.
• One System: self-serve booking + concierge support, negotiated rates, reporting.
First step: Share event dates/travel policy → we stand up portals/blocks and handle comms.
For Coaches, Interns & Staff
• Methodology Certification: perception–decision–execution, session design, tech usage.
• Join the Staff: coach development, paid hours, growth path.
• Performance/Nutrition Internships: applied roles within City Prep & Refine Soccer.
First step: Quick intro call → shadow one session → 30-day trial.
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What We’re Known For (and Why Teams Stay)
• Standards + Tech: measurable progress (lights/rebounders/sensors) tied to a simple curriculum.
• One Ecosystem: training (Refine Soccer) + access (Foundation) + home base (The Soccer Lot) + school (City Prep) + logistics (Travel).
• People to Partners: athletes grow into leaders—Kaden Lewis, Christian’s first client, is now a partner helping operations and growth across all five arms.
Typical Collaboration Paths
1. Discovery (30 min): goals, constraints, timeline
2. Pilot (4–8 weeks): clear KPIs (attendance, skill benchmarks, game actions, wellness)
3. Scale (Quarterly): add teams/locations, formalize reporting, co-marketing
Pricing:
- $35 for drop in rates
- Packages offered for technical classes as well as packages for private lessons
- Individual private lessons $85
- Field rentals at the soccer lot – $100 per hour per field
- Refine city prep – reach out for more info
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Refinesoccer.com
- Instagram: Refinesoccer
- Other: https://Refinecityprep.com
