About
Our story
A different path for players who want more. Built for the game, designed for development — quality over quantity, since 2011.
Since 2011
A family academy built on relationships
Futboland Academy was founded in 2011 by Christopher and Nina Ruiz. They pioneered player development in Land O' Lakes with summer programs at the Collier Parkway Recreational Complex, and grew — almost entirely by word of mouth — into a program families return to season after season.
From day one the focus has been on family, real relationships and high standards. We believe the best environment for growth is one where players are known, challenged and supported in equal measure.
Our approach is simple: more touches, more learning and more growth with purpose. We choose quality over quantity, so every player leaves a session having genuinely improved.
Whatever a player's experience level, our mission is to help them become a great player — brave enough to take on any opponent with confidence.
Our Mission
Passion · Mindset · Discipline = Success
Through our Technical Development Program we grow players mentally, physically and technically — building vocal leaders and great individuals, not just great athletes. If one person falls, we all fall together and lift one another back up.
Passion
Players who love the game train harder and grow faster. We keep that fire lit in every session.
Mindset
We build brave, confident players who are ready to take on any opponent — mentally as much as physically.
Discipline
Consistency, accountability and high standards. We show up, we work, and we hold each other to it.
Success
Passion + Mindset + Discipline = Success. Real development that shows up in the game and in life.
The Coaches
Meet the founders
The husband-and-wife team behind everything we do.
Christopher Ruiz
Founder & Head Coach
Coach Ruiz co-founded the academy in 2011 with a simple belief: give players more touches, more learning and more growth with purpose. What started as summer sessions at the Collier Parkway Recreational Complex has grown — almost entirely by word of mouth — into a program families trust across Land O' Lakes.
His Technical Development Program is built on individual and collective accountability. He trains the mind, the muscles and the coordination together, developing the neuromuscular efficiency that lets players perform under pressure. Above all, he coaches great individuals — not just great players.
Nina Ruiz
Coach & VP of Operations
Coach Nina co-founded the academy alongside Christopher and leads its day-to-day operations. She is the first point of contact for our families and the heart of the relationships that hold the academy together.
Her philosophy is family first: if one person falls, we all fall together and lift one another back up. She makes sure every player — at every experience level — feels welcome, supported and pushed to become the best version of themselves.
Ready to get started?
All experience levels are welcome. The fastest way to reach us is an Instagram DM to Coach Nina.