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Updated on December 5th 2023, 6:35:09 am

Eddie Lewis: Blending Technology with Talent to Shape Future Soccer Stars

TOCA Football is a revolutionary technical training company pioneered by Eddie Lewis to transform how athletes train for soccer. Let’s find out more about it in this article.

Eddie Lewis, synonymous with exceptional skill and dedication in soccer, embarked on a new journey after his illustrious playing career. Renowned as one of the finest left-sided midfielders in U.S. Soccer history, Eddie is leveraging his vast experience to mentor the next generation of soccer stars.


His journey, spanning over 15 years, includes remarkable stints at Fulham FC, San Jose, LA Galaxy, and three other prominent English clubs. He also earned 82 caps for the US men's national team and participated in two World Cup tournaments.


This rich lineage of soccer, combined with a forward-thinking approach towards incorporating technology into training, sets Eddie apart as a guiding light for aspiring soccer players.


What is TOCA Football?


TOCA Football is a revolutionary technical training company pioneered by Eddie Lewis to transform how athletes train for soccer. The linchpin of TOCA Football is its patented TOCA Touch Trainers, machines designed to deliver smaller, lighter balls to players. These TOCA balls, similar to a size three ball, enable players to engage in high-volume repetition without the muscle fatigue associated with conventional size 4 or 5 balls. The speed and angles at which the balls are delivered can be customized via an app on a smart device, ensuring personalized and targeted training.


TOCA Football also introduced 'Smart Targets,' small goals equipped with LED lights to direct a player's next move. These targets can be programmed to different heights and spots, promoting versatility in training. The system has proven beneficial for youth technical training and professional players like Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Mallory Swanson, and Gyasi Zardes, who utilize it for off-season workouts, decision-making enhancement, and injury rehabilitation.


This innovative blend of technology and traditional training methods makes TOCA Football a game-changer in soccer. Reflecting on the FanDuel soccer odds, it's exciting to imagine how technology from TOCA Football can influence future results. As young players develop their skills using TOCA Football's technology, they could emerge as hot favorites in soccer betting.


TOCA's Expansion and Global Reach


TOCA's global presence has steadily expanded over the years, marking its footprint across North America. The growth of soccer and the concurrent rise of indoor facilities in the region have provided fertile ground for the propagation of TOCA's innovative training system. Today, the company operates 39 indoor centers across North America, ranging from Vancouver to Nashville, serving thousands of regular users. This includes children as young as 18 months who are introduced to the game via the TOCA Soccer Classes early childhood program.

Embracing the vision for expansion, TOCA has also marked its presence internationally. Last autumn, Major League Soccer (MLS) signed a 10-year partnership with TOCA, further solidifying the company's reach. TOCA's influence isn't limited to North America; clubs and associations worldwide, both domestic and abroad, have been keen to incorporate the TOCA training system.


The company's innovative approach has also led to the advent of TOCA Social, the world's first and only immersive football and dining experience. Launched in 2021 at The O2 in London, TOCA Social offers a unique blend of entertainment and sport. Plans are underway to open more TOCA Social venues, including another location in London, Birmingham, England, and several sites across Mexico. The first Mexican site is set to open in Monterey.


TOCA's Community Engagement and Future Plans


TOCA aims to be more than just a technical training company—it endeavors to be a community hub that brings families and soccer enthusiasts together. The idea was born when Eddie Lewis, a parent himself, saw an opportunity to serve the adults better by bringing in their kids for TOCA sessions.


Enter TOCA Social, which was launched to bring families and the wider community together. Young soccer enthusiasts can train with the innovative TOCA system, and adults can enjoy the immersive soccer and dining experience.


Moreover, TOCA's relationship with the community is not a one-sided affair. The company has organized watch parties and events like the MLS x TOCA Kickoff Parties. It is turning its centers into places where families and soccer fans can celebrate major soccer events in cities like Denver, Atlanta, Naperville, Nashville, and Madison. More such events are planned in the coming months.


Looking ahead, TOCA's plans are both ambitious and community-oriented. The company is focusing on expanding its footprint domestically and internationally, with new TOCA Football centers and TOCA Social venues in the pipeline. Special attention is being given to the watershed event 2026, which is expected to boost soccer's popularity and player recruitment significantly. With these plans in motion, TOCA is poised to continue contributing to the growth of soccer and strengthening its ties with the community.


Conclusion


TOCA Football's innovative approach to soccer training combines technology, professional expertise, and a strong community focus to nurture the next generation of soccer stars. With the rapid expansion of its global presence and the development of unique initiatives like TOCA Social, the company is revolutionizing how athletes train and how communities engage with the sport.


Driven by a passion for soccer and a commitment to community involvement, TOCA is transforming individual players and the overall landscape of the sport, shaping the future of soccer domestically and internationally. The impact of TOCA's innovative endeavors is undoubtedly far-reaching, heralding a new era in soccer training and fan engagement.