Welcome to Forza Girls Academy

Forza Girls Academy is a female owned and operated soccer training company that specializes in individual and team development for girls.

Our mission is to develop skillful, intelligent players in a positive yet demanding environment where players can play without fear.

About Us

Forza Girls Academy (FGA) was formed in October 2021 by longtime teammates and friends, Michelle Verzi and Tiffany Lucas. Having coached in South Jersey for several years, Verzi and Lucas noticed a lack of female trainers and coaches working with female players.

Growing up playing soccer in South Jersey themselves, Verzi & Lucas rarely experienced playing for or learning from a female coach. After successful playing careers spanning decades, both knew they could pass their knowledge on to the next generation of female players in a unique way.

FGA was formed on the belief that girls need more female role models and positive influences in their soccer careers and in life. We aim to empower girls to succeed in all areas of life, both on and off the field.

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What And Why?

What is “Forza”?

“Forza” (pronounced fort-zah) is the Italian word for force, strength, or power. However, it is also used as an expression to mean “you can do it” or “let’s go!”

Why Forza?

We chose Forza as our name because we want to help girls tap into their own inner strength, so they can become powerful players and people.

Want to train with us?

Click the button to get in touch with us today.

OUR AWESOME TEAM

Click on any of the black bars below any of our qualified coaches to see their wide range of experience.

Michelle
Verzi

Head Trainer

michelle
Coaching Experience

2021 - present                                                                                    Forza Girls Academy                                                                        2021 - 2022
Akka Soccer
2021 - 2022
National Center of Excellence
2020
Craigieburn City FC Women’s Senior Team Trainer
2008 - 2012
Medford Strikers/Universal Soccer Academy Trainer
2008 - 2009
Rutgers Camden Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach NCAA Division III 

International Playing Experience

2009 - 2016, 2018 
Heidelberg United FC (National Women's Premier League Australia) 

  • 3 year captain (2014-2016)
  • Team App Cup Champions (2016)
  • NPLW Grand Finalists (2009, 2010, 2014)

2017
South Melbourne FC (National Women’s Premier League Australia)

  • NPLW Champions
  • South Melbourne FC Hall of Fame Member 
Domestic Playing Experience

2011 
Chelsea Metro FC (Women’s Premier Soccer League)
2008
New Jersey Wildcats (USL WLeague)

Selected for Women’s Professional Combine. 

College Playing Experience

La Salle University NCAA Division 1
CoSIDA/ESPN All District Academic First Team
NSCAA All East Region Team
Philadelphia Inquirer All Area Team
Atlantic 10 Academic All Conference Team
Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll

Tiffany
Lucas

Head Trainer

tiffany2
Coaching Experience

2019 – Present
National Center of Excellence
2012-2019
Mt Laurel United Coach/Trainer
2008-2012
Medford Strikers/Universal Soccer Academy

Domestic Playing Experience

2012
South Jersey Banshees
Philadelphia Fever 

College Playing Experience

Iona College NCAA Division 1

Kim
Roach

Head Trainer

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Coaching Experience

2021 - Present                                                                                          Forza Girls Academy                                                                           2013
Marlton Soccer Club
2009-2013
Universal Soccer Academy 

International Playing Experience

2008
FC Reykjavik (Icelandic Women’s Professional League) 

Domestic Playing Experience

 2012
Chelsea Metro (Women's Premier Soccer League)
2008-2010
New Jersey Wildcats (USL W-League)

College Playing Experience

LaSalle University NCAA Division 1
Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team

Krista
Verzi

Fitness Coach/Trainer

krista2
Coaching Experience

2020 – Present
Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutrition Consultant AAAI/ISMA
Voorhees Soccer Association Coach 
2011-2019
Hammonton High School Girls Head Soccer Coach 
2014-2017
Hamilton Elite FC Coach 
2010-2011
Rowan University Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach NCAA Division III 

College Playing Experience

Rowan University NCAA Division III
New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Woman of the Year 2009
New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team
New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Academic Team

What Our Clients Say...

Justin L, Cinnaminson Forza 2013 Girls

“Michelle took over a team that had lost their collective confidence and was unsure of their future after losing a couple key players. Under her coaching and guidance, the team has thrived and regained their confidence. Michelle's training sessions are challenging - she demands more from the girls and they work their hardest to meet her expectations. Her knowledge and dedication make her an excellent role model to developing 10-and 11-year-old girls working to find their way.” 

Brian E, 2012 parent

“My daughter has played travel soccer for 3 years and had always been content being an average player on her team. Sparked with some motivation, she decided to participate in two Forza camps in the offseason. She had so much fun and looked forward to every session! She gained a ton of confidence, which translated into her trying harder at club practices. This increased effort, along with Forza's professional training, has considerably improved her ball skills and soccer knowledge. For the first time ever, she's begun talking about potentially playing in high school. Beyond soccer, the Forza camps helped her understand the importance of general physical fitness and an increased belief in their athletic ability in any situation. She's since joined her school's track team and has developed a daily fitness routine, all on her own! We can't thank Forza enough for offering these life changing opportunities!” 

Andrew M, 2014 parent

“My daughter’s Forza experience has been excellent. Whether it’s camp, clinic, or personal training, she is excited to learn from Coach Michelle, Coach Tiffany, and the rest of the Forza Team. They have promoted her growth and development, as that is their first priority, in an environment that is the perfect balance of challenging and fun. They are working to empower girls to realize their potential and foster their love of soccer. Highly recommend and look forward to seeing her grow with the help of Forza Girls Academy!” 

Bill H, U15 girls club team

“On the first session Coach Michelle made a real impression on our girls. At the next practice they were all asking when she would be back. The girls were thrilled when we announced we had booked her for regular training sessions. Things have been going great since then. Coach Michelle is knowledgeable, skilled, and very experienced. She keeps the girls focused and engaged better than previous trainers. I highly recommend her.” 

John M, U15 & U14 parent

“Michelle is a great coach/trainer and, while only having now trained my girls for a couple weeks, has done a wonderful job in communicating to them, making them comfortable and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for soccer training.”

Travor S, U11 parent

“You have done a great job with Kaylee and if anyone else is looking for a trainer I would like to send them your way!”

Rose Y, U15 parent

“You are an amazing trainer and I’m super excited to see you share your talent with a wider base – you have really helped Gabby break into the next level with her skills and I can’t wait to see how far she can go!”