PSG Academy USA / Strive Football Group
Overview
US arm of the global PSG Academy network, operated by Strive Football Group (Miami-based). Founded by Ravy Truchot, a French entrepreneur with investments across tech, digital, and sports. Benjamin Houri serves as Technical Director for North America.
Global scale: 5 continents, 21 countries, 220+ locations, 50,000+ players worldwide. The US operation runs 7 academy locations plus 2 elite residential programs.
Portfolio
Academy Locations (7):
| Location | Website | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL (HQ) | psgacademymiami.com | — | Flagship. Home of PSG Pro Residency USA |
| Chicago, IL | psgacademychicago.com | milos-bajic | Launched May 2023. 7 training sites |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | psgacademydfw.com | — | Newest location |
| Houston, TX | psgacademyhouston.com | — | Based in Katy, TX. Indoor facility |
| Los Angeles, CA | psgacademyla.com | patrice-filin | 3401 Riverside Dr |
| Orlando, FL | psgacademyorlando.com | — | Fields UPSL semi-pro teams |
| Phoenix, AZ | psgacademyphoenix.com | — | Competitive + Camps |
Pro Residency Programs (2):
| Location | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | virginia.psgacademypro.com | Partnership with Oak Hill Academy. $59,500/yr domestic, $66,188 international |
| Florida | florida.psgacademypro.com | Miami-based elite residential pathway |
Business Model
Branded franchise/license under Paris Saint-Germain. Local operators bring community ties, coaching networks, and player bases. PSG provides brand, methodology, curriculum, and global player pathway.
Player pathway: Local academy → PSG Cup → Selection Camps → PSG Pro Residency → France experiences.
Strengths
- Global brand recognition — PSG is one of the most recognizable soccer brands worldwide
- Proven franchise model scaled across 21 countries
- Elite player pathway with residential programs and France connections
- Relies on local operators who bring community knowledge
Weaknesses
- Directors do not own their clubs — they operate under license. Retention risk if operators want equity
- Brand dependency: if PSG global brand suffers, all locations affected
- Franchise model limits local autonomy and identity
- No evidence of significant competitive league affiliations (ECNL, MLS NEXT, GA) at most locations
- Elite pathway is expensive and exclusive, limiting total addressable market
Key People
- Ravy Truchot — Founder, Strive Football Group
- Benjamin Houri — Technical Director, North America
- Milos Bajic — Program Director, Chicago
- Patrice Filin — Director, Los Angeles
Financials
No public financials. Revenue proxies: 7 US locations x est. 200-500 players = 1,400-3,500 players. At typical academy fees ($2,000-$4,000/player/yr), US academy revenue likely $3-14M range (LOW). Pro Residency adds significant revenue at $60-66K/student.
Strategic Notes
PSG Academy proves demand for premium branded youth soccer across major US metros. 7 markets overlap with target geography.
- PSG directors are potential acquisition targets — operators who want equity instead of franchise employment
- Franchise model validates that local community ties matter more than brand
- PSG elite pathway (Pro Residency) is hard to replicate — need a different value prop
- If Strive Football Group terms become unfavorable, multiple operators could become available simultaneously