Our Story – How PTP Was Built by Athletes Who Still Play
Every movement started with a reason. For Players Teaching Players, it was one belief: kids learn best from role models who still live the game. What began as a backyard session turned into a mentorship-first culture that’s reshaping youth soccer across the region.
- 2021
Where It All Began
In 2021, Luke set up cones in his backyard for his little cousin. No logo. No plan. Just belief. That one afternoon of teaching turned into something bigger — a mentorship spark that would become the heartbeat of PTP.
Every pass, every laugh, every high five showed that soccer wasn’t just about drills. It was about connection — about young athletes learning from those still chasing their own dreams.
- 2022
The Idea Becomes Real
Luke invited his Villanova teammates — college athletes still living the game — to coach local kids. What happened next confirmed everything: kids instantly connected with their mentors. They listened differently. They played freer.
That summer, the word spread. Parents saw not just soccer lessons, but leadership lessons. PTP wasn’t just a camp anymore. It was a calling.
- 2023
Our First Camp
In 2023, the first official Players Teaching Players Camp launched in Pennsville, NJ — featuring NCAA and pro-level mentors like Jack Jasinski and Nelson Pierre. The energy was electric. Campers trained beside the players they admired, learning mindset, confidence, and joy through movement.
By the end of the week, parents saw something different: kids who played with passion, not pressure. The model worked.
- 2024
Growing With Purpose
PTP expanded across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Pro guest Chris Donovan (Philadelphia Union) joined as a mentor, showing kids that professionalism and humility go hand-in-hand.
Every camp that summer shared the same DNA: competition, mentorship, and fun. It was never about numbers — it was about impact.
- 2025
Mentorship in Motion
By 2025, PTP hosted seven summer camps across multiple states with over 130 campers. Pro players like Frankie Westfield, CJ Olney, and Mike Sheridan joined the mission — proving that elite players could also be elite teachers.
Every camper left with more than skill — they left with belief. PTP became known not just for soccer training, but for shaping confident, caring kids.
- Tomorrow
The Vision Ahead
After recovering from injury, Luke’s vision grew even clearer — PTP would expand to bring mentorship-driven coaching to every community possible. Each camp, each clinic, each handshake matters.
The mission remains simple: create spaces where confidence grows faster than fear, and where players learn that greatness comes from how you treat others.
A Letter from Luke
Every family that joins PTP becomes part of something more — a community built on mentorship, humility, and love for the game. We’re not just teaching kids how to play soccer; we’re showing them how to believe in themselves and lift others along the way.
Our promise will always stay the same: care more, teach clearly, and make every rep matter.
— Luke Martelli
Founder, Players Teaching Players
#ptptraining
Real moments. Real mentorship. Glimpses of what happens when college athletes and pros take the time to give back.
CJ Olney shares a laugh and life advice while signing a camper’s ball.
Autographs turned into mentorship moments — kids saw what humility looks like.
Stas & Mike celebrating the little wins with young players after camp.
A signed jersey becomes a reminder that effort and kindness always travel together.
Every drill is a lesson in confidence — every smile, a sign of growth.
Focused first touches. Bigger dreams. That’s what PTP is built on.
