Today we’d like to introduce you to Saffet Gokhan Erabay
Hi Saffet Gokhan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Gökhan Erabay, and my journey in the world of sports began during my childhood in Turkey. Growing up, I explored a variety of sports disciplines, both as an amateur and a professional, which laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for athletics and coaching. This passion guided my academic pursuits, where I earned a degree in Coaching from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Sports Sciences, followed by a master’s in Movement and Training from Marmara University’s Institute of Health Sciences. These academic experiences not only equipped me with theoretical expertise but also inspired me to bring innovative methods to the world of sports.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of establishing and managing some of Turkey’s most successful football academies in major cities like Istanbul and Bursa. Notably, I spearheaded the development of academies for globally renowned brands like Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). These academies, which I built from the ground up, continue to thrive today, standing among the most prestigious and successful in the country. My vision, however, extended beyond football. I also founded gymnastics and basketball schools, fostering a holistic approach to youth development in sports.
In addition to managing these academies, I have served as a coach for prominent clubs and contributed to the professional growth of numerous trainers by leading workshops and coaching education programs. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to develop “FitBeyin,” an innovative brain development and training method that has been implemented in sports clubs, companies, and even hospitals. This program has had a transformative impact on individuals and organizations, blending physical and cognitive training to enhance performance and well-being.
Fifteen months ago, I embarked on a new chapter in my life, moving to the United States with the goal of bringing my expertise and passion for sports development to a global stage. With my extensive experience and long-standing relationships with one of the world’s most iconic brands, Paris Saint-Germain, I launched the first PSG Academy branch in Orlando. The academy has been met with immense enthusiasm and has quickly gained recognition for its quality training programs and innovative approach to youth soccer development.
Today, I am proud to lead a growing organization that not only trains young athletes but also instills in them the core values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Our academy continues to expand, and we are dedicated to contributing to the growth and evolution of soccer in the United States. This journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead to inspire the next generation of athletes while leaving a meaningful legacy in the world of sports.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to where I am today has been anything but smooth. Life rarely offers an easy path, and my story is no exception. Every milestone has required unwavering belief, relentless effort, and the courage to chase dreams that often seemed out of reach.
From an early age, I challenged myself to grow, not just as a coach but as a person. To truly test my limits and expand my knowledge, I sought opportunities in different cities and industries in Turkey, pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone. Over the course of a decade, I built some of the most successful sports academies in Istanbul and Bursa, including globally recognized brands like Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain Academies. These accomplishments gave me invaluable experience but also required an immense amount of dedication and resilience.
When the opportunity arose to bring my vision to a completely new market—America—I knew it would be one of the biggest challenges of my life. Leaving behind everything familiar, from my established career in Turkey to my close-knit family, was not an easy decision. I had just started a new chapter in my personal life, embarking on a marriage and welcoming my first child into the world. Balancing the responsibilities of being a new husband and father while building a business in an entirely unfamiliar environment required a level of strength and determination I hadn’t known before.
Moving to the U.S. meant adapting to a new culture, navigating different work ethics, and learning to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. It wasn’t just about bringing my expertise; it was about learning how to integrate it into a completely different system. The language barrier, cultural differences, and the challenge of establishing financial stability while growing a new business in a competitive market added to the pressure.
Despite all these obstacles, my belief in the transformative power of sports kept me moving forward. I focused on creating something meaningful—a space where young athletes could grow, learn, and thrive, much like I did when I was their age. Partnering with a global brand like Paris Saint-Germain allowed me to bring a world-class soccer academy to Orlando, introducing a new standard of training and development.
Looking back, every struggle along the way has shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. The experience of building PSG Academy Orlando in the U.S. while navigating the complexities of life has been incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t change any part of this journey, as it has given me the resilience, perspective, and gratitude to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the road may seem.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Paris Saint-Germain Academy Orlando?
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy Orlando was established to bring a new vision to the football infrastructure in the United States, as part of one of the world’s most prestigious football brands. Our academy in Orlando aims to provide young athletes not only with technical skills but also with a holistic approach to their personal growth and development.
At PSG Academy Orlando, we go beyond football. What sets us apart is our strong values, disciplined training programs, and a personalized approach that focuses on individual development. By implementing PSG’s internationally recognized methodology, we ensure our athletes excel not only in technical aspects but also in teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
What We Specialize In:
PSG Academy Orlando offers a world-class approach to football education. Starting from young age groups, we design professional training programs tailored to each athlete, helping them develop their unique skills. Our focus is not just on their on-field performance but also on fostering discipline, confidence, and ethical values, equipping them for success in all areas of life.
What Sets Us Apart:
One of the key aspects that sets us apart is our partnership with a globally recognized brand like Paris Saint-Germain. The methodology we implement mirrors that of PSG’s youth academies in France. Additionally, our athletes have the unique opportunity to connect with PSG’s extensive international network, allowing them to engage with other academies across the globe.
Another distinguishing factor is our emphasis on personalized development. We understand that every athlete has different abilities and growth rates. This is why we provide customized development plans for each individual. Beyond technical training, we also prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional development of our athletes, ensuring a well-rounded approach to their growth.
Proud Achievements:
One of our greatest accomplishments is becoming a beloved and respected academy within Orlando’s football community in such a short time. Additionally, the success our young athletes have achieved in national and international tournaments serves as a tremendous source of pride and motivation for our team.
What Readers Should Know:
PSG Academy Orlando is not just a football academy; it is a platform where young athletes discover their potential, push their limits, and prepare to become successful individuals both on and off the field. Our training programs aim to ensure our athletes excel in life, not just in sports.
As part of the Paris Saint-Germain family, we are proud to offer a world-class experience to every young athlete in Orlando. It is an honor for us to contribute to the development of the next generation of footballers and help them achieve their dreams.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me or my work is the innovative approach I bring to sports training and development, which often combines physical activity with mental growth techniques. One of the most unique contributions I’ve made to the field is developing a method called “FitBeyin” (translated as “FitBrain”), which integrates cognitive training into athletic performance. This method has been used not only in sports academies but also in companies and hospitals to enhance productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
Another surprising aspect is my personal journey. Despite having a strong foundation in Turkey with some of the country’s most successful sports academies under my leadership, I took the bold step of starting from scratch in the United States. Leaving behind my home, established career, and family ties was not an easy decision. At the same time, I had just started a new chapter in my personal life—getting married and welcoming my first child. Managing the responsibilities of building a new life, adapting to a new culture, and establishing a business in a competitive market while being a new husband and father is a story that many might not know.
Additionally, what sets my work apart is the emphasis on community and personal growth. At PSG Academy Orlando, we don’t just train athletes; we strive to create an environment where young players can grow into leaders, develop a global perspective, and learn values that will help them succeed in life beyond sports.
These aspects of my journey reflect my belief that success is not just about winning games but about making a meaningful impact on individuals and the community. The challenges I’ve faced along the way have only deepened my commitment to this mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psgacademyorlando.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psgacademyorlando_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psgacademyorlando
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gokhanerabay
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@psgacademyorlando
