Two decades. Two continents. One mission — to develop exceptional young soccer players and even better human beings.
Alp Academy's story begins in 2007 with the founding of the Turkish American Sports Club by Solomon Westwood — a vision to bridge elite soccer culture across communities. With a Physical Education degree from Gazi University and years of experience in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, Solomon spent decades learning what it truly takes to develop young players.
In 2013, he made history by opening the first Galatasaray Soccer Academy in the United States in New Jersey, followed by Houston in 2014. The methodology he brought from one of Turkey's most storied football institutions now forms the backbone of everything we do at Alp Academy.
In 2025, Solomon expanded his mission by founding the Charity Sports Foundation — ensuring access to elite-level development for youth across Houston regardless of background.
Physical Education degree — the academic foundation of Alp Academy's coaching philosophy.
7 years of competitive experience shaping Solomon's understanding of high-level player development.
The seed organization that would grow into Alp Academy.
First Galatasaray Soccer Academy in the United States opens under Solomon's leadership.
The Houston chapter launches, bringing the methodology to Texas youth players.
Expanding access to elite youth development across all Houston communities.
Every coach at Alp Academy has competed at serious levels — from ECNL and semi-professional soccer to international competitive leagues. They coach what they know because they lived it.
Founder
With decades dedicated to developing soccer in both Turkish and American communities, Solomon founded the first Galatasaray Soccer Academy in the US (New Jersey, 2013; Houston, 2014). He holds a Physical Education degree from Gazi University and brings championship-level methodology to every session at Alp Academy.
Coordinator & Founder
Starting competitively at 14, Isa quickly earned MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Top Scorer honors at the high school level. He's brought a unique perspective to Alp Academy through two years as a certified referee and two years coaching UIL athletes from elementary through high school — helping players grow both technically and mentally.
Coach
Ihsan's playing journey spans the full elite pathway — Albion Hurricanes through ECRL, HTX Soccer on the ECNL platform, and then Houston FC's UPSL Premier team and USL League Two at the semi-professional level. A high school MVP and District Top Goal Scorer, Ihsan brings championship mentality and real tactical intelligence to every training session.
Coach
Muhammet's football career began with Karadolap Spor in 2011, adding futsal from 2012–2016 to sharpen his decision-making and technical ability. He studied coaching at Istanbul Rumeli University and went on to compete in the Regional Amateur League with Kağıthane Spor (2020–2023) and Küçükköy Spor (2023–24). His coaching focus: technically skilled, disciplined, and deeply intelligent players.
Ball mastery, first touch, and 1v1 quality are non-negotiable before tactics are introduced. We do not rush the process.
We develop players who read the game, not robots who follow formations. Tactical intelligence is trained, not just talked about.
Discipline, accountability, and respect are trained with the same rigor as technical skills. Your child is a person first, a player second.
In Texas, player safety is a coaching discipline. Our heat protocols, mandatory hydration breaks, and environmental monitoring are embedded into every session plan.
Spots are limited every season. Talk to our team, tour the facility, and find the right program for your child.