Meet
Coach Reid
Coach Reid’s journey is one of passion, faith, and a deep commitment to empowering young people. For seventeen years, he poured his heart into football, as both a player and a coach, before having a transformative “light bulb moment” in 2009. In that moment, Reid realized that his love for the game of football was not just a personal passion, but one that could be intertwined with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ. This powerful revelation sparked a calling that would change the course of his life.
Through a series of events, God guided Reid to take a step of faith and launch a football team, which eventually evolved into Gladiator Academy (GA) in 2012. GA was born from his growing concern about the rising dropout rates and increasing struggles faced by young people in the U.S. During this time, Reid was also deepening his understanding of discipleship and living a life of purpose, reading influential books like Crazy Love, Not a Fan, Wild at Heart, and Stronger. With a heart full of conviction, Reid felt called to take action. The result: Gladiator Academy.
Under Reid’s leadership, Gladiator Academy has become more than just a program focused on academics and fitness. It is a platform where young people are equipped to succeed in life—building relationships, trust, and character. Over the past 12 years, GA has served over 700 participants, helping them achieve success in various forms, from obtaining GEDs and employment to joining the military, attending college, or earning scholarships. The journey of Gladiator Academy is just beginning, and Reid’s vision continues to expand as GA seeks to create a future full of purpose and excellence for all who step through its doors.
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Reid’s passion for football and faith continues to shape the direction of Gladiator Academy, where every individual is seen as unique, purpose-driven, and designed with precision for a special task. GA is not just about success; it’s about discovering and living out that purpose. As Reid often says, “None of us are perfect, but if we chase perfection, we can achieve excellence.” With Reid at the helm, Gladiator Academy is shaping the next generation of young leaders, instilling in them the confidence to pursue their passions with purpose and excellence.
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