Meet The Team

Blake Robinson

Founder/CEO

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Gris Football founder Blake Robinson carries with him over 20 years of soccer expertise. Growing up and playing youth soccer in Orange County, Blake also spent 5 years in Germany playing for Werder Bremen. NASM certified in personal training, corrective exercise, and performance enhancement, parlayed with his soccer knowledge, Blake has created an environment that provides a personalized experience for each athlete that equips them with a collective balance of mental and physical skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Sam Smithson

Partner/President

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Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, Sam played his youth soccer for multiple different development programs and academies including Watford FC, Ipswich Town, and Tottenham Hotspur. Moving to the US over 10 years ago, Sam transitioned from player to coach at the age of 16 where he acquired over 8 years of coaching experience at the age of 25. With a coaching style that emphasizes calmness, creativity, and intelligence, Sam uses deliberate and game-like practices to provide soccer athletes with confidence on the pitch at any level.