Train With Purpose. Develop With A Plan. Compete at a Higher Level.

At Tier 1 Football Academy, we do more than run drills and workouts. We develop complete athletes through position-specific football training, athletic performance development, accountability, and a proven system built for long-term growth. Tier 1 was created for athletes and families who want more than average training. Our affordable program is designed to help athletes improve movement, explosiveness, technique, confidence, football IQ, and overall performance in a way that directly translates to competition.

Why Tier 1 Is Different?

Most training programs offer general workouts. Tier 1 offers real development with purpose.

We combine:

Position-specific skill training
Football performance development
Explosive movement and body control training
Technique refinement
Mentorship and accountability
A structured pathway for serious athletes

Every session is built with intent so athletes are not just working hard—they are improving in the areas that matter most on the field.

Coaching You Can Trust

Tier 1 Football Academy is led by Coach James Zigler Sr., a respected football developer, evaluator, and mentor with 10+ years of coaching and athlete development experience across youth, middle school, high school, college, and professional developmental football. He has also won 2 National Championships and Coach with the Erie Express Pro Developmental Football Team and is also the Head Coach of the Professional Arena Football team the Pittsburgh Chiefs.

• Credentials and Certifications
• UFL Scout Certified
• Certified Athletic Performance Trainer
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy Candidate
• Professional experience as a player and Coach

Coach Zigler’s experience allows Tier 1 athletes to receive more than instruction—they receive high-level coaching, detailed development, and real guidance from someone who understands what College / Pro Coaches look for and how to build athletes for the next level.

Proven Athlete Development. Coach Zigler has helped train and develop:

• Youth athletes
• Middle school athletes
• High school athletes
• College athletes
• Professional developmental athletes

His track record includes helping develop:

• All-Region athletes
• All-District athletes
• All-State athletes
• All-American athletes
• All-Pro level talent
• Multiple All-Stars in high school and pro developmental football
• Helped over 20 + athletes earn college scholarships

When athletes train at Tier 1, they receive:

1. Coaching that is specific, detailed, and intentional
2. Training designed to improve real football performance
3. A system focused on development, not just fatigue
4. Accountability, discipline, and mentorship
5. A stronger foundation for confidence and long-term success

At Tier 1 Football Academy, we are not just building better workouts. We are building better athletes.

If your athlete is serious about improving, competing with confidence, and developing the right way, Tier 1 provides the coaching, structure, and value to help make that happen. Serious Athletes. Serious Development. Real Results.

Apply for a Tier 1 Evaluation today.