A former FC Schalke 04 youth prospect has launched a football academy in Los Angeles that is turning heads by outclassing MLS youth teams.
From Schalke to Los Angeles
Marcel Lowitsch, born in Gladbeck, Germany, once developed through Schalke’s academy system. While he didn’t reach the top professional tier, he has found success on a different stage. In Los Angeles, he founded the MLeS Academy, which is now making waves with its fearless, Bundesliga-inspired model.
“I’ve always said I want to build a powerhouse with players who are different—aggressive, bold, and committed,” Lowitsch explained. “We play high-pressing, high-intensity football: wild, loud, and unique.”
Bundesliga-Style Development in the U.S.
The MLES Academy is structured and operated much like a German Bundesliga academy. Its methodology emphasizes not just game preparation and tactical discipline but also player development, individual growth, and professional-level training habits. From intensive daily sessions to match analysis and game-day readiness, the approach mirrors what top German academies demand of their youth players.
Stunning Results Against MLS next pro & Youth Teams
That European-style system is paying off. The academy has already produced standout results, including a 4–0 win over LA Galaxy’s U18 and U19 sides, a 3–1 victory against LAFC’s youth squad, and a 3–2 triumph over Philadelphia Union.
“These are elite academies, comparable to Bundesliga youth centers in size and budget,” Lowitsch noted. “To dominate and beat them is impressive—and certainly a big surprise here.”
Global Coaching Network
Lowitsch has surrounded himself with an international coaching network. Coaches from Schalke 04, Hoffenheim, and Rot-Weiss Essen have been involved, while football icons such as Jürgen Klinsmann and former Brazil manager Tite have visited. He also continues to work closely with Peter Hyballa, whom he calls “a football genius.”
A Different Path for U.S. Talent
For Lowitsch, the vision is simple: provide a disruptive, German-style platform for overlooked talent. “We want to be loud, different, and a place where players get the same professional preparation and development they’d receive in Europe.”
Beyond just winning matches, the academy in Los Angeles is deeply committed to a footballing philosophy that mirrors the style of Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig. From the ground up, every training session, every tactical plan, and every match preparation is designed to embody their principles: high-pressing, fast transitions, intense work without the ball, positional play, and cultivating players who are both physically and mentally sharp.
The work is not just about games, but about intense training and comprehensive development. The academy runs rigorous, high-volume training schedules, video analysis, tailored strength & conditioning, and tactical drills so players can grow in all areas: technical ability, decision-making, physical endurance, and psychological resilience. On match days, they don’t just aim to win — they aim to execute their philosophy under pressure, showing that they believe in development through challenge and performance.
