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HEAR FROM OUR ATHLETES & PARENTS

"Coach E, you've been a blessing for me this offseason. I was nervous about training in VA but working with you has been all that and then some! Much Love!

-Kalif R.

Chicago Bears WR

"We've been going to 1:1 and HS WR group sessio s with FST for almost a year. Coach E came highly recommended and his training methodology has taken my son's game to the next level...both physically and emotionally (IQ and field awareness). If you are looking for a trainer that teaches football and not drills, Coach E is your trainer!!!"

- Anthony G. (MD)

Parent

"My son started working with Coach E almost two years ago when he decided to make the transition from basketball to playing football tight end for the first time while in high school already.

The improvement (and speed of improvement) he has shown over that time is incredible. I am so glad I filmed some of his early sessions so we can see the crazy growth that he has had as a player.

Each session is super focused and productive, there is nothing generic about his method. He is tough and honest with my son but also kind and supportive.

In addition to being absolutely excellent at what he does on the field, he is also an amazing individual and mentor that I am grateful to have in my son’s life. His character genuinely shows through in everything he does. I can’t recommend him highly enough!"

- Rebecca B. (VA)

Parent

"Coach E is not just a trainer but a great coach / mentor that will give you the right tools to take your game to the next level. Outside of training is one of your biggest supporters in the stands"

- Stacey R. (MD)

Athlete

"We started using Coach E in small group workouts. This fall we had our son start 1:1 foot and agility training. It has been fantastic! My son gets an individualized workout as well as coaching specific for his needs and growth. He loves his time and workouts with Coach E!"

- Kelly L. (VA)

Parent

First Sound Training is the real deal.

My son has been training with Mookie Dereus for a while now, and I honestly can't say enough good things about him. When he dislocated his elbow, Mookie never missed a beat. He knew exactly how to bring him back the right way, and today he's not just back to 100%—he's faster, stronger, and more explosive than he was before.

Coach Erik has built an awesome program, and Mookie is one of those coaches who truly invests in his athletes. He pushes them, believes in them, and gets them to believe in themselves.

If you're in New England and have the chance to train with Mookie, do it. And if you're in the DC/Baltimore area, First Sound Training is absolutely worth it. We're incredibly grateful for everything they've done for our son.

- Taren R. (MA)

Parent

I am a parent of Twins and we Met Coach Erik Nowell when my boys were 11 yrs old (2016 ). I believe we are the youngest kids he had started training at that time. The Twins just finished playing at Hampton U. Coach Erik and First sound Training are the Real deal , and by far one of the leading Training program on the East Coast . Coach Nowell has real College experience (ECU) both on the Field as a player and Coaching ( @Episcopal in Va. ). He is beyond dedicated , a man who speaks life in kids with Truth and drills that Produce True talent , , success on and off the Field.

- Eric B. (VA)

Parent

I recently had the pleasure of working with Coach Mookie at First Sound Training in the New England area, and I must say, the experience was top-notch. My son, Kevin, has been training with Coach Mookie for several months now, and the improvement in his skills as a wide receiver has been remarkable.

Coach Mookie's approach is not just about physical training; he truly invests in his athletes' development both on and off the field. Each session with him is tailored to Kevin's needs, focusing on technique, strategy, and mental toughness. What stands out the most is his ability to mentor and inspire. He has a unique way of pushing athletes to their limits while ensuring they enjoy the process and grow as individuals.

I highly recommend First Sound Training for anyone looking to elevate their game. Coach Mookie's dedication, expertise, and genuine care for his athletes make this training center a standout choice. Thank you, Coach Mookie, for all you've done for Kevin!

- Richard G. (CT)

Parent

Great price

My son Colton has been working with Mookie on and off for a couple of years before/after an acl and meniscal repair. Mookie has an exceptional understanding of foundational work, execution, advanced skill work, and teaches all these in a way that the boys not only understand but enjoy and respect. He truly cares about students and tailors the training to each student. Colton is looking forward to getting back to work with Mookie. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the the boys

- Jennifer R. (MA)

Parent

"Coach E has been training my son for 2 years and he is definitely Hands down the best in the DMV area . Thanks Coach E for everything you do for and with TJ . 🏈"

- Reggie L. (MD)

Parent

"My son Kai Austin first trained with First Sound Training (FST) as a very raw receiver but Coach E transformed him into one of the best wide receivers in the DMV within months! Every trainings & advices Coach E provided my son translated in real game situations and made the game so much easier for Kai . Kai received alot of accolades as a WR and multiple D-1 football scholarships but none of this would be possible without the trainings from Coach E and FST."

- Kenny A. (VA)

Parent

"I am so grateful for Coach E providing all the information I needed and linking Luca up with Coach Mookie to train. Coach Mookie is patient, energetic, knowledgeable, and creates an environment where my son feels supported to reach his full potential. Coach Mookie communicates at a level Luca will understand and gives him funny sayings like “squish the bug” to help him remember the drill. I highly recommend Coach Mookie to any parent looking in the New England area to elevate their child's football abilities."

- Alexandra G. (RI)

Parent

Coach E is the best in the business. I’ve seen the end result of his work—he turned my two sons into D1 wide receivers (Georgetown and Harvard). This level of success is a testament to his expertise. Not only is he a great coach and trainer, but he is also excellent at mentoring young men off the field. I highly recommend Coach E to any parent who is looking to give their son a genuine edge in football and in life!

- Margo P. (MD)

Parent

Coach E is just what my son needed to improve his football IQ and his confidence! Its like a light bulb turns on in my son's head after his sessions with Coach E. We've only been at it for two months and my son's already a different player. Best part, is that we're just getting started! Scheduling is easy and very accommodating. Highly recommend this program if you want to learn the game the right way.

- Jey S. (VA)

Parent

My son has been training w/ Coach Erik for the past three years, and the growth has been outstanding. Erik spares no detail as he develops him into in technically sound wide receiver by teaching everything from stance, release, and footwork to precise route running, timing, and every aspect of catching. He focuses on skills that translate directly to real game situations, and not focusing on drills for the sake of drills.

On top of the technical work, Erik has elevated my son’s offensive football IQ by teaching him how to read coverages, understand leverage, recognize defensive tendencies. He pushes him to be intentional about every rep.

If you’re in the DMV, I highly recommend tapping in with Coach Erik. Hands down, in my opinion the best wide receiver trainer in the area

- Andre P. (VA)

Parent

"Over the past five years Coach E has worked with both of my children, both whom play Division 1 college sports. He has not only helped both of them with their speed and agility, but he has also provided support mentally for playing at the D1 college level. His support, training, and advice have been immeasurable! We have recommended him to numerous athletes, and all we ever hear back is positive feedback! Great guy, great trainer!"

- Caitlin E. (VA)

Parent

"Drills that translate, if you want to take your game to the next level this is where you need to be."

- Jeremiah T. (MD)

Athlete

"Training with Coach E has been an absolute game-changer for me. His expertise in wide receiver drills, route running, and footwork is unmatched and has made me an all round better Quaterback. Throwing to pro-leveled trained WRs has propelled me in my career as a professional. Coach E doesn’t just focus on the physical aspects but also help you develop a deeper understanding of the game, making you a smarter and more effective player outside of football he lifts up all his athletes and challenges them to be better men in all aspects of life. His advice is unmatched and has even help me create a business of my own. Since working with Coach E I’ve seen massive improvements in my capabilities as a Quaterback, anthlete and man. His tailored approach and attention to detail have not only helped me excel on the field but have also given me the confidence to push my professional career to the next level. Coach E genuinely cares about his athletes and goes above and beyond to ensure our success. I can’t recommend him enough to anyone serious about elevating their game."

- Guy M. (VA)

Athlete

"I started taking my son to Coach E (based on a high recommendation from a very respected trainer in the DMV) when my son was in middle school. Over 4 years later, he is a high caliber receiver in the toughest high school conference in the country. My experience in the DMV over the last nine years (Texas before that) is that there are a lot of “coaches” who think they know how to develop wide receivers. I was always left dissatisfied at their YouTube inspired workouts. In Coach E, I have never met a more all-around receiver coach. Each session is filled with precision and micro-detailed football oriented workouts. We drive over an hour weekly in the off-season for Coach E. We’ve trained in every weather condition imaginable. In Coach E you will find a high quality man who coaches receivers at an expert level. Do not be fooled - not all receiver coaches are the same. Do not look for loud - look for smart. Coach E is smart!"

- Scott S. (MD)

Parent

Both of our boys have trained with Coach E for the past six years, and we could not be more grateful for the impact he and FST has had on their development - both as athletes and as young men. He is an exceptional coach who personalizes his training to meet each athlete where they are and bring out their absolute best.
Positive, experienced, and consistently encouraging, Coach E creates an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and motivated to push themselves. Because of his dedication and expertise, both of our boys are now playing college football - one at the Division I level and the other at the Division III level. We credit so much of their growth, preparation, and success to the time they spent with Coach E & FST. He is truly one of a kind, and we highly recommend him to any family looking for the very best training for their athlete in the DMV.

- Julie W. (VA)

Parent

Coach E is an inspiring coach who brings far more to training than basic wide receiver drills. He understands the nuances of the position and can both explain and demonstrate proper technique, advanced strategy, and the intelligence required to play the game at a high level.

He teaches my son how to recognize game situations, understand what defenses are doing, and make adjustments on the fly—not simply how to run routes. After only a few weeks, I can already see him helping transform my son from a typical high school football player into a smarter, more confident, high-IQ athlete capable of performing at a much higher level.

Coach E genuinely connects with and motivates young athletes. I highly recommend him to any player who wants to improve not only physically, but also in how they understand and approach the game.

- Mac B. (VA)

Parent

Top notch football training!

- May W-B. (VA)

Parent

"Coach Mookie is really passionate and that he's strictly about work. Really nice guy and brings great energy to the sessions. Also, he is thorough and definitely touches on the small details."

- Luke R. (NH)

Athlete

"Coach Mookie has had a tremendous impact on my son Thurston’s development as a wide receiver. He’s been training with Mookie for the past year and in that year Thurston’s footwork, release and route running have taken a giant leap forward.
Coach Mookie doesn’t just teach technique, but also the mental and situational aspects of the game. Every drill has a purpose that’s explained so you know why you’re doing it and how it’ll be used in your release, break or route. When it’s time to run routes, Mookie breaks down the route, making sure Thurston understands that it’s not just running the route, it’s recognizing coverages and “collecting information” to put yourself in the best possible position to get the ball.
Beyond being a great coach, Coach Mookie is a great mentor. He leads with professionalism, high standards, and integrity. All qualities that make a lasting impression on young athletes both on and off the field.
I highly recommend Coach Mookie to any athlete in the New England area who wants to improve their skills while being mentored by someone who genuinely cares about them and their growth."

- Paul B. (MA)

Parent

"Coach E is the best receiver in the country he changes people’s game and elevate them to their best potential in their highest levels and I What is want to work? I want no other receiver coach but him💯‼️"

- Neville S. (MD)

Athlete

Working with Erik Nowell has been an absolute game-changer( no pun intended!;) for my son. From day one, Erik brought an unmatched level of expertise, energy, and genuine care to every training session. His ability to break down wide-receiver technique, build confidence, and push players to reach their potential is truly special.
Under Erik’s guidance, my son has made remarkable progress. It's the kind of improvement you can see on the field. His footwork, route precision, and overall football IQ have taken a huge leap forward. That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed either; college coaching staff and even local sportswriters have taken interest in his development, something we directly credit to Erik’s coaching.
Beyond the skills, Erik instills discipline, work ethic, and a mindset for success that will benefit my son for years to come. If you’re looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in his athletes, Erik Nowell is the coach you want in your corner.
We couldn’t be more grateful, and we couldn’t recommend him more highly.

- Elizabeth M. (VA)

Parent

Best coaches to ever teach the necessary skills for rising athletes trying to get to the next level. Best prices in town..professional, knowledgeable, supportive, and precise.

- Christina A. (DC)

Parent

Coach Erik and his staff are unmatched. I’ve registered my son for training on a yearly basis and his hard work has paid off on the field as a HS football starter. From NFL, College, HS to Youth…his training will give your kid an advantage (mentally/physically) to compete. If you want a trainer who can give you an honest assessment, feedback and someone you can trust, go with E!!!

- Gerald V. (VA)

Parent

Highly recommend FST, thank you Coach E!

- Leyden V. (VA)

Parent

© 2017 by First Sound Training. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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