Tier 1 Football Academy trains and develops high-potential football athletes from youth up to the Pro developmental level.
Based in Erie, Pa., the academy serves youth, middle school, high school, collegiate, and Pro developmental athletes. The program is built on the premise that not every athlete has access to the coaching they need to grow.
“I started Tier 1 Football Academy because not every athlete has access to the coaching they need to grow,” said Coach James Zigler, founder and lead instructor. “There is talent in our communities that deserves to be developed. We’re here to fill that development void.”
Zigler brought more than 15 years of coaching and professional experience into building the program. It teaches technique, football IQ, and how to compete. The academy sets high standards and coaches with purpose, aiming to help athletes build confidence through preparation.
“This is personal to me,” Zigler said. “I want to make high-quality coaching accessible, especially for young people who too often get overlooked. My mission is to develop athletes who are prepared for their next opportunity and build discipline, character, and leadership they can carry beyond the field.”
What makes Tier 1 different, according to the academy, is its ability to develop committed athletes regardless of experience, with a proven track record of success. The program benefits from its lead instructors experience and milestones, including two national championships with the Erie Express, a league championship, three National Bowl Championship appearances, four League Championship appearances, and three Teammate of the Year honors. Zigler also coached a youth team to an undefeated league championship, became head coach of the Pittsburgh Chiefs indoor football team, served as a Pennsylvania Youth All-Star Game evaluator for sixth- through eighth-grade athletes, earned UFL Scout School certification, worked in Pro Development with the Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy candidate.
More than 20 athletes from the program have earned All-Region, All-District, All-State, All-American, and pro developmental All-Pro recognition. For athletes and families looking for football training and athlete development, the academy offers a structured path from youth through the pro developmental level.
“We train to compete so we can compete to win,” Zigler said.