About

The Programs That Built Apex

Apex Athletic Academy was created by bringing together two established football programs—NxtGen Sports and West Michigan Drive Football. Each organization contributes a history of athlete development, competitive success, experienced coaching, and a shared commitment to helping young athletes reach their full potential.

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NxtGen Sports

NxtGen Sports emerged from the success and legacy of CAL SELECT, founded by Brian Walsh in 2023. This program quickly became one of the most respected youth flag football organizations in the Midwest. Built to develop athletes through every age and every stage, NxtGen expanded that foundation by creating greater opportunities for boys and girls to train, compete, and grow within the game.

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NxtGen teams have earned championships, national podium finishes, and recognition among the best programs in the country. After winning Unrivaled, the Junior Olympics, and Nationals in 2026, the current 8U team is ranked third in the nation. The 9U team is also nationally recognized and currently ranked eighth.

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West Michigan Drive Football

West Michigan Drive Football was founded in 2023 by Chuma Echebelem after recognizing a need for more high-level football opportunities for athletes in West Michigan. What began with a single team and a vision to create something different has continued to grow into a program centered on development, competition, exposure, and opportunity.

From the beginning, West Michigan Drive Football has been about more than simply putting teams on the field. Our mission is to develop and elevate football talent in West Michigan by providing a high-performance environment focused on teaching, training, and competitive excellence. Through quality coaching, intentional player development, competitive experiences, and access to performance training, WMD works to help athletes become more complete football players while preparing them for the next level of their journey.

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Our vision is to be a premier platform for West Michigan athletes to develop their skills, gain meaningful exposure, and unlock pathways to success at the high school and collegiate levels.

Now, as West Michigan Drive Football joins forces with NxtGen Sports under Apex Athletic Academy, that mission continues on an even larger scale. By bringing together tackle and 7v7 football development, flag football, athletic performance training, and expanded opportunities for athletes throughout the community, Apex represents the next chapter of what West Michigan Drive Football was created to accomplish: raising the level of football in West Michigan and creating more opportunities for athletes to reach their potential.

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Stronger Together

NxtGen Sports and West Michigan Drive Football were built through different journeys, but they share the same purpose: creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to develop, compete, and prepare for what comes next.

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Apex Athletic Academy brings those strengths together under one vision. By combining proven leadership, experienced coaching, competitive success, athletic development, mentorship, and exposure, Apex is building a complete pathway for West Michigan athletes. This is more than the merging of two programs—it is a commitment to give every athlete access to stronger development, greater competition, and the best possible opportunity to succeed on the field, at the next level, and in life.