Welcome to the RTJ Athletes FAQ section! Here, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our services, training programs, and everything in between. Whether you’re a current athlete, a prospective client, or simply curious about what we offer, this guide is designed to provide you with clear and helpful information. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our team directly. We're here to support you on your athletic journey!
1. What is RTJ Athletes?
RTJ Athletes, founded by Ruben Tapia Joseph, is a unique program that combines elite sports training (only soccer at the moment) with Christian mentorship. We cater to soccer players aged 14 and older, particularly high school athletes, integrating athletic development with profound faith-based guidance. Our mission is to show the love of JESUS, and encourage male and female athletes to do the same, in and out of their sport.
2. Who is Ruben Tapia Joseph?
Ruben Tapia Joseph is the CEO & Founder of RTJ Athletes. With a background in professional soccer, including representing the Puerto Rico Men’s National team and playing/training in top leagues across Europe (Spain, Netherlands, Denmark) and Australia, Ruben also has experience in Christian mentorship and youth ministry. Growing up, Ruben experienced the difficulty of pursuing soccer and faith together. and it wasn’t just about finding time—it was about feeling torn between two worlds. So he created RTJ Athletes precisely because he understands the challenge of balancing soccer and faith. His personal experience paired with prayer, patience and discernment lead him to establish RTJ to support and guide young athletes facing similar challenges, ensuring they don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
3. How many mentors does RTJ Athletes have?
RTJ Athletes officially launched in September 2024, and currently, our founder, Ruben Tapia Joseph, is the sole official trainer. We are taking a prayerful and deliberate approach to selecting additional mentors, seeking God’s guidance on who should join our team. We believe that faith-based mentorship is a serious and high calling, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards for those we appoint.
Our goal at RTJ is to ensure that every child is guided by mentors who are not only deeply committed to growing in their own faith but are also actively being shepherded by other mentors and leaders within their church, Bible studies, and faith communities.
If you feel called to contribute to our mentorship program, please reach out to us1
4. What is the RTJ Athletes service?
RTJ Athletes features a payment package of $500 per month, which includes Four 75-minute training sessions guaranteed each month. Additionally, your assigned mentor will be available throughout the week for ongoing support and guidance. Whether you need help with faith-related questions/guidance, drafting emails to college coaches, creating highlight videos, or other aspects of your athletic and personal development, all of this is included in the package. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your mentor for assistance—they are here to serve and support you in all aspects of your journey, both on and off the field. The 75 minute training session is divided into two parts: 60 minutes of focused athletic training and 15 minutes of Christian faith mentorship. The faith mentorship may include Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and discussions about integrating faith with daily life and sports.
5. How often are sessions held?
Clients receive Four weekly sessions per month as part of their package. Each session can be tailored to either individual (1on1) or ‘if possible’ group sessions based on the client’s preference.
6. Can I schedule additional sessions beyond the included four?
Yes, additional sessions can be scheduled beyond the four included sessions. These can be arranged as either individual or group sessions at a fixed fee of $110 per session.
7. What can athletes expect from their mentor’s support and guidance outside of training sessions? Outside of training sessions, athletes can expect the following from their mentor’s support and guidance:
Overall, mentors are dedicated to providing ongoing support and are available to address questions, offer advice, and assist with any challenges that arise outside of scheduled training sessions.
8. Do you offer consultations to learn more about RTJ Athletes?
Yes, we would be thrilled to offer you a consultation to discuss RTJ Athletes in more detail. We can connect via phone call, Zoom meeting, or an in-person coffee chat, depending on your preference. This allows us to get to know you, understand your goals, and address any questions you may have. Please contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that suits you.
9. What are the payment terms?
The monthly package payment of $500 is due on the 15th of the month prior. Payment for additional sessions is required upfront. Payments can be made via Venmo or by check payable to Ruben Joseph
10. What is the application process to become an RTJ mentor?
Becoming an RTJ mentor is a significant commitment, and we approach the application process with the seriousness it deserves. Aside from the athletic aspect, we seek mentors who are deeply devoted to their faith and understand the profound responsibility of discipling others.
Our application process includes the following steps:
These steps ensure that our mentors are not only committed to their own faith development but also well-supported by their faith community. If you feel called to become an RTJ mentor, please reach out to us!
11. Am I only allowed to ask faith-related questions?
While our mentors are here to provide primarily Christian faith-based guidance and support, they are also available to help with a range of other topics. Whether you need assistance with emails to college coaches, creating highlight videos, or anything else related to your athletic and personal development, feel free to ask. Our mentors are here to support you in all aspects of your journey, both on and off the field. JESUS came to serve others, and we hope to do the same for you.
12. How does RTJ Athletes support athletes in their college recruitment process?
Please note that at RTJ our team of mentors' expertise in the college recruitment process may vary. While some mentors may have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, others may have limited familiarity. We recommend discussing your specific needs and goals with your mentor to understand their level of expertise and to determine how best we can support you through the recruitment process. However at RTJ we are prepared to provide support in the college recruitment process by helping with tasks like drafting emails to college coaches, and offering advice on navigating recruitment opportunities. We’re here to assist you in showcasing your skills and pursuing your goals.
13. What is the demographic of the RTJ mentor team?
RTJ Athletes primarily (but not exclusively) seeks to have college athletes or individuals in a similar age bracket on our mentor team. We believe that having mentors who are closer in age to the athletes helps create a supportive and relatable environment, fostering stronger relationships and more effective mentorship. Additionally, since the majority of high school athletes who wish to continue playing after high school move on to college sports, having mentors who are currently navigating or recently navigated that transition provides valuable insights and guidance.
14. What do I do if I get injured and can’t make the sessions? If you are injured and unable to attend your scheduled sessions, please inform us as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule missed sessions, provided we are notified in advance. If your injury requires a longer recovery period, we can discuss options for adjusting your training plan. And additionally would love to substitute the remaining (of the 4) sessions with 30 minute phone calls/zoom calls to continue to support and lead you during this time.
15. What if I want to become an RTJ mentor?
If you are over 18 and interested in becoming an RTJ mentor, please contact us (email: rtjathletes@gmail.com) for more information. We are looking to build a diverse team of mentors, primarily (but not exclusively) college athletes to guide athletes in their faith and sports journey.
16. I want to become a mentor, but I have limited time. What are the requirements, and how flexible is RTJ with scheduling?
To become a mentor with RTJ Athletes, we require that you are able to take on at least two athletes. This typically translates to about 2.5 hours of training per week, plus additional time for providing outside support and guidance. However, if your two athletes prefer group sessions, the commitment would be reduced to approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes per week.
We understand that many potential mentors, particularly college athletes, have busy schedules. RTJ is designed to accommodate a range of availability, allowing some mentors to commit part-time while others may take on a more full-time role. We are flexible and will work with you to find a schedule that fits your availability. Our goal is to meet you where you're at and make the mentoring opportunity work within your busy life.
17. What happens if I need to cancel a session?
If you need to cancel a session, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. We will do our best to reschedule the session at a convenient time. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may forfeit the session.
18. What is the process for signing up to be an RTJ Athlete?
To sign up, contact us directly at (email: rtjathletes@gmail.com) We will guide you through the enrollment process.
19. Do participants need to belong to a specific Christian denomination to be part of RTJ Athletes?
Participants do not need to belong to a specific Christian denomination to join RTJ Athletes. We welcome individuals from all Christian backgrounds and denominations. Our primary focus is on demonstrating the love of JESUS and supporting athletes in their faith journey, regardless of denominational affiliation. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow both athletically and spiritually.
20. Is RTJ Athletes for both male and female athletes?
RTJ Athletes is inclusive and open to both male and female athletes. As we grow and progress we look to have a diverse team of both male and female mentors/trainers. This is so that we ensure that male mentors work with male athletes and female mentors work with female athletes. This approach allows us to provide tailored mentorship and training that respects the unique needs and perspectives of each athlete, while fostering a comfortable and supportive environment for everyone involved.
21. Can parents attend the sessions?
Parents are welcome to observe the sessions from a distance. We encourage parents to respect the time and commitment of the mentor and athlete by not interfering with the session. Our goal is to provide a focused and productive environment for both the athletic and faith components of the training. Your understanding and support in maintaining this environment are greatly appreciated. If parents have questions or need updates, they can always reach out to us.
22. What if my child is not interested in faith-based activities?
At RTJ Athletes, the Christian faith mentorship aspect is an integral part of our program. We believe that incorporating faith into our training is essential to our mission. While we are committed to providing excellent athletic training, we also require that the faith component be included in each session. If your child has concerns about faith-based activities, we encourage open communication to address any issues. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where faith and athletics work together, and we hope to make this a positive experience for everyone involved.
23. Can I train at RTJ if I'm not Christian?
JESUS’ love is for all - Yes, you can train at RTJ Athletes regardless of your personal faith background. However, please note that the Christian faith mentorship aspect is a required part of our program. This means that faith-based activities will be included in each session as part of our holistic approach to training. We are committed to providing a supportive environment that integrates faith with athletic development, and we hope to make this experience valuable for all participants.
24. How does RTJ Athletes handle confidentiality and privacy?
We are deeply committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all participants. Any personal or sensitive information shared with us will be handled with the utmost care and discretion and will only be used for purposes directly related to the program. However, in serious situations, such as life-threatening emergencies or when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, we may need to disclose information to ensure safety and address the situation appropriately. Your privacy and safety are our top priorities, and we will act responsibly and with care in such circumstances.
25. What if my child is not familiar with Christian practices or teachings?
No prior knowledge of Christian practices or teachings is required to participate in our program. The beauty of JESUS is that he meets us where we are at. Our mentors are here to provide support and guidance in a way that is welcoming and respectful of each athlete's background. We strive to make the faith aspect accessible and meaningful for everyone involved.
26. What if my child disagrees with the RTJ mentor about a biblical topic?
At RTJ we are ever in search of truth, not our own opinion or bias on JESUS. In this situation we encourage open dialogue to find a respectful, balanced, and humble approach. Just like your child, our walk with Christ includes daily learning, correction, transformation and growth. Our goal is to integrate faith in a supportive manner that aligns with our program’s values while respecting individual perspectives.
27. What measures do you have in place for handling conflicts or disagreements between participants and mentors?
We take any conflicts or disagreements seriously and aim to resolve them promptly and fairly. If any issues arise, we encourage open communication and will work with both parties to address and resolve the situation in a constructive manner.
28. What if I don’t understand some of the faith-based activities?
That’s okay! Our mentors are here to guide and support you. If you have questions or need help understanding any part of the faith-based activities, just let us know. We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable and to help you get the most out of the experience.
29. What should I do if my child has a medical condition or emergency?
Please confirm that your child is in good health and has no conditions preventing participation. In case of an emergency where you are unable to consent, you authorize RTJ Athletes to seek medical treatment for your child. You will be responsible for any medical expenses incurred.
30. Will I be working with the same mentor every session?
Yes, our aim is to pair you with a dedicated mentor who will work with you consistently. This helps build a strong relationship and ensures personalized attention to your development. However, because of scheduling constraints as well as RTJ’s commitment to taking each mentorship relationship seriously, there may be a limited number of mentee spots available. If you decide to or need to terminate your monthly commitment, another participant may fill that spot. If you have been working with a mentor for an extended period and experience a break in monthly participation, we will make every effort to accommodate you and find a solution when you return, but availability may vary. We are dedicated to supporting you and will work with you to find the best possible arrangement if such a situation arises.
31. What if I’m not a good fit with my mentor?
We understand that finding the right fit is crucial for a positive experience. If you feel that your mentor isn’t the best match for you, please let us know as soon as possible. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve our commitment to meet the needs of all RTJ participants. We are devoted to ensuring that you have a productive and enjoyable experience, so we’ll work with you to understand your concerns and explore other options. Providing availability, we will look to arrange for a different mentor if needed to better suit your preferences and needs. Your satisfaction and growth are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you in finding the right mentor to help you achieve your goals.
32. Is RTJ Athletes only for soccer?
At the moment, RTJ Athletes is primarily focused on soccer. However, we are committed to expanding our program to include a variety of male and female sports in the future. Our goal is to provide the same level of athletic training and Christian mentorship across different sports, ensuring that all athletes can benefit from our unique approach.
33. How does RTJ Athletes handle serious life-threatening situations, such as mental health concerns? At RTJ Athletes, while our mentors offer support and guidance, we are not licensed therapists or counselors. If we encounter serious life-threatening situations or mental health concerns, we will provide as much immediate support and comfort to the athlete as able. While promptly informing the parents or guardians and advising them to seek assistance from qualified mental health professionals, pastoral care etc... We take this very seriously and look to use our best judgment to address the issue appropriately.
34. Are there any discounts or financial aid options available?
We currently do not offer discounts or financial aid options. However, we believe in the value of our program and are committed to providing the highest quality of training and mentorship.
35. What if I'm under 15 or not in high school? Can I still participate in RTJ Athletes programs?
If you are under 15 or not currently in high school, you can absolutely schedule sessions with our trainers to enhance your soccer skills. However, please note that these sessions will not include personalized mentorship at the end of the 60 minutes or additional guidance outside of training. The mentorship model is specifically part of our program for older participants. However, the detailed description of the service for younger athletes is written in the ‘What is the RTJ Athletes Service’ section.
Training sessions for younger athletes or those not in high school are 60 minutes long and are available at a rate of $100 per individual session. We hope that as you reach the high school age range, you'll join us for the tailored mentorship aspect and continue to grow with RTJ Athletes.
36. What if we need to take a break from the program due to travel or other commitments?
If you need to pause the program due to travel or other commitments, please inform us in advance. We will work with you to accommodate your needs, which may include rescheduling sessions or discussing options for a temporary break. Our goal is to be flexible and supportive while ensuring you receive the value of the program.
37. How do I choose between individual or group sessions?
For each of the four weekly sessions, you can choose whether you prefer individual (1on1) or group training. Simply inform us of your preference when scheduling each of your sessions.
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