Soccer Program

Soccer Program Structure

IMG Academy’s soccer program is structured across 10+ months of training and continued development as opposed to one single season. IMG soccer student-athletes are introduced to the highest level of club-like competition and tournament play. As a boarding school with a club-like format, IMG’s soccer program’s structure optimizes the process by combining expert coaching and individualized development opportunities with an annual competition schedule.

IMG Academy’s soccer program has defined age-specific workloads and training programs to ensure that student-athletes have a clear pathway to progress through the program and maximize their potential. Training includes team field sessions with an emphasis on decision making and tactical game management, individual development plan sessions inclusive of video analysis and team building / leadership, and games or scrimmages. The program has a defined attacking and defensive concepts and transitions as well as set plays and systems of play that are executed across every team.

Throughout the program, IMG soccer coaches leverage their professional and collegiate experience and ensure that each student-athlete has the necessary tools to achieve their goals. IMG soccer coaches focus on developing the “competitor” through holistic training that includes positive decision making, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Each student-athlete within the program is competitive and possesses key skills such as game insight and the ability to read plays, as well as position-specific qualities.

The program’s global environment prepares student-athletes for the cultural experience of competing in college. Student-athletes recognize the importance of a team atmosphere and develop lasting relationships with their teammates, coaches, teachers, and other support staff.

Student-athletes prioritize both academics and athletics as their schedule mirrors that of a collegiate program. Soccer training includes position-specific instruction as well as team strategies and foundational tactics, speed of play, and proactive thinking on the field. Skills such as strength and conditioning, communication skills, and leadership are also emphasized throughout the year to ensure maximized college recruitment opportunities.

IMG soccer follows 6-week cycles inclusive of the following development activities:

• Team training
• Individual training
• Strength training
• Athletic & Personal Development
• Regeneration
• Infusion movement

Student-athletes meet with their coaches to set up an individual development plan with overall long term goals, short term measurable objectives, and mutually agreed upon outcomes over the cycle. Following the 6-week period, coaches and players review their progress and set new objectives when necessary ahead of the upcoming cycle.

Athletic & Personal Development

APD plays an integral role in the overall development of each soccer student-athlete. APD instructors focus on crucial areas such as mental toughness, strength & conditioning, nutrition, leadership, life skills and character development, and more to ensure that IMG Academy soccer student-athletes not only have an advantage over the competition but understand what it takes to succeed in college, on national and professional teams, and in life.

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