Soccer Program

Soccer Program Structure

IMG Academy’s soccer program is structured across 10+ months of training and competing. IMG’s long term development model spans throughout a fall and spring season. IMG soccer student-athletes are introduced to the highest level of club league competition and tournament play. IMG’s soccer program is built around our IMG Academy Soccer Performance Plan, which optimizes the development process by combining expert coaching with an annual competition schedule that’s centered on individualized growth technically, tactically, and personally within a world-class setting.

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 defined concepts for attacking, defending, and transition 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 at the next level, whether that be in college or professionally. 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’s soccer program and performance plan are built around periodization principles in 6-week cycles that include the following development modules:

• Individual training
• Team training
• Strength training
• Athletic & Personal Development
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Mental Conditioning
  • Leadership Development
  • Nutrition Training
• Athlete Management System

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. Four times a year, players receive a report detailing their progress and future areas of focus which include strength, agility, and endurance test results as well as video review.

IMG ACADEMY SOCCER COMPETITIVE PLATFORMS

IMG Academy’s soccer program is comprised of teams ranging from U13 through U19 as well as post-graduate opportunities at the U18/U19 league level dependent on a student-athlete’s age eligibility. The program competes across two competitive platforms:

MLSNEXT

Unveiled in early September 2020, MLS NEXT will provide the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training, and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures both in soccer and in life.

USYS Sunshine Academy Conference

The US Youth Soccer Sunshine Conference is one of thirteen conferences under the US Youth Soccer National League in the Multi-State Tier. The top teams in the Conference earn advancement to the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships, part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. Sunshine Conference teams also have a pathway to participate in the new National League Showcase Series.

Developed in May of 2020, the Sunshine Conference Academy Division formed as a club-based league that provides a highly competitive, stable, and consistent platform for teams in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19 boys age groups. The Academy Division includes former Development Academy members and other elite clubs who will have teams compete against each other over the course of a 10-month season.

Academics