Girls Soccer Program Structure
IMG Academy’s soccer program is structured across 10+ months of training and continued development as opposed to one single season. 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.
Student-athletes thrive within a team atmosphere that places a significant emphasis on individual development and growth both in the classroom and on the field. IMG Academy’s diverse, college-preparatory environment prepares student-athletes for continued success after graduation. IMG has an unmatched network of college placement resources and contacts paired with advisors and teachers who ensure that NCAA requirements are met and followed. Student-athletes experience a schedule that closely matches college programs and develop characteristics such as communication and leadership that translate directly to the next level.
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.
Development Process
| Pre-season | Competitive Cycle | Post-Season |
|---|---|---|
| Measure & Evaluate | Prepare & Play | Review & Prepare |
| August - September | September - April | April - June |
| Physical testing Tactical, Technical, & Functional intro Individual development plans (IDP) |
Competition & tactical phase College showcase competition Performance statistics collection & analysis |
IDP formal review Physical testing Season review Post-season preparation |
Club Teams & U.S. Development Academy
IMG’s club-like setting includes participation in both the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and National Elite leagues. Teams range from U14 through U19 while offering post-graduate opportunities as well. Tournament schedules include local, regional, and international-based competition that aligns directly with each team’s level. The initial week of the season includes trials and a starting point for student-athletes to compete, and then they will have an opportunity to transition to other teams as they develop further throughout the year.
National Elite Teams (U16, U17, U19)
- Showcased to college coaches in a controlled environment
- One at IMG Academy in December and one away in February
- 4 Annual college showcases
- Determined by coaching and technical staff for each team
- US Club Soccer's highest league (FNPL)
- League winners invited to play in the Elite National Premier League (ENPL) playoffs, consisting of clubs from the NPL and ECNL
Girls Academy League (Development Player League) (U14, U15, U16, U17, U19)
DPL players must be cleared through the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in order to be able to compete.
- 3 annual showcase events in December, April, and June
- Showcased to college coaches in a controlled environment
- 35-40 games from Labor Day until Memorial Day
- Players have an opportunity to join international trips, including an optional summer tournament with an academic component
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 teams, and in life.
Learn More about APD
Academics
Grades 6-12
IMG Academy’s collegiate-style schedule provides the ultimate preparation for student-athletes to succeed at the next level. Soccer student-athletes have the ability to select their courses and electives to identify their areas of interest ahead of enrolling into the collegiate program that best aligns with their academic and athletic goals. A dedicated college placement advisor as well as experienced coaches aid in the recruitment process from the beginning of a student-athlete’s career through graduation and even beyond.
View Grades 6-12 CurriculumPost-Graduate
Post-graduate girls soccer student-athletes benefit from a gap year at IMG without jeopardizing their NCAA eligibility. Post-graduates work with IMG’s soccer coaches to create an individual development plan to improve physically, mentally, technically, and tactically. They also have access to standardized test prep courses for the SAT and ACT as well an opportunity to earn college course credit from IMG’s campus. Post-graduates receive quarterly progress reports, prepare for college soccer ID camps, and may compete in certain U18/U19 leagues and games pending age eligibility and league exceptions.
Learn More about Post-Graduate
