Girls Soccer Program

Girls Soccer Program Structure

IMG Academy’s girls 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 girls 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 girls soccer program and performance plan are built around periodization principles in 6-week cycles that include the following development modules:

• Individual Training
• Team 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 GIRLS SOCCER COMPETITIVE PLATFORMS

Girls Academy (GA)

A new tier of competition developed by the DPL in April of 2020, this youth development platform was created for high level female soccer players in the United States. The Girls Academy embraces the desire of club members and GA players alike to maintain an unrivaled standard of excellence in coaching, competition, and regional and national showcase events throughout the year. The Girls Academy is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and individual by celebrating the player’s journey through competition, showcases, and camaraderie.

Following the 2020-2021 season, the GA invited IMG Academy to be one of 14 elite clubs in the Champions League. As a part of the GACL, IMG will compete in additional Champions League events along with our existing showcase, conference, and tournaments against the other top tier teams.

Development Player League (DPL)

Created in 2017, the Development Player League’s mission is to develop the player and empower the person in a purposeful and memorable environment. They believe that through superior experiences, players will be able to showcase their talent, discover collegiate opportunities, and create community around the game. This standards-driven national league connected to the Girls Academy will encourage clubs to compete and grow, which maximizes the development of each player.

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