Earned, Not Given: Varsity Football at IMG Academy | The Brotherhood, Episode 7

The jerseys say IMG Academy, but they represent so much more. It's hard to explain the feeling of becoming an IMG Academy student-athlete; it's an emotion that truly cannot be replicated. The history of success; the camaraderie; the brotherhood; the feeling of knowing that your jersey signifies something so much greater than just a number on the field. 

A program that's expanded to include three top-tier teams, IMG Academy football is a constant force both on the field and in the news. Questions, headlines, and chatter surround the different teams as far as who plays on which team, where they compete, and what their main differences are. In this week's Brotherhood video, we unwrap the intrigue of IMG's Varsity football team. 

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The varsity football program really is the ultimate proving ground. Players around the country feel like they need the opportunity to be seen at a higher level. The varsity football team is your starting point. If you can prove yourself on the varsity football team, if you can prove yourself at IMG Academy, then you've accepted the challenge of being ready to play college football."

- Kyle Bray, IMG Academy Varsity Team Head Coach

IMG Academy's Varsity team competes against state-wide and regional components, as opposed to the National team that travels across the country to play. Varsity student-athletes are dedicated to becoming their best and are surrounded by other individuals who share their same aspirations of playing collegiate football. IMG's position coaches understand the intricacies of the game and how to navigate the recruiting scene while head coaches focus on scheduling opponents and designing a competitive schedule that aligns best with the program's goals. Varsity student-athletes recognize that the opportunities that come with competing at IMG Academy are earned, not given. 

In 2020, IMG's Varsity team will be able to compete for a Florida State Championship within the FHSAA. A first for the program, this opportunity has only heightened the sense of brotherhood and the drive and focus of the team. With only one game left until the first round of playoffs, the Varsity team has never been more unified. Episode 7 of this series shows a behind-the-scenes look at the team's practices and the preparation during the final days and hours before a game. Watch it unfold by pressing play above, and see the team in action against AA Christian.