IMG Football is back on the field: The Brotherhood, Episode 1

When the IMG Academy football program completed a beach workout in March of 2020, the student-athletes and coaching staff would never have expected that a global pandemic would suddenly halt their spring season and force them to spend the next four months apart. But the IMG football program is back on the field with extensive health and safety measures now in place. In July of 2020, 120 student-athletes arrived on campus with one, shared goal in mind: to be their best. Watch this video to see what their mindset looks like after being apart since March:

The contagious energy and determination of the No. 1 ranked IMG football program is back. And, they're more eager than ever to continue developing as individual students and as athletes and teammates. IMG provides student-athletes of all levels with an opportunity to develop and reach their greatest potential no matter their current skill level or recruiting profile. The IMG Academy football program structure offers three teams:

National: Comprised of some of the nation’s top collegiate recruits as well as those with aspirations to compete in the NFL, the national team features a nationally-recognized competition schedule.

Varsity: With a similar training schedule to the National team, varsity student-athletes will have an opportunity to train with IMG’s expert, sport-specific coaching staff and will have a opportunity to develop alongside other players of similar skill levels while working towards achieving their peak potential.

Post-Graduate: This team will practice with the National Team year-round while also having unrivaled exposure to visiting collegiate programs while preparing for next steps in their college football career.

From the number one recruit in the country looking to increase exposure, to the 8th grader seeking to train alongside some of the best football players in the game, to the post-grad athlete preparing for competition in the collegiate football arena, IMG Academy’s programming is tailored to each individual’s unique goals and skill set. Even student-athletes as young as 6th grade have the opportunity to gain a competitive edge through IMG's football program. For those seeking to craft plays and build their mental toughness, the IMG Quarterback Academy creates a defined pathway developed by expert coaches for those student-athletes seeking increased knowledge of the game, regardless of their age. This program is designed to advance a player's overall experience and confidence on the field through virtual reality, film analysis, and on-field training alongside some of the nation's most recognized recruits. Regardless of your position, IMG's football program is the preferred destination for dedicated student-athletes.

The kids set the targets; we help them reach those goals and we do it every day on the football field and in the classroom. – Bobby Acosta, IMG Academy National Team Head Coach

With health and safety at the forefront, in-person practices and training sessions require participants to adhere to new policies and procedures, including face coverings and social distancing, as referenced in IMG Academy's Safer Campus Initiative. Both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, our on-campus health services provider, have been paramount in ensuring IMG Academy’s steadfast goal is upheld: to prioritize the health and wellness of everyone on the Bradenton, Florida campus. 

Looking to join the more than 200 IMG student-athletes who annually commit to some of the most highly regarded academic and athletic universities? Click here to apply and to begin connecting with a sport advisor.