The first thing many families notice when they visit IMG Academy is the size of the campus. With 16 soccer fields, dedicated performance spaces, and a state-of-the-art weight room, it’s easy to see why athletes from around the world come here to train.
But ask the coaches what makes the biggest difference, and the answer isn’t the facilities. They’ll tell you it’s what happens on those fields every day.
The resources are there for every athlete. What separates one player from another is the consistency they bring to training, recovery, and preparation.
The Day Starts Before Practice
Life at IMG Academy follows a routine, and that routine starts long before the first whistle blows. Getting enough sleep, eating well, arriving on time, and staying focused all become habits that are just as important as how you show up on the field.
As George Sasvari, Soccer Camp Director, explained:
"It's about creating an environment every day where kids have to make that choice when they get out of bed. Am I going to go out there and build elite habits?
“...That’s where they really grow and become a different person."
Those daily choices add up over time. Coaches can provide instruction and guidance, but every athlete is responsible for the work they put in.
Many families say one of the biggest changes they notice isn’t just on the soccer field. Players often return home more independent, more organized, and more confident in themselves.
What It's Like to Train at IMG Academy
One thing that stands out about IMG Academy soccer camps is that campers step into the same training environment as full-time boarding school student-athletes.
"You'll be able to train on the same fields, using the same equipment, [and] get the same coaching that our full-time players get in the boarding school program," said Sasvari.
Campers also follow a schedule that's similar to the boarding school program. Between training sessions, recovery, meals, and time with teammates, they get a real sense of what life at IMG Academy is like.
For many players, it's their first chance to experience the pace and structure of a full-time training environment.
Improvement Doesn't Look the Same for Everyone
Players arrive from different backgrounds. Some have spent years playing at a high level, while others are still building confidence in their game.
Coaches don't expect everyone to be at the same level. They're more interested in how willing a player is to learn, listen, and improve.
As Sasvari said: "Doesn't matter what level play you are, what it comes down to is how much work are you willing to put in to becoming a better player."
Every player has access to the same coaching and training environment. The difference comes from how they use those opportunities.
Building More Than Soccer Skills
Training at IMG Academy isn't only about becoming a better soccer player.
Coaches encourage players to communicate with teammates, stay disciplined, and keep working even when training gets challenging. Those habits help on the field, in the classroom, and in everyday life.
Sasvari explained it this way:
"The idea is to help you win your future, to become the best version of yourself possible and maximize what your potential is to become not just as a soccer player, but also as a human being,” he said.
Former students often remember the friendships they built, the support they received from coaches, and the routines they developed during their time at IMG Academy.
What Players Leave With
Whether an athlete spends one week at camp or several years in the boarding school program, the goal stays the same: leave with tools that continue to make an impact long after training ends.
That might be a stronger first touch, a better understanding of the game, or simply a new level of confidence built through daily repetition.
For many athletes, that’s exactly what happens. They return home with new ideas, new routines, and a clearer picture of what it takes to keep improving.
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