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Athens United

ACADEMY PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

The Academy Program is the next step for competitive players following the Developmental stage, offering their first taste of a competitive play environment. Tailored for 7-12-year-old boys and girls, this program offers high-quality soccer training in an enjoyable and adaptable setting. The curriculum integrates age-appropriate training systems following GA Soccer and USSF guidelines, and incorporates techniques from European club training models for a comprehensive international player development system.

The primary focus in this age group is on technical development, with key skills including dribbling, receiving, passing, and shooting. Tactical skills like offensive and defensive organization, along with recognizing specific types of runs, are also emphasized. Academy training prioritizes crucial technical aspects such as creative dribbling, mastering moves, accurate passing, powerful and precise shooting, and aerial ball-winning.

Players are selected through evaluations and grouped by birth year and gender, practicing together under licensed coaches and trainers. Player movement between teams is possible based on progression rates and competition needs, which will be determined by the Head Coach of that age group.

EXPECTATIONS

Practice Sessions: Expect 1.5-hour practices at least twice per week
Games: Players participate for two full seasons: August - November (fall) and February - May (spring). Each team plays a minimum of 10 games per season, with U9/U10 playing 7v7 and U11/U12 playing 9v9.
Player Movement: The club has the flexibility to move players game by game to enhance development.
Parental Involvement: Parents are encouraged to provide positive support, refraining from sideline coaching during games or practice.
Tournaments: Teams take part in 2-4 local tournaments each seasonal year, with travel limited to 1-1.5 hours when possible.

FEES

Fees cover Georgia Soccer registration, insurance, referee fees, professional coaching, one AUSA tournament, equipment, field use, and league administration.