2026 Summer Training
Athens United Summer Training is 60-minute technical training sessions held every Monday through Thursday evening during June and July. Designed by Athens United Academy Director, Ted Colburn, these camps focus on skill refinement, ball mastery, and tactical awareness for youth players of all levels.
What is the 2026 Athens Soccer Summer Camp schedule?
Our highly anticipated summer sessions are structured to provide consistent, high-frequency touches on the ball without the burnout of an all-day camp. For the months of June and July, we offer intensive technical training every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening. This specific time slot is chosen to avoid the peak heat of the Georgia afternoons, ensuring our young athletes can perform at their best in a more comfortable climate.
Each session lasts exactly one hour, focusing on high-intensity drills that maximize the number of times a player interacts with the ball. By concentrating our efforts into these focused evening blocks, we allow families to maintain their summer daytime routines while still providing players with the professional mentorship they need to excel. These summer sessions serve as the perfect bridge between competitive seasons. We believe that four days of consistent training creates better muscle memory and skill retention than sporadic, longer sessions.
Why focus on technical training during the summer?
The off-season is the most critical time for individual development. While the regular season focuses heavily on team tactics and match results, our summer Camps prioritize the individual's relationship with the ball. Technical training encompasses everything from the purity of a first touch to the precision of a cross-field pass. In the modern game, players who possess superior ball control are the ones who dictate the tempo of the match and play with the most confidence.
Our curriculum is designed to challenge players in three primary areas:
- Ball Mastery: Improving coordination and comfort with both feet through rhythmic dribbling and turns.
- Passing and Receiving: Developing the ability to control the ball instantly upon impact and deliver accurate passes under pressure.
- Finishing Techniques: Teaching the mechanics of striking the ball cleanly to increase scoring opportunities.
By isolating these skills, players will build a foundation that makes every other part of the game easier. When a player no longer has to look down at their feet to find the ball, their head stays up, allowing them to see the field, find teammates, and understand the game's tactical flow. This is the goal of our summer program: to build technically proficient players who are ready to take on greater challenges in the fall.
How much does the Athens Soccer Summer Camp cost?
We strive to make high-quality coaching accessible to the entire Athens community. For the 2026 summer season, the investment for our technical training sessions is designed with flexibility in mind. Parents can choose to register their children on a week-by-week basis or commit to a longer-term development plan for greater savings.
- Weekly Rate: $125 per week.
- Multi-Week Discount: $425 total if you register for 4 or more weeks.
This tiered pricing structure encourages long-term participation, which is where we see the most significant growth in our athletes. When a child attends for a full month or more, the compound effect of daily technical work becomes evident in their speed of play and decision-making. If you need financial aid for summer training please contact ted@athensunited.net. Investing in summer training is not just about the cost; it is about providing your child with a structured environment where they can build social skills, discipline, and physical fitness alongside passionate peers and mentors.
What should players bring to the summer sessions?
To ensure every participant has a productive and safe experience, we ask that players come prepared with the proper gear. Since our focus is on technical ball work, having the right equipment is essential for safety and performance. We recommend the following checklist for every session:
- Proper Soccer Cleats: Required for traction on the grass fields at our facilities.
- Shin Guards: Safety is paramount, and shin guards must be worn under socks at all times.
- Water Bottle: Even in the evening, hydration is key. Please bring a large, insulated water bottle.
- Inflated Soccer Ball: We recommend players bring their own ball to maximize touch time, though we have spares available if needed.
- Athletic Clothing: Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are highly recommended to keep players comfortable.
By arriving prepared, players show respect for the game and their teammates, and it allows our coaching staff to begin sessions promptly.
Is this camp suitable for beginners or experienced players?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether a player is "ready" for technical training. At Athens United Soccer Association, we believe that technical skills are the great equalizer. Because our summer camps are focused on individual ball work rather than 11v11 tactical scrimmages, they are exceptionally well-suited for a wide range of skill levels.
For beginners, these sessions provide the necessary "flight hours" with the ball to build a base of confidence. We introduce fundamental movements in a low-stress environment where mistakes are encouraged as part of the learning process. For our more experienced players, such as those in our Select Program or DPL teams, the training is escalated to focus on the speed of execution. We challenge advanced players to perform skills under tighter space constraints and at a faster tempo, ensuring that everyone is pushed to their personal limit.
How does summer training prepare you for the fall season?
Many players experience a "slump" over the summer months if they are not active. By the time fall practices begin, those who have stayed away from the pitch often struggle with their fitness and touch. Participating in our June and July sessions ensures that your child enters the fall season in peak condition.
There is a psychological advantage to summer training as well. Players who have spent their summer refining their skills enter the new season with a sense of mastery. They aren't worried about whether they can control a hard pass; they already know they can because they've practiced it hundreds of times in June. This confidence allows them to focus on the tactical instructions of their team coaches, making them more coachable and valuable assets to their teams. Maintaining a year-round training rhythm is essential for demonstrating the dedication and physical standard required at the next level.
How can I register or contact the program director?
Registration is now open for all sessions throughout June and July. Given the popularity of our evening slots and our commitment to maintaining low player-to-coach ratios, we encourage families to sign up early to secure their preferred weeks. If you are ready to commit to the 4-week discount, please indicate so during the registration process to ensure the pricing is applied correctly.
For any specific questions regarding the curriculum, age groupings, or logistics, please reach out to our program coordinator.
- Contact Name: Ted Colburn
- Email Address: ted@athensunited.net
Ted is available to help you determine which weeks are best for your schedule and to provide any additional details about the daily operations of the camp. We also encourage you to visit our Field Status page during the summer in case of inclement weather. We look forward to seeing the next generation of Athens talent on the pitch this summer!
2026 Summer Camps Quick Summary
- Duration: June and July, Monday through Thursday.
- Time: 1 hour of technical training in the evening.
- Cost: $125/week or $425 for 4+ weeks.
- Focus: Individual ball mastery, passing, and finishing.
- Eligibility: All skill levels from beginners to advanced players.
- Contact: Reach out to ted@athensunited.net for all registration questions.
Don't let the summer pass without giving your child the tools they need to succeed. Join us at Athens United and let's make 2026 the year of technical excellence. For more information on our long-term programs, feel free to explore our About page or check out the Latest News from the club.
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