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Players of the Month: Congrats Lyric and Liam!

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:21:36 GMT

Liam Navarro the Piedmont Orthopedics May Player of the Month

Congratulations to Liam Navarro for earning our Piedmont Orthopedics Player of the Month award!

At only 9 years old , Liam has been outstanding on the soccer field. His work rate, determination, and willingness to learn have helped him make tremendous progress throughout the season. Whether he's battling for possession, making smart passes, creating opportunities, or working to help his teammates, Liam consistently gives his best effort every time he steps onto the pitch.

Liam's dedication and love for soccer make him a great example for his teammates, and we are excited to watch his continued development in the months and years to come.

Lyric Caudell the Laser Turf May Player of the Month

Congratulations to Lyric Caudell on being named our Laser Turf May Player of the Month !

Lyric has consistently demonstrated a competitive spirit that inspires those around her. Her hard work and commitment to improving her game have translated into outstanding performances on the field.

Most recently, Lyric played a key role in leading the team to a Finalist Medal at the GSA tournament. Her determination, composure, and ability to make an impact in crucial moments helped drive the team through a fantastic tournament run. Whether creating opportunities, supporting her teammates, or stepping up when the team needed her most, Lyric showed exactly what it means to be a leader.

Congratulations, Lyric, on a well-deserved recognition! Keep working hard and reaching for new heights. Your future in the game is bright!

Athens United Soccer Association is proud to name Liam Navarro (U9 Boys) and Lyric Caudell (U13 Girls) as our May Players of the Month. These dedicated athletes were selected for their exceptional attitude, technical improvement, and commitment to sportsmanship during recent competitive matches and training sessions.

Huge thank you to our sponsors for being a part of our soccer family and continuing to support our athletes throughout the season. We truly appreciate everything you do for our teams and community!

Congratulations to our Players of the Month

Liam and Lyric!!!

Thank You - Caleb

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:59:08 GMT

THANK YOU - CALEB

I would like to announce that Caleb will be leaving his position with us here at Athens United. Over the years, Caleb has played an important role within our organization through both his coaching and administrative duties. His dedication, leadership, and support have made a lasting impact on our team and players. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work, professionalism, and commitment Caleb has shown throughout his time with Athens United.

On a personal level, Caleb was invaluable to both Ted and me as we transitioned into the club. His knowledge, support, and dedication helped make that transition seamless, and his impact on the organization extends far beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. Caleb will be around next week to wrap things up, so if you see him, please be sure to say hello.

Please join me in thanking Caleb for everything he has done and in wishing him continued success, happiness, and new opportunities in this next chapter.

As we move through this transition, Tatum Hodge will assume the role of Club Administrator moving forward. Her contact information will remain admin@athensunited.net , and email will continue to be the preferred method of communication.

AUSA Teams End Season @ Revolution Cup

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:32:59 GMT

Athens United @ GSA Revolution Cup

In the final weekend of the year, the AUSA teams represented themselves well. With a number of teams participating in the GSA Revolution Cup, the U13 Girls Red lost 1–0 in the championship game of their division on a late goal after a hard-fought battle.

On the boys’ side, the U13 Boys Red went 2-0-1, with their only loss coming in bracket play to Concorde Fire Central Pre ECNL 1, by a score of 4–2, ending the season on a very strong run of form.

Just like the U13 Boys Red, the U14 Boys Red finished their season in style, winning the GSA Revolution Cup in dramatic fashion through a penalty shootout.

Congratulations to all of the teams on a great weekend and a fantastic way to close out the year!

Welcome Brian Lukasiewicz

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:04:23 GMT

We are beyond excited to welcome back Brian Lukasiewicz—one of our own—as he returns to the Classic City.

Brian rejoins the club after making a major impact with the BVB Academy in Peachtree City, Georgia, where he played a key role in developing players and elevating the club’s standards. He now brings that experience, intensity, and elite-level coaching back to where it all began.

“Brian was one of the first people I met with after becoming involved with the club just over a year ago,” said Sporting Director Jason Lockhart. “While it didn’t materialize then, I’m glad we’re now able to add him to our staff. As with all of our previous additions, this is just another example of the vision and culture we are building here at AUSA.”

At Athens United, our commitment is unwavering: to build a club that prioritizes excellence in coaching, fosters a professional environment, and maintains a relentless focus on player development. We are dedicated to bringing in the very best—coaches who not only understand the game, but embody our values, raise standards, and inspire the next generation.

Brian embodies exactly what AUSA stands for. With deep roots in this city and club, and a relentless passion for developing players, his return is more than a homecoming—it’s a statement.

The future is bright. The vision is clear. And we’re just getting started.

Join us in giving Brian the warmest welcome back home!

DPL Coaching Staff and ID Sessions Announced

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:49:27 GMT

Athens United DPL Staff

We’re excited to announce the coaching staff leading the Athens United DPL program for the 2026-2027 season!!

Please join us in welcoming:
• Coach Judson (U13G-U14G)
• Coach Tommy (U15G-U16G)
• Coach Jordan (U17-U19G)

These coaches bring energy, experience, and a true passion for developing players at the highest level. Their commitment to growth, discipline, and excellence reflects everything Athens United stands for.

Players of the Month: Congrats Charlie & RJ!

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:34:53 GMT

Charlie Mahon the Laser Turf April Player of the Month

Our Boys coaching staff has been incredibly impressed with Charlie Mahon this month. Selecting a Player of the Month is never easy given the talent in our Academy Program, but Charlie stood out for his relentless work rate and positive attitude.

Charlie's ability to transition from defense to attack has been a game-changer for his squad. Whether it is a regular practice or a high-stakes weekend game, he brings a level of intensity that elevates the entire team.

RJ Banks the Piedmont Orthopedics April Player of the Month

Over in our girls' program, RJ Banks from the U14 team has been turning heads with her technical prowess and field vision. RJ embodies the spirit of our Select Program, showing that grit and grace go hand-in-hand on the pitch.

RJ has consistently demonstrated high-level work rate, making split-second decisions that help her teammates find space and create scoring opportunities. Beyond her skill, her leadership makes her a true asset to the Athens United program.

Athens United Soccer Association is proud to name Charlie Mahon (U12 Boys) and RJ Banks (U14 Girls) as our April Players of the Month. These dedicated athletes were selected for their exceptional leadership, technical improvement, and commitment to sportsmanship during recent competitive matches and training sessions.

Huge thank you to our sponsors for being a part of our soccer family and continuing to support our athletes throughout the season. We truly appreciate everything you do for our teams and community!

Congratulations to our Players of the Month

Charlie and RJ!!!

Tryouts (Now Open): Join Athens United

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:27:48 GMT

Youth soccer tryouts for Athens United Academy and Select programs are now officially open for the upcoming season. These sessions evaluate players' technical skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork to place them in age-appropriate competitive levels, fostering growth in a supportive and professional environment in Athens, Georgia. Interested parents can register their children today through our official website to secure a spot.

Are you ready for tryouts?

Athens United Soccer Association is thrilled to announce that registration for our Academy and Select program tryouts is now live. We invite boys and girls of all skill levels to step onto the pitch and demonstrate their passion for the beautiful game. Our goal is to provide a pathway for every child to reach their full potential, whether they are just beginning to master the ball. For more information, please click on our Tryouts tab.

Pre-Tryout Clinics Now Open

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:19:37 GMT

Moving Forward from Evaluation

Once the Pre-Tryout Clinic is complete, our coaching staff meets to review their notes and discuss player placement. If your child is also attending the official tryouts, these clinic notes will be added to their overall profile. If the clinic was their only evaluation, the staff will use that performance to determine the best team fit. You can expect to hear from the club shortly after the formal tryout period concludes.

Handling Schedule Conflicts

We understand that life in Athens can be busy, and occasionally, the official tryout dates might conflict with family vacations, school events, or other commitments. We do not want a simple scheduling conflict to prevent a talented and motivated player from joining our club. This is why the Pre-Tryout Clinic is so critically important—it serves as a primary evaluation window for those who cannot make it to the formal tryout dates.

If you know your child will be absent for tryouts, the clinic becomes their time to make an impression. It ensures they are not overlooked during the team formation process. However, for this to work effectively, communication is key. We rely on parents to be proactive in managing these conflicts so our staff can properly document each evaluation. We strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate our community's needs while maintaining the integrity of our selection process.

What happens if we are out of town?

If your player will be out of town during the official tryout period, please do not panic. Follow these three essential steps to ensure they are still considered for a roster spot:

Register for the Clinic : Ensure your child attends the Pre-Tryout Clinic so they have a recorded evaluation on file.
Register for tryouts: Players will be assigned to teams based on tryout registration. Players MUST to sign up for tryouts, even if they are unable to attend.
Contact AUSA : Reach out to Athens United so we can refer you to the specific coach for your child's age group. You can email jason@athensunited.net.

By letting the coach of your age group know about your travel plans, you allow them to keep a special eye out during the clinic. They can take detailed notes and perhaps even speak with the player about their goals for the upcoming season. This proactive communication demonstrates a high level of commitment to the club, which our coaches always appreciate. Remember, our goal is to find a home for every player, and we are happy to work with families who are transparent about their schedules.

Evaluation Goals for Academy and Select

When we run our Pre-Tryout Clinic, we have very specific criteria in mind for our Academy Program and Select Program . The goal is to create teams where players are challenged but not overwhelmed, allowing them to build confidence alongside peers of similar skill levels. Our coaches look for five primary indicators of readiness:

Technical Proficiency : Comfort with the ball at their feet and basic passing accuracy.
Tactical Awareness : Understanding where to be on the field during different phases of play.
Physicality and Agility : The ability to move efficiently and handle the physical demands of a full match.
Coachability : A willingness to listen, apply feedback immediately, and respect the coaching staff.
Sportsmanship : How the player treats teammates and opponents during small-sided games.

These indicators help our coaches determine if a player is ready for the increased training frequency and competitive travel schedule associated with our Select levels or if they would benefit more from the foundational focus of the Academy. We place a strong emphasis on the "whole player," meaning we value a positive attitude just as much as a powerful strike. This holistic approach ensures that Athens United remains a supportive environment for all.

Why should my child attend the clinic?

Visibility is the number one reason to attend. In a standard tryout, there may be hundreds of players on the fields at once, making it difficult for even the most experienced coaches to see every nuance of every player. The Pre-Tryout Clinic offers a more intimate setting where the coach-to-player ratio is often much lower. This allows your child to get more touches on the ball and more direct attention from the staff who will eventually be making roster decisions.

This clinic is particularly vital for our Academy-aged players (U8–U12). It provides an additional opportunity to experience what an AUSA Academy training session looks like and helps you decide if our program is the right fit for your child.

Furthermore, the clinic is a fantastic way to shake off the "tryout jitters." By the time official tryouts arrive, players who attended the clinic will already be familiar with the fields, the coaching styles, and the types of drills we use. This familiarity leads to increased confidence, which almost always results in a better performance. We want our players to succeed, and providing this extra opportunity to shine is part of our commitment to player development. It is a chance to show what they can do when the pressure is dialed back.

Our Pre-Tryout Clinic is an evaluation opportunity for players looking to join our competitive Academy or Select programs. These clinics allow coaching staff to assess technical skills, game intelligence, and work ethic in a low-pressure environment.

What to expect?

At Athens United Soccer Association, we believe that every child deserves the chance to find their place in the beautiful game. Our Pre-Tryout Clinic is designed specifically to be that bridge between recreational play and our more competitive pathways. For many families transitioning from a Recreational Program or other clubs, this clinic serves as a welcoming introduction to the expectations of AUSA Academy and Select levels.

During these sessions, our highly trained coaches focus on observing how players handle the ball, how they interact with their peers, and their ability to take instruction. It is not just about who is the fastest or strongest; it is about finding players who are passionate about learning and who demonstrate the potential to thrive in a structured team environment. We use this time to get to know the players individually.

2026 Summer Training

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:51:36 GMT

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.

Registration Link

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.

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 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.

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.

e8785fe5

Players of the Month: Congrats Lyric and Liam!

Liam Navarro the Piedmont Orthopedics May Player of the Month ﻿

Lyric Caudell the Laser Turf May Player of the Month

Congratulations to our Players of the Month

Liam and Lyric!!!

Thank You - Caleb

THANK YOU - CALEB

AUSA Teams End Season @ Revolution Cup

Athens United @ GSA Revolution Cup

Welcome Brian Lukasiewicz

DPL Coaching Staff and ID Sessions Announced

Athens United DPL Staff

Players of the Month: Congrats Charlie & RJ!

Charlie Mahon the Laser Turf April Player of the Month

RJ Banks the Piedmont Orthopedics April Player of the Month

Congratulations to our Players of the Month

Charlie and RJ!!!

Tryouts (Now Open): Join Athens United

Are you ready for tryouts?

Pre-Tryout Clinics Now Open

Moving Forward from Evaluation

Handling Schedule Conflicts

What happens if we are out of town?

Evaluation Goals for Academy and Select

Why should my child attend the clinic?

What to expect?

2026 Summer Training

How can I register or contact the program director?

2026 Summer Camps Quick Summary

Is this camp suitable for beginners or experienced players?

How does summer training prepare you for the fall season?

How much does the Athens Soccer Summer Camp cost?

What should players bring to the summer sessions?

What is the 2026 Athens Soccer Summer Camp schedule?

Why focus on technical training during the summer?

Liam Navarro the Piedmont Orthopedics May Player of the Month