What is Academy/Select Soccer?

The Academy program is designed for players interested in a transitional program from the traditional Recreational program to a more competitive program. Players are exposed to a more intensive and competitive level than recreational and the focus is on developing the proper technical and tactical foundation that is crucial for the Select program. Commitment is required while fun is still being promoted. Academy participation is a one-year commitment consisting of Fall and Spring seasons. Academy soccer focuses on ages U9-U12.

The Academy Program differs from the Select Program in that each club is responsible for setting their own schedule to help minimize travel. With the Academy Program, travel is primarily within the metro Atlanta area. One of the main benefits of each club having control over its own schedule is that each team will be scheduled against opponents of similar strength and ability

In the Academy Program there is flexibility to allow guest play with different teams and age groups. This flexibility will allow, when necessary, girls to play with boys, younger players to play with older players, and medium-skilled kids to play with high-level players. Movements such as these are dictated by the Academy Director and are always in the best interest (developmentally) of the player.

Academy Program

• youths ages 8-12 (U8 - U12)
• gender-based
• selection through annual tryouts in May/June and assessments during winter
• player evaluation in Fall and Spring

Practices

U9 - U10 Academy

• Professional training and coaching
• A Pool of two teams of 8-9 players each train as a group
• Volunteer Team Manager
• Two 1½ hour practices per week
• One XFactor Skills Training

U11 – U12 Academy

• Professional training and coaching  
• A Pool of two teams of 8-9 players each train as a group      
• Volunteer Team Manager 
• Two 1½ hour practices per week
• One XFactor Skills Training

Games
• Games scheduled by UFA Academy Scheduler
• U9-U10 teams play 7v7 sided games 
• U11-U12 teams play 9v9 sided games