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SSA Soccer

Pre-Academy Program (6U-8U)

Pre-Academy

SSA's 6U-8U is a soccer development program which aims to accelerate the technical and tactical development of players looking to eventually participate in the Academy and 13U+ Select programs. It is a seasonal academy-style program designed for the passionate, motivated, and advanced player who fosters the desire to be challenged in every aspect of his/her game. This program gives these players the opportunity to train in a professional environment with professional staff coaches and alongside like-minded players. In an effort to maximize player development, players are maintained in training groups and play non-results-oriented games. Players may also have the chance to represent their club when playing neighboring clubs.

SSA PDA allows players to participate on a season-to-season basis, permitting players to register for one season without committing to a full year. This provides a chance for those players who turn 8 a chance to move up and join the Academy program should this be in the best interests of the player.

Purpose

To bridge the gap between Recreational soccer and Academy soccer. A more developmental-focused environment is created for players who love the game where individual player development is paramount to master the key soccer techniques and concepts that are required at a higher level of play. This program allows players to experience an academy-style soccer environment while preparing players and parents for the next step of the soccer process. This program does not replace 6U and 8U Recreational soccer, but instead offers another developmental pathway for players as they progress through the age groups.


Eligibility

SSA PDA is available to all Recreational boys and girls who are in the 6U and 8U age bracket by January 1st. It is recommended, but not required, that players participate in a minimum of one season of Recreational soccer before considering switching to this program. Interested players that are committed to the goal of development will be considered for this program and placed with the best interests of the player in mind. This program will have limited spaces to ensure a superior soccer environment is maintained. 

Additional Details

  • Program is available to boys & girls
  • 2022-23 ages are players born in 2017, 2016 & 2015
  • Program Length: 10 weeks
  • Ball Size: 3
  • Coaches: SSA PDA Director and professionally licensed coaches
  • Practice Sessions Per Week: 1
  • Practice Days: Weekdays - varies by location
  • Practice Time: Evenings
  • Game Schedule: Weekends
  • Game Format: Typically 5v5 (including GK). Given it is a developmental program though, games do not always follow the traditional format, but instead may be adapted in structure, or by placing conditions on the players, to allow for a particular coaching focus.
  • Games will be against other SSA PDA programs, so will have home & away.
  • Game Duration: 4x12 minute quarters, though occasional games against local clubs may be 2 x 30 minute halves.
  • Field Size: approx. 25 x 35 yards 
  • Fees: $300 - which include national governing body registration and insurance fees,, field maintenance, league administration, professional training and coaching, and participation award for each player at the conclusion of the season. Does not include uniform, or occasional tournament fees.

FALL SEASON INFO:
Start date - August 15th
End date - October 28th
Training sessions - TBD
Game info: TBD

There are no tryouts for this program.
We have an Identification Clinic for players interested in joining this program.

ID Clinic Info:
June 2nd, 2022
6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Columbia UMC (2067 Columbia Dr, Decatur GA 30032)


If your son/daughter cannot attend the ID and would like to join the program, please Register and the Director will get in touch!

  • REGISTRATION FOR ID CLINIC OPEN NOW! Click "Register" in the top right hand corner of the website!

Contact

SSA Soccer
Southern Soccer Academy, 40 Whitlock Place Suite 200
Marietta, Georgia 30064

Phone: 678-594-5041
Email: [email protected]