Program Offerings Chart by birthdate
Recreational
The primary objective in the recreational program is for the young players to have fun with an emphasis on sportsmanship, good play, and following the laws of the game of soccer. Recreational players in the U-4, U-5, U-6, U-7, U-8, U-10, and U-12 age brackets play small-sided (micro) soccer. Recreational players in the U12 and up bracket play in the GSSA inter league format and play clubs, both home and away, from the Atlanta area and follow the rules of GSSA. Starting at U7, AYSA offers a girls only option for the age groups.
Pre-Academy
The goal of the Pre-Academy Program is to create a more focused environment where
U7 and U8 players can prepare themselves for a higher level soccer amongst passionate and like-minded players. All complimented by the infrastructure of a staff of professional coaches. In order to participate, you must be currently registered with Inter Atlanta FC.
Academy
The Academy Program is comprised of U9 through U12 players (boys and girls ages 7-12 years old). The program provides a more “development intensive” alternative to the traditional recreational and traveling team programs.
The overall focus of this league is to provide development of technical skills, tactical awareness, physical abilities and psychological growth within a fun and rewarding environment. The ultimate goal of the program is the overall development of every player in each area of emphasis. All Academy teams practice at least twice per week and will be trained by professional club coaches to provide the players with the best foundation of skills, abilities and knowledge of the game. Coaches follow a set curriculum, ensuring all Academy players are exposed to the same learning opportunities. During the majority of the season, optional third practices are available and players are encouraged to attend these additional sessions. Players are also encouraged to continue their training outside of practice and games sessions.
In age groups with multiple teams, players are grouped according to skill level. As much as possible, games for each team are scheduled against opponents with similar skill/ability levels.
Academy teams normally play in both a pre-season and post season tournament. Some teams choose to participate in additional tournaments.
Select
The Inter Atlanta FC (IAFC) Select Program strives to provide the premier competitive soccer experience for in-town Atlanta communities and neighborhoods. The IAFC Select Program offers an opportunity for older youth players (ages U13 to U19) to play soccer at a more challenging and competitive level, while still placing an emphasis on learning and having fun. IAFC Select players are expected to give a greater commitment of time, energy, and focus to their teams. This program is designed for more serious players, who are interested in playing at a high level and in developing their skills with professional coaches and staff.
Select teams are formed once per year, with tryouts typically occurring in late May or early June for teams that will play in the following fall and spring seasons. Players are assigned to teams based upon their individual skill levels and team requirements. Players and their parents at the U13 and U14 level must commit to both the fall and spring seasons, and U15 to U19 players must commit to the fall season. Select boys teams play in Georgia Classic leagues, and girls teams play in Georgia Athena leagues, administered by the Georgia State Soccer Association. Select teams typically play in 1-2 games per week throughout the season, as well as playing in 2-3 pre and post season tournaments each season. Select teams practice 3 times per week. Soccer should be the primary sport for all Select players during soccer seasons, and players are expected to attend practices, games, and tournaments.
Select teams are trained by professional coaches who are licensed and experienced at directing competitive teams. Coaches are dedicated to helping all players improve their skills, and develop their knowledge and understanding of the game. Coaches will also help players set and reach personal and team goals, which may include playing for a high school or college team. Coaches take seriously, and ask their players and their families to take seriously, the goal of providing a challenging and rewarding experience, that includes enjoying the fellowship of teammates, developing a love and appreciation for the beautiful game of soccer, and becoming a better and more complete individuals in the process.
Important Information relating to the Academy and Select programs:
Playing Up
It is the view of IAFC that absent extenuating circumstances, players in the Academy and Select programs should play with their age group as defined by Georgia Soccer. Therefore, it is the policy of IAFC that players shall not be allowed to play out of their age group except in the following cases:
1. Where playing up would allow a player to play with his or her school year (i.e., graduating class). For example, a player whose birthday is August 5, 2000 would technically fall in the U-11 age group for 2011-2012 but could play in U-12 if enrolled in 6th grade for the Academic year (the grade for most U-12 players).
2. Where the player, in the judgment of the Director of Programs and the coaches in the players’ natural age group and the age group into which the player would advance, would be a clear starter and/or key contributor on the top team in the older age group.
OR
3. At the discretion of the Academy or Select Committee of the Board of Directors of IAFC, as the case may be at the request of the Director of Programs.
Academy Coach Rotation
It is the view of IAFC that it is beneficial to players and teams to have exposure to various coaches and coaching styles during their development as players. Therefore, it is the policy that Academy coaches shall remain with a specific team for no more than 2 years. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Academy Committee of the Board of Directors. Because this policy has not been clearly stated or communicated in the past, time limits will only be applied to time spent with a team beginning with the Fall 2012 season.
Select Coach Rotation
It is the view of IAFC that it is beneficial to players and teams to have exposure to various coaches and coaching styles during their development as players. Therefore, it is the policy that Select coaches shall remain with a specific team for no more than 3 years (including time spent with players while in the Academy program). Generally teams should transition to new coaches when entering into Select and when moving from U-15 to U-16. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Select Committee of the Board of Directors. Because this policy has not been clearly stated or communicated in the past, time limits will only be applied to time spent with a team beginning with the Fall 2012 season.