Program overview:
The Atlanta Fire National League program is built on the core principles of player development. Our philosophy centers on a player-focused approach, emphasizing the development of technical skills, tactical understanding, physical growth, and an overall holistic development.
Age Groups:
Boys: U13 - U19
Girls: U13 - U19
Objective:
In order to continue to continue player development across a multi-tiered soccer landscape, AFU has partnered with the USYS National League to bring another competitive platform to help the process of player development among teams with the capacity for local and national showcases and playoffs.
Playing Style:
At Atlanta Fire, we foster an environment that encourages constant learning and development. Coaches work closely with players to help them understand and execute our playing style, which is centered around possession-based play.
Key elements of our playing style include:
High-speed play with quick passing and receiving
Triangulation through positional rotation
Breaking opponent lines or maintaining possession
Pressuring to deny penetration and forcing play away from goal (winning the ball back)
Counter-pressing to regain possession quickly
Keeping the team compact both defensively and offensively
Ensuring coverage
These principles form the foundation of the Atlanta Fire's playing style, guiding both individual and team development on the field.
Methodology:
Atlanta Fire’s style of play is rooted in the principles of possession-based soccer. This approach is developed through a player-centric model, where coaches focus on enhancing individual skills and behaviors while also emphasizing team principles and structure. Through this balanced development, players learn to seamlessly integrate their personal growth with team dynamics, fostering both individual and collective success.
Curriculum:
The Atlanta Fire development pathway is encapsulated in our curriculum, which serves as the blueprint for all functions within our program. This framework provides a structured approach for coaches, ensuring players receive the necessary tools for their development. Our curriculum is organized into 6-week cycles, each focusing on different components and specific topic-based activities. Coaches are provided with weekly sample sessions as a guide to help them prepare for training, ensuring consistency and alignment across all age groups.
Coaches:
AFU is committed to providing quality coaching for all teams in its club, carefully selecting licensed professional coaches and building a club wide methodology and curriculum that is supported top down by its directors and staff.
Training Frequency and Player Development Pathway:
AFU teams will train 3 times a week, with players' potential to train up and play up as a process of the AFU development pathway into older or more competitive teams. This training structure is designed to maximize the holistic development of both the individual player and the team, focusing on all aspects of player growth.
Games and Travel:
The USYS Tier 1 has geographically based divisions, with teams participating among the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Teams will compete for qualification for the National League Cup and its postseason competition, along with one National Showcase Event per team.
Tournaments:
In addition to the National League Showcase as well as the potential of a National Cup berth, each team will play in a local pre-season tournament as well as one in the postseason as a part of their team commitment.
Region/Conference:
AFU’s girls teams will participate in the National League Tier 1 level, and the boys teams will play in the Piedmont division of competition for the upcoming season.
Evaluation & Team Placement:
Players will be evaluated through a combination of training sessions and tryouts. These assessments provide coaches with the necessary insights to make informed decisions before offering team placements.
Ongoing Evaluation Process:
Throughout the season, players will continue to be evaluated based on their training and game performance. Evaluations may be provided face-to-face or in written form, ensuring consistent feedback and development throughout the year.
Networking/College Recruiting Experience:
Atlanta Fire is dedicated to educating players and families about the college recruiting process. We have dedicated College Recruiting Directors for both boys' and girls' programs, ensuring personalized support. As a leader in college recruiting within the Atlanta market, Atlanta Fire strives to enhance the recruiting experience, providing guidance and resources to help players navigate the college selection process in a positive and informed manner.
Diversity and Community Engagement
At Atlanta Fire United, we take great pride in the diversity of our membership. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
Our club believes that embracing diversity not only strengthens our community, but also enriches the experience of every player, coach, and family involved.