Academy Program
Academy Program Overview:
The Atlanta Fire Academy program is built on a player-centered philosophy that prioritizes technical, tactical, physical, and overall player development. The program provides a competitive environment designed to support long-term growth and prepare players for future success at higher levels of the game.

Age Groups
- Boys: U8–U11
- Girls: U8–U11
Objective
To create a challenging and competitive environment where players regularly compete against top youth talent, fostering development and preparing them for future opportunities in the game.
Playing Style
Atlanta Fire emphasizes a possession-based style of play focused on:
- Quick passing and high-tempo play
- Positional rotation and triangulation
- Breaking lines while maintaining possession
- Aggressive pressing to regain the ball
- Counter-pressing immediately after loss of possession
- Maintaining a compact team shape in attack and defense
- Strong coverage, balance, and passing-lane management
These principles guide both individual player development and team performance, creating a foundation for long-term success.
Methodology
Atlanta Fire’s development model is built around possession-based soccer and a player-centered approach. Coaches focus on improving individual technical skills, decision-making, and behaviors while teaching team principles and structure, creating a balance between personal growth and team success.
Curriculum & Development
The Atlanta Fire curriculum serves as the foundation of the club’s player development pathway. Training is organized into 6-week cycles with age-appropriate objectives and activities. Coaches receive weekly session guidance to ensure consistency, progression, and alignment across all age groups.
Coaching Staff
The Academy program is led by experienced, licensed coaches who are committed to providing high-quality instruction and a positive developmental environment for every player.
Training Frequency
Academy training schedules are designed to support age-appropriate development:
- U8–U9: 2 outdoor training sessions per week
- U10–U11: 2 outdoor sessions plus 1 weekly futsal session
- U12 Elite & Gold: 2 outdoor sessions plus 1 weekly TOCA training session
- U12 Pre-ECNL: 3 outdoor sessions plus 1 weekly TOCA training session
Outdoor sessions are 90 minutes in length. TOCA training is offered as a 12-week program during both the fall and spring seasons.
Games & Competition
Academy teams play approximately 10–12 league games during both the fall and spring seasons, with most matches located within 30–40 minutes of the club. Teams also participate in four tournaments annually.
U11 and U12 elite-level teams compete in the SCCL, providing opportunities to play against top clubs from across the Southeast.
Evaluation & Team Placement
Players are evaluated through tryouts, training sessions, and game performance. These assessments help coaches determine team placements and support each player's development.
Ongoing Evaluation
Player development is continuously monitored throughout the season. Coaches provide regular feedback through in-person discussions and/or written evaluations to support ongoing growth and improvement.
Diversity & Community
Atlanta Fire United is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all players and families feel welcomed, respected, and valued. The club believes diversity strengthens its community and enhances the experience of everyone involved.