U5-U7 PRE-ACADEMY

Overview

SSA's Pre-Academy is a unique soccer development program for U5-U7 soccer players, which aims to accelerate the technical and tactical development of players preparing to participate in the U8 academy program. We have recognized that there are many talented U5-U7 players within our club, and in GA, who would benefit from a dedicated soccer environment to continue to nurture player ability and prepare them for higher-level soccer.

SSA Pre-Academy is a seasonal academy program designed for the passionate, motivated, and advanced U5-U7 player who fosters the desire to be challenged in every aspect of their game. This program gives those players the opportunity to become even better soccer players by training in a professional environment with professional coaches and alongside like-minded players. Players are provided the tools to help accelerate their technical and tactical development to continue to take their game to the next level.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 Pre-Academy 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 5 during a season to enter the program the following season, and those that turn 7 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 the U8 Academy soccer. A more soccer focused environment is created for players who love the game where individual player development is paramount to master key soccer techniques and concepts that are required at a higher level of play. This program allows players to experience an academy soccer environment while preparing players and parents for the next step of the soccer process. This program does not replace U8 Recreational soccer but offers another avenue of continued growth in the beautiful game.

Eligibility

SSA Pre-Academy is available to all Recreational boys and girls who are in the U5-U7 age brackets. It is recommended, but not required, that players participate in a minimum of one season of Recreational soccer before considering the 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. 

Assessments

Try-outs for the Pre-Academy program typically take place in May for the fall season and in November for the spring season (Please scroll down for a list of upcoming assessments). For players looking to transition from our Recreational program, we would strongly recommend registering for the upcoming Recreational program season to guarantee a place just in case a spot ultimately does not become available on the Pre-Academy program.

Additional Details

• Program Length: 10-12 weeks
• Ball Size: 3
• Coaches: SSA Pre-Academy Director and professionally licensed coaches
• Practice Sessions Per Week: 2
• Practice Days: Weekdays - varies by location
• Practice Time: Evenings
• Game Schedule: Saturdays
• Game Format (in-house): 5v5 (including GK), though occasional games against local clubs may also be scheduled.
• Game Duration: 4x12 minute quarters, though occasional games against local clubs may be 2 x 30 minute halves.
• Field Size: approx. 30 x 40 yards 
• Season Fees: $300 - Does not include uniform, or occasional tournament fees.

AGE GROUPS FOR FALL 2025 AND SPRING 2026 BY BIRTHYEAR

Upcoming Assessments

Marietta PA Assessment Day - May 12th - 6-7:15pm - Mud Creek 2

Cartersville PA Assessment Day - May 12th - 6-7:15pm - CSC 7,8,9

Kennesaw PA Assessment Day - May 13th - 6-7:15pm - Big Shanty

Paulding PA Assessment Day - May 13th - 6-7:15pm - Braly

Coweta PA Assessment Day - May 13th - 6-7:15pm - Whitlock

PROGRAM DIRECTORS:

Coweta - Kristina Marchman

Cartersville - Steven Young

Kennesaw - Steven Lawrence

Marietta - Richard Foy

Paulding - Lee Vaughn