Everything You Need to Know about IMG Academy Soccer

The IMG Academy is a multi-sport training and preparatory school in Bradenton, Florida, known for its development of elite athletes. The boarding school houses 6th through 12th grades with soccer teams ranging from U13 through U19.

The institution was formerly the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, founded in 1978. In 1987, the International Management Group (IMG) purchased the academy and began building its elite multi-sports programs. In 2012, the school changed its name to “IMG Academy.”

IMG Competitive Soccer Platforms

IMG girls’ soccer competes in several leagues. The Development Player League (DPL) is a youth league created for high-level female soccer players across the United States. In addition, the Girls Academy invited IMG to be one of 14 elite clubs in the Girls Academy Champions League (GACL).

The IMG teams also compete in their conference, IMG-hosted ID camps, college showcases, and other top-tier tournaments.

IMG Alumni/Trainees

Many notable soccer alumni play nationally, internationally, and professionally including:

• Orlando Pride midfielder Erika Tymrak played for the U.S. U-17 team, the runner-up at the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Tymrak has also represented the USWNT and was the 2013 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
• Mallory Swanson is a forward for the USWNT. Pugh represented the U.S. at the SheBelieves Cup (2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022), the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• Goalkeeper Bryane Haeberlin, a 2011 IMG graduate, played for the U.S. U-20 team from 2010-to 2012 and currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

A substantial list of IMG alumni has played collegiately throughout the United States. In addition, many of the top players currently compete on NCAA nationally ranked teams.

The Development of Student-Athletes

IMG focuses on the personal, academic, and athletic development of its student-athletes.

Don Cameron, IMG Academy Director of Soccer, highlights the uniqueness of the IMG experience:

“Here at IMG Academy, we have a 10-month holistic development plan which separates us from most clubs in the United States. This development model also includes key distinguishing factors involving Academics and Athletic and Personal Development.”

The IMG soccer program encompasses all aspects of training and development, including technical, tactical, strength and conditioning, mental training, and nutrition. Additionally, IMG soccer training includes position-specific instruction, foundational tactics, cohesive play, communication skills, and mental toughness.

The IMG Academy places an equal emphasis on personal development, leadership, life skills, and character development. IMG’s mission and commitment to student-athletes help maximize college recruitment opportunities, open doors for international and professional careers and prepare players for life after sport.

Featured image via @imgasoccer on Instagram

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