Pre-Academy

AFC Lightning's Pre-Academy is the stepping stone to the AFC Lightning Academy program (U9-U12). It is the beginning stage of high quality training for 6U-8U players. The objective of this program is to provide every player with a structured, comprehensive training experience that will help develop the fundamental tools needed to play in the older Academy program. Our curriculum is age and skill-appropriate, and will provide your child with activities that promote individual growth, development, and most importantly, a passion for the beautiful game!


Our Pre-Academy philosophy is to develop technically skilled players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We want players to be critical thinkers and make decisions on their own with little to no on-field instructions from coaches and parents. Our coaching staff provides a fun and challenging environment for players, in which, they encourage individual creativity and growth.


(6U - 8U)

  • When are tryouts?

    Please CLICK HERE to register for January tryouts!

  • Who is eligible for the 2023-24 seasonal year?

    The Pre–Academy program is open to boys and girls born in 2016, 2017 & 2018 for the 2023-24 seasonal year.

  • When and where are the training sessions?

    Pre-Academy teams train for 75 minutes twice per week at Peachtree City Athletic Complex.




    Training days, times, and locations may vary from time to time depending on the schedules of the coaches and field availability. 

  • When and where are the games?

    6U/7U Pre-Academy teams will play in-house 3v3/4v4 games. 8U Pre-Academy teams will play both 4v4 and 7v7 formats. 8U teams will play a mixture of games consisting of in-house scrimmages and other 8U/9U teams in the Metro Atlanta area.


    Games are typically held on Saturdays and/or Sundays - from mid-September through early December during the Fall season, and from mid-February through early May during the Spring season. 


    8U Pre-Academy teams may also participate in local tournaments. 

  • What is the difference between Recreation and Academy Soccer?

    Deciding whether or not your child should play recreational soccer or competitive (“select”) soccer is often a daunting task for parents not familiar with the world of competitive sports. The primary deciding factor that parents should consider when making the select verses recreation decision is whether or not one wishes to accelerate a child’s soccer development in a professionally guided training environment.


    In recreational soccer, the focus is most often on social interaction, “having fun” with friends, which often comes at the expense of instruction. In select soccer, the focus in on teaching in an enjoyable manner that is appropriate for the child’s age level. Individual skills and team tactics are taught by high-level, professionally licensed coaches in order to more fully develop the child’s level of play. When it comes to playing at a select level, the end result is young athletes that know how to play soccer at a much higher level than corresponding recreational players.

FABIAN PATTERSON

Pre-Academy Director

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