Programs Overview | IEA North

Development Plan

IFA North is proud to offer a player development pathway that allows youth players the opportunity to enjoy soccer at all ages and all levels of play––from recreational to the most elite travel.

IFA

Elite Prospects

Camps/Showcases

Player Development Pathway

IFA

Pro Academy

MLS Next (Boys)
ECNL (Girls)

Professional

Chicago Fire

Indy Eleven

College

Pre-Academy

Academy

Youth Travel

National League

Indiana League

Senior Travel

National League

Indiana League

MYSL Rec

5U-8U

9U-10U

11U-14U

15U-19U

Player Key Qualities

1. Cognitive Performance

Game understanding and decision making under pressure.

2. Technical Execution

Ball mastery and skills under pressure.

3. Athletic Ability

Movement capabilities and fitness.

4. Winning Mentality

Continuous drive to win and improve.

5. Self-Motivated

Ownership of learning, development, and performance.

IFA NORTH PHILOSOPHY ON PLAYERS

IFA North is working to develop a player that is...

Respectful to themselves, teammates, coaches, and the game.

A leader by example on and off the field.

Responsible for their actions.

An autonomous decision-maker.

Internally motivated.

Technically and physically in optimal condition.

Intelligent.

IFA North is working to develop a player that has...

Emotional control.

Contagious training habits.

Creative personality.

A blue-collar work ethic.

Competitive mentality.

Our soccer identity is blue collar, personified by three distinctive traits. This is who we are everyday and against any opponent.

HIGH TEMPO
POSSESSION TO GOAL

We build out quickly, advancing upfield through our lines, looking to exploit spaces with runs and balls behind.

IMMEDIATE, COLLECTIVE COUNTERPRESSING

When we lose possession, our players will react immediately and collectively to reclaim possession.

HIGH PRESSURE DEFENDING

We will press opponent's possession in our own front half to impose our will and disrupt the opposition to regain possession.

Title	Practices Per Week	Coaching	Games per Season	Winter Included?	Evaluation Required	Financial Aid Available
Pre-Academy (5U-8U)	1 per week	Licensed Director, Volunteer Coaches	7-10	No	No	No
Academy (9U-10U)	3 per week	Licensed Director, Licensed Coaches	16-20+	Yes	No	Yes
Youth Travel (11U-12U)	3 per week	Licensed Director, Licensed Coaches	16-20+ Tourneys	Yes	Yes	Yes
Youth Travel (13U-14U)	3 per week	Licensed Director, Licensed Coaches	16-20+ Tourneys	Yes	Yes	Yes
Senior Travel (15U+)	3 per week	Licensed Director, Licensed Coaches	16-20+ Tourneys	Yes	Yes	Yes
MYSL Rec (9U-15U)	1 per week	Volunteer	8 + Playoff	No	No	No