About PCDA
Understanding your pathway
Every student-athlete is unique, both in the classroom and on the field, and should be treated accordingly. At PCDA, we recognize this and provide an additional platform for your development in both academic and athletic pursuits over an extended period of time. This effectively puts you in the global spotlight for scouts who are eager to discover hidden talents.
Throughout the year, all athletes at PCDA will work towards their individual goals, whether it’s securing a professional contract, earning a scholarship in the U.S.A., or securing a place at one of our esteemed European Academy partners. With our continuous 10-month season, you have ample opportunities to showcase your skills.
The Pre-College Development Academy is specifically designed to support ambitious student-athletes in their journey towards playing at the next level. We understand your desire to reach the pinnacle of success quickly, but it’s important to remember that climbing the mountain takes time. If you are committed to personal growth and improvement, your chances of playing at the next level are nearly 100%.
Over the course of the year, all athletes will work towards their predefined goals. Whether they are seeking a professional contract, a scholarship in the U.S.A. or a place at one of our European Academy partners. You have the opportunity to play in a continuous 10 month season.
The Pre-College Development Academy is a program designed to support aspiring student athletes in their quest to play at the next level. We understand you want to get to the top of the mountain quickly, but remember it takes time to climb it. If you commit to bettering yourself, the chances of playing at the next level is almost 100%.
Your Pathway
The pathway after completing the Pre-College Development Academy is straightforward. You will have the opportunity to continue your soccer career either in the United States or the United Kingdom. We eagerly anticipate seeing our alumni competing in professional leagues worldwide.
If any of the following bullet points resonate with you, you are an ideal candidate for the Pre-College DA and should submit an application:
- You are seeking to further develop and refine crucial technical and tactical elements of the game.
- You are prepared to face challenges both on and off the pitch.
- You value a scientific approach to refining your game, both with and without the ball.
At the Pre-College Development Academy, we understand that your journey towards the ‘next level’ begins with us. Throughout the year, we will provide the necessary support and guidance for your personal growth. We are committed to honing your skills and ensuring your success in the sport.
Do you require additional academic support to enhance your college readiness, such as improving your GPA, ACT/SAT scores, or taking AP classes?
Are you uncertain about your desired major and wish to avoid taking irrelevant courses in college?
Do you need more time to enhance your technical and tactical skills in order to compete at the next level?
Do you require more time to develop physically or psychologically?
Will you enter college as a young freshman or do you feel the need for more time to mature socially?
- Are you not currently being recruited but still aspire to continue playing at the next level?
If you can relate to any of these questions, the Pre-College Development Academy is an excellent fit for you. Submit an application to take advantage of the opportunities we offer to fulfill your goals and reach the next level of your soccer career.
Academics
As a PCDA athlete, we want all of our future athletes to graduate with their bachelors degree within 4 years. All athletes will be working towards their bachelors degree.
As a PCDA athlete, our primary aim is to ensure that all our future athletes graduate with their bachelor’s degree within a 4-year timeframe. Education is a fundamental component of the PCDA experience, and all athletes will be actively pursuing their bachelor’s degree alongside their soccer development.
PCDA athletes have four primary options for their education:
- Attend in-person classes at a local college located within the PCDA region.
- Enroll in asynchronous online classes, allowing athletes to benefit from in-state tuition rates at a college in their home state.
- Participate in live online classes through our partnered online college.
- Explore other suitable educational pathways tailored to individual circumstances.
We recognize that academic performance plays a significant role in college admissions and recruitment. Thus, emphasizing the importance of maintaining excellent grades is a key aspect of the PCDA program. By focusing on both athletic and academic development, we aim to provide a well-rounded experience that sets our athletes up for success at the collegiate level and beyond.
Upon committing to the Academy, you will have the opportunity to meet with our Admissions team to solidify your academic plan. We offer two distinct pathways for higher education:
Pathway to a USA University: You can pursue an Associates Degree or earn credits towards your Bachelors degree through enrollment in a local college. Depending on your preference and schedule, you can choose to enroll either part-time or full-time while participating in the PCDA program. Our Admissions team will provide guidance and support to help you navigate the college application process and ensure a smooth transition.
Pathway to a University in the UK: If your goal is to pursue a degree at a university in the UK, we will provide information and guidance on the specific admission requirements. Each university may have its own set of criteria for entry, and our team can assist you in understanding and meeting these requirements. Feel free to reach out to us for more details on the admission criteria for UK universities.
At PCDA, we are committed to supporting your academic journey alongside your soccer development. Our Admissions team is dedicated to helping you explore and pursue the educational path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Technical
At PCDA, we recognize the fundamental importance of technique in soccer. Without a strong technical foundation, effective tactical execution becomes challenging. Therefore, we prioritize the development and refinement of technical skills for all our athletes.
During the morning training sessions, the primary focus will be on enhancing and strengthening the technical aspects of the game. Through targeted drills, exercises, and skill-building activities, we aim to improve your technical proficiency. This includes aspects such as ball control, passing, shooting, dribbling, and other essential skills necessary to excel on the field.
In the afternoon sessions, we shift our focus towards the tactical application of those technical skills. We delve into the strategic aspects of the game, understanding different formations, systems of play, positioning, and decision-making on the field. This integrated approach allows athletes to not only develop their technical abilities but also apply them effectively within a tactical framework.
Our training environment is designed to replicate that of professional clubs, providing you with a true professional experience. By dedicating specific sessions to technical development and tactical application, we aim to equip you with the necessary tools to compete at the next level and beyond.
At PCDA, we believe that a well-rounded athlete excels in both technical prowess and tactical understanding. By emphasizing the importance of technique as the foundation for tactics, we prepare our athletes to make an immediate impact in their soccer journey.
Tactical
While winning is certainly an important aspect of our training, at PCDA, we place equal emphasis on the development and patience that lead to long-term success. Our ultimate measure of success lies in the progress our students make in both the classroom and on the pitch as they transition to their next level.
To ensure comprehensive development, our football program is divided into trimesters, each focusing on different systems of play. Throughout the year, all players will be fully immersed in six different systems, equipping them with a deep understanding of tactical concepts and the ability to compete effectively at their next level.
During Trimester one, the focus will be on the 1-4-4-2 and 1-4-3-3 systems. These formations provide a solid foundation for players to understand the principles of play, positional responsibilities, and team dynamics.
Moving into Trimester two, our attention shifts to the 1-3-5-2 and 1-3-4-3 systems. These formations offer different strategic possibilities, allowing players to adapt to different playing styles and game scenarios.
Finally, in Trimester three, we explore the 1-4-5-1 and 1-4-2-3-1 systems. These formations provide further tactical depth, challenging players to understand and execute advanced strategies on the field.
By exposing our athletes to a diverse range of systems of play, we aim to broaden their tactical understanding, enhance their adaptability, and prepare them to excel at their next level of competition.
At PCDA, we believe that success is not solely measured by wins and losses but by the holistic development of our students. By instilling a patient and growth-oriented mindset, we empower our athletes to thrive academically, tactically, and personally as they progress in their soccer journey.
Psychological
At PCDA, we understand that being an elite athlete requires more than just technical and tactical skills. It involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects of your life. That’s why we prioritize the development of the right mentality and provide guidance on how to effectively handle the challenges and stresses that come with being a high-performing athlete.
Throughout your time at PCDA, we offer support and resources to help you successfully manage multiple areas of your life. We emphasize the importance of finding a balance between your athletic commitments, academic responsibilities, work commitments if applicable, nutrition, and being a supportive teammate.
Our experienced staff and coaches are there to mentor and guide you, teaching you valuable skills and strategies to navigate the demands of being an elite athlete. We help you develop resilience, time management techniques, and effective communication skills to excel both on and off the field.
Additionally, we place great importance on nutrition education and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet to optimize your performance. Understanding the importance of fueling your body properly, we work with you to develop healthy eating habits and make informed choices regarding your nutrition.
Being a great teammate is another crucial aspect of your development at PCDA. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where teamwork, respect, and effective communication are valued. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your interpersonal skills and build strong relationships with your fellow athletes, contributing to a positive and cohesive team dynamic.
By addressing these various aspects of your life, we aim to equip you with the tools and mindset needed to thrive as an elite athlete. At PCDA, we believe that a well-rounded approach to your development will not only benefit your athletic performance but also empower you to succeed in all areas of your life.
PHYSICAL
At PCDA, we prioritize the physical development of our athletes and provide personalized fitness programs tailored to their individual needs. Each athlete will receive a program designed specifically for them, and our dedicated team of trainers and coaches continuously update and optimize these programs to ensure you are getting the most out of your time with us.
You will have access to a personalized fitness program that takes into account your current fitness level, specific positional demands, and the tactical concepts being taught throughout the program. Our Director of Performance oversees the online portal where you will submit your progress regularly, allowing us to track your development and make any necessary adjustments to your program.
In addition to individualized workouts, we also have team-based strength and conditioning sessions twice a week. These sessions are designed to enhance overall team fitness levels and create a supportive training environment where athletes can push each other to reach their full potential. The workouts are tailored to accommodate the varying fitness levels within the team, ensuring that each athlete can participate and benefit from the program.
We utilize data and metrics from your previous week’s training and match performances to inform the design of your workouts. This allows us to assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about your training program moving forward.
At PCDA, we believe that a comprehensive and well-structured fitness program is essential for your development as an athlete. By combining individualized training with team-based sessions, we create a dynamic and challenging environment that supports your physical growth and prepares you to meet the demands of the game at the next level.
Each athlete will be given a personalized strength and conditioning program which will be led by our qualified coaches. Many professional sports teams around the world use GPS data to track player training. The main objective of utilizing GPS data is to establish player profiles to better understand how the player is performing in training and in competition.
Social
At PCDA, our program is specifically designed to empower you to reach your full potential and prepare you for your future endeavors at the next level, both as an athlete and as a responsible adult.
Throughout your time with us, we strive to provide an environment that fosters personal growth, character development, and the acquisition of essential life skills. Our goal is not only to enhance your athletic abilities but also to cultivate qualities such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
We believe that success in sports is interconnected with personal development off the field. Our program emphasizes the importance of responsibility, accountability, and time management. By balancing your academic commitments, training sessions, and other responsibilities, you will learn valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your life.
We are committed to providing you with the necessary tools, guidance, and support to become the best version of yourself. Our dedicated staff and coaches are here to mentor and guide you, helping you navigate challenges, set achievable goals, and make meaningful progress in all aspects of your life.
By the time you leave PCDA, our aim is for you to have developed not only as an athlete but also as a responsible, well-rounded individual. We want you to be equipped with the skills, values, and mindset necessary to succeed in your future endeavors, whether it’s continuing your athletic career, pursuing higher education, or transitioning into other professional opportunities.
At PCDA, we are committed to your holistic development and believe that by nurturing your athletic talents and instilling important life skills, you will be prepared to excel and make a positive impact in your future endeavors as a responsible adult.
Your exit strategy matters.
To capture the attention of schools and coaches and increase your chances of reaching your next level, it is crucial to adopt a strategic approach. At PCDA, we offer a proven framework that can help turn your aspirations into reality.
Our approach combines both academic and athletic development programs, recognizing the importance of excelling in both areas to position yourself for success. Here’s how our framework can support your journey:
Academic Development: We understand the significance of academic achievements in securing opportunities at the collegiate level. Our program emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong grades and offers academic support to help you excel in your studies. By balancing your academic commitments with your athletic pursuits, you will enhance your profile and demonstrate your dedication to overall excellence.
Athletic Development: Our program is specifically designed to maximize your athletic potential and prepare you for the demands of the next level. Through comprehensive training sessions, personalized fitness programs, and competitive matches, we focus on improving your technical skills, tactical understanding, physical capabilities, and mental resilience. Our goal is to help you elevate your game and stand out among other athletes.
Exposure and Networking: We provide opportunities for exposure to colleges, coaches, and scouts through our competitive matches, connections within the soccer community, and participation in showcase events. Additionally, our network of alumni and industry professionals can offer valuable guidance and networking opportunities to enhance your visibility and expand your options for the future.
Personalized Guidance: Our experienced coaches and staff are dedicated to your individual growth and success. We provide personalized guidance and mentorship to help you navigate the college recruitment process, identify suitable academic and athletic opportunities, and make informed decisions about your future. We tailor our support to your specific goals, ensuring you receive the guidance and resources needed to make the most of your potential.
By following our proven framework, you can position yourself as a desirable candidate for college programs. The combination of academic achievements, athletic development, exposure, and personalized guidance will enhance your chances of attracting the attention of schools and coaches who align with your goals and aspirations.
At PCDA, we are committed to empowering you with the tools and strategies necessary to make your next level a reality. Through our comprehensive approach to academic and athletic development, we aim to position you for success and open doors to exciting opportunities in your future.