STRUCTURE OF THE Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy program spans over 9+ months and focuses on top tier soccer training skills with maximum possible match play and competition. The program revolves around the Academy’s Soccer Performance Plan, which enhances the development process through a combination of expert coaching and an annual competition schedule. This schedule is designed to ensure a a very individualised growth plan in technical, tactical, and personal skills, all within world-class facilities and a majestic setting.
MONITORING GROWTH & ACHIEVEMENT: Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy’s soccer program and performance plan follows the following guiding principles which are in 6-week focus cycles:
- Individual training
- Team training
- Strength training
- Athletic & Personal Development
- Strength and Conditioning
- Mental Conditioning
- Leadership Development
- Nutrition Training
Student/Players collaborate with their coaches to establish an individual development plan, outlining long-term goals, short-term measurable objectives, and agreed-upon outcomes for the cycle. At the end of each 6-week period, coaches and players assess progress, adjusting objectives as needed for the upcoming cycle. Quarterly, players receive a detailed report highlighting progress and areas of focus, including results from strength, agility, and endurance tests, along with video reviews.
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy student athletes have access to proven performance training protocols in areas like vision training, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine. Athletic Development coaches and trainers integrate into the program’s larger support system, ensuring that each student-athlete feels confident and prepared off the field as well.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Our goal here is to outlast the competition with IMG Academy’s Strength & Conditioning program. Our team of performance experts design a program that supplements sports training to help student-athletes reach their potential. We teach:
- Speed, agility, and movement
- Endurance & Conditioning
- Strength and power
- Vision/ spatial awareness
- Flexibility, mobility, balance, and core
SPORTS MEDICINE
Our Sports Medicine program is designed to educate and support student-athletes in maintaining optimal health throughout rigorous training and competitions. Our dedicated team are obsessed with long term health and endurance of an athletes career by implementing preventive and corrective exercises, conducting comprehensive injury evaluations and treatments, and assessing movement quality.
We teach:
- Athletic training
- Physical therapy
- Injured athlete program
- Corrective exercise work
- Recovery initiatives
- Education on injury management
- Return-to-play management
NUTRITION
We understand how important it is for student-athletes to fuel their bodies in order to to meet their physical and emotional demands as an athlete. Our Nutrition program educates our soccer players with nutrition knowledge and resources to fuel and hydrate themselves for academic, athletic and long-term performance.
We teach:
- Optimal everyday nutrition
- Performance Plate
- Nutrient intake and timing
- Hydration strategies
- Supplement education
- Pre and post-competition fueling
- Travel nutrition
- Energy balance
WHAT WE PROVIDE
The Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy Program PROVIDES COMPLETE, AUTHENTIC PLAYER CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT & EXPOSURE To NatIonal and International Soccer clubs and scouts. We want to show your exceptional soccer talent and skills to the world!
Program Highlights:
Coaching Team:
UEFA A-certified head coach and a full-time associate coach
Dedicated goalkeeper training, athletic coach, and part-time physiotherapist
Accommodation:
Comfortable double rooms at Hotel Verde, an Excpetional 3-star accommodation
Weekly bed linen and towel service, along with provided training kit
Inclusive Wi-Fi access
Education:
Option to enroll in UDG University (Powered by Arizona State University) and
Online US high school program, including Montenegrin language lessons
Competitive Matches:
Engage in highly competitive matches against local Montenegrin professional, regional, and international soccer clubs
Participation in tournaments across the region
Uniforms:
Official Sasa Ilic Soccer Academy kits for all players
Video Analysis:
Matches recorded using the Veo camera system, enabling players to create their own highlight reels
Pedagogical Support:
Dedicated full-time resident advisor/team director
Transportation:
Transport provided for academy training sessions, match days, and cultural events, utilizing buses or multiple vans
Cultural Immersion:
Montenegrin language course included
Immersion in the local lifestyle and exploration of the country’s natural beauty
Guidance & Support:
Mentorship and guidance from Sasa Ilic, a former Premier League and international player, along with the academy staff
Social Media:
Regular updates through videos and pictures showcasing the daily and weekly experiences of our youth soccer players in Montenegro
Location:
Accommodation, sports facilities, university, and online high school study room located in Donja Gorica, Podgorica, just 5 miles from the city center
Nutrition:
Three nutritious, sport-specific meals provided daily
Insurance:
Comprehensive insurance coverage, granting access to national medical care
Soccer Curriculum:
Professional training led by former professional players, focusing on all aspects of the game, including fitness, technical skills, and tactical knowledge
Guest Speakers:
Enriching experiences with guest speakers to positively shape players’ character and provide mental training for peak performance under pressure