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IMG Academies - The Soccer Academy Started in 1978 as a full time Tennis academy by famous tennis coach, Nick Bollettieri, IMG Academies is now the world's largest and most successful network of multi-sport training facilities in operation. The US Soccer Federation recently handed the reins of its Youth Academy to IMG, headquartered on a 190-acre campus in Bradenton, Florida. IMG Academies divisions include not only soccer, but also academies for Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, and Hockey as well. Key IMG Academies' features include: dormitory housing and the Bollettieri Resort Villas and Lodges; separate junior and adult cafeterias; swimming pools; Internexus-Florida (Language School); Sports Medicine Center; Mental Conditioning, fully equipped pro shops; a computer learning center; indoor courts; a 30,000 square foot artificial turf dome; and three private school academic options including the on-campus Pendleton School. The Academies are committed to the development and placement of individual players. The success of their organization is based upon the principles of Unity, Trust, Humility, Discipline, Superior Effort, and Pride. The US Youth Academy is dedicated to total player development and offers the most comprehensive program in the United States. The Academies have housed and trained players such as Bobby Convey, Eddie Johnson, Justin Mapp, Santino Quaranta, and phenom, Freddy Adu. This program is the first to immerse such young players in the sport and appears to be able to turn out players who can not only become professionals but possibly stars. Only time will tell what the future holds for those who come out of this training program but it is already clear that this is a landmark on the US Soccer map. Bradenton is also close to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Florida which is a great spot to take the family for a vacation if you like the idea of taking your kids to Busch Gardens or maybe down to Tarpon Springs. There are many more things to do further south of Bradenton than you might find in the Greater Bradenton area but it's all easily within reach. Bradenton currently isn't a huge tourist destination but it does happen to be conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando so if the aforementioned Busch Gardens isn't suitable you can always make the two hour or so trek to Disney World and it's many attractions in the Orlando area. Also keep in mind, if you also like baseball this area of Florida usually plays host to many of Major League Baseball's clubs during Spring Training in March. Speaking of Spring Training, some MLS teams are known to train in the Bradenton area during March. Both the Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards, among others, have called Bradenton home during the spring in previous seasons. Games may or may not be open to the public at IMG so it is probably best to call ahead if you want to see the U17s in action. Usually if one of the MLS clubs is training in the area their sessions are normally open to the public. It is best, though, to try to contact the club in question ahead of time if you'd like to take in a practice or scrimmage. Directions: From I-95 S: Take the Exit 126 exit. Merge on I-295 SOUTH. Take the Exit 8 exit. Merge on I-10 WEST. Take the Exit 50 exit. Continue on US-301. Turn Right on NW 10TH ST. Continue on NW BLITCHTON RD. Turn Left to take the I-75 SOUTH ramp. Then follow I-75 S directions. by John Wright |