Youth Competitive Program
Pre-Academy
Ages 6-7
Pre-Academy introduces players to the game in a fun, low-pressure environment focused on ball mastery, coordination, and a love for soccer. Following U.S. Soccer's youngest-age guidelines, training prioritizes individual touches on the ball and creative play over structure, competition, or tactics.
Academy
Ages 8-11
Academy builds on that foundation with a stronger emphasis on technical skill development — dribbling, passing, first touch, and 1v1 ability — while gradually introducing basic tactical concepts like spacing and team shape. This age range aligns with U.S. Soccer's guidance to prioritize creativity and skill-building before advanced tactics.
Select
Ages 12-18
Select is PSA's competitive pathway, where players apply their technical foundation within a structured tactical framework, positional play, and team-based strategy. In line with U.S. Soccer's player development model, training shifts toward game understanding, physical development, and preparing players for high school, college, and beyond.
A clear pathway from early skill development to competitive team soccer.
THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR GAME
What is Youth Competitive Level Soccer?
This level is more competitive than Developmental soccer. The training and coaching are conducted by licensed soccer coaches rather than volunteers. Compared to Developmental soccer, Youth Competitive Level soccer requires more time and financial commitment from parents and players and mainly involves games in and around the metro Atlanta area. Periodically, away games and tournaments are held in other parts of Georgia, and some teams attend out-of-state tournaments.
Choose your next step
Pre-Academy: U8 · Academy: U9–U12 · Select: U13–U19. Players join through evaluations or tryouts and are placed according to age and ability. Our licensed coaches guide development through age-appropriate training and competitive play.
Many Piedmont teams are coed. All-girls teams are formed when enough players try out. For your player’s age classification, consult the 2026–2027 age-group chart.
Training and match play
Academy training develops dribbling, receiving, passing, and shooting in a fun, flexible environment. Select players build on those foundations with positional play and team understanding. Select training typically includes two 90-minute practices per week, with specialty sessions communicated by the coach.
Game formats progress from 5v5 at U8, to 7v7 at U9–U10, 9v9 at U11–U12, and 11v11 at U13 and above. U8–U14 teams play fall and spring. U15–U19 teams play in fall, with opportunities for spring friendlies and tournaments.
2026–2027 program fees
U8–U12:$1,200 for fall and spring.
U13–U14:$1,200 for fall and spring.
U15–U19:$850 for fall only.
Fees include Georgia Soccer registration and insurance, referee fees, professional training and coaching, field use, equipment, and league administration. Tournament entry and travel costs are separate. Payment-plan options are available during registration after team acceptance.
Commitment and travel
Competitive soccer involves a greater time and financial commitment than Developmental soccer. Games are primarily in and around metro Atlanta; Select games may take place elsewhere in Georgia. Some teams attend out-of-state tournaments. Coaches communicate team-specific schedules and expectations.
A positive environment for development
Players develop at different rates, and coaches may adjust team assignments to provide an appropriate challenge. Families support that process by encouraging players, leaving tactical instruction to the coaching staff, and helping create a positive match-day environment.
Evaluations and next steps
Contact the club for current evaluation opportunities and team availability. Bring a ball, shin guards, cleats, and water to any scheduled evaluation. Registration follows acceptance onto a team.