Southern Soccer Academy

Southern Soccer Academy FORMED IN 2012 AS THE RESULT OF A MAJOR MERGER OF FIVE CLUBS, THE SOUTHERN SOCCER Academy (SSA), is a comprehensive competitive soccer development program reaching almost every corner of the state of Georgia. Boasting a player roster of close to 9,000, SSA is now one of the largest clubs in the Southeast, offering recreational and high-level competitive soccer to boys and girls ages 3-19 in 17 locations. However, the club is more than just its size. A Chelsea Football Club Development Partner, SSA has thoroughly adopted the English Premier League club’s approach to the game and cultural philosophy. Executive Director Simon Davey says the club is serious about implementing Chelsea’s culture at SSA and works diligently to ensure all players have the best soccer experience possible. He calls it the Southern Soccer Academy DNA. “We want to create an SSA DNA, that really adopts the Chelsea Football Club philosophies that they have shared with us in the last five years,” he explains. SIMON DAVEY “We mirror those philosophies and try to bring them out into every session that we provide for the players,” Director of Coaching Davey adds. “So, when people come and see an SSA player they see a player that’s not just being taught and UEFA Pro License developed soccer. We try to have a DNA that everybody can identify what we’re doing differently.” UEFA A License UEFA B License Those philosophies include on-the-field topics such as the style of play, tempo, and formations, as well UEFA Youth License as the core values instilled by Chelsea with their youth program kids at a very young age. Davey: “We mirror that and try to bring that to this environment in America.” TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED Davey says SSA has several programs and structures in place to help each child reach their full soccer Recreation | Competitive | Adult potential, whether they simply want to have a good club experience or they have the potential and drive to ADDRESS reach higher. They attend many of the top college showcases around the country as well as host their own 40 Whitlock Place showcase, bringing in top college coaches from around the country. Suite 200, Marietta GA 30066 The club also believes in instilling that culture in its coaches, investing heavily in their education and PHONE: (678) 594-5041 SSA cultural development. Each year, the club takes their staff on a three-day retreat where they deep dive WEBSITE: www.ssaelite.com on the club’s philosophies and structure. SSA has also taken staff to Italy to study coaching under Serie A, and budgets for US Soccer and NCAA licensing for their coaches. “We’re very high on making sure every player has a vehicle to reach their potential,”