Our goal is simple: The Soccer Academy prepares student-athletes to compete successfully at the highest levels of soccer, academics, and life.

Set in the rolling hills of Central Texas, the Soccer Academy at St. Stephen’s provides the ideal setting for the development of the mind, body, and spirit. Here, student-athletes are challenged both on the field and in the classroom. Through the Soccer Academy, participants are exposed to high levels of intensive training and competition on a regular basis.

A demanding curriculum challenges students at St. Stephen's on a daily basis. Quality teaching, low student-to-teacher ratio and an environment in which academics are taken seriously are hallmarks of the St. Stephen's academic program. This combination is what makes the Soccer Academy at St. Stephen’s a unique and enriching experience.

Players that enter the St. Stephen's Soccer Academy immediately participate in a comprehensive soccer development program.

The program specifically meets the needs of each individual player in regard to the components of the game: Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological.

Technical:
It is our philosophy that the more refined a player is technically the more long-term soccer success he or she will experience. During the course of each academic day, players train in small group technical sessions. The focus of these sessions is the refinement of the technical aspects of the game through constant repetition and instruction both in non-pressure and pressure situations.

Tactical:
Successful soccer players solve problems as they arise in a full 11 vs. 11 match. To ensure success, players practice in small group environments that provide more opportunities to solve these problems. Repetition, creativity, and individual thought accomplish this goal.

Physical:
Core muscular strength, excellent physical speed, power, balance, coordination, and agility are requirements for success as game pressure demands on players increase. The St. Stephen’s weight room, track, and other facilities provide the perfect support for the development of these issues. Players participate in soccer-specific workouts carefully monitored by Soccer Academy staff.

Psychological:
As demands on young athletes increase, development of problem solving skills, goal setting techniques, time management ideas, self-evaluation ability, and other psychological tools facilitates success throughout players’ lives. Players have access to a psychologist, counselors, and other support staff to help them tackle these issues.

This program is not limited to just Academy oversight, but also consults with and receives input from each player’s club coach.

This course ensures each player begins to achieve goals and recognize progress in themselves on the field.

• Daily individual or small group sessions during the academic day
  

• Nationally and internationally licensed coaches
  

• An individual strength and conditioning program monitored by a full-time strength and conditioning coach
  

• Participation with Austin-area club teams in the spring and fall
  

• Summer and Spring Break opportunities for international travel and competition
  

• Participation in Olympic Development play for South Texas state teams
  

• Knowledgeable and personalized counseling on the college recruitment process and selecting the college that best meets the student’s needs
  

• Full-time sports trainer ensures that scholar-athletes receive the best in preventative and diagnostic medical care
  

• Weather conducive to year-round play
  

• Contacts with professional clubs both in the United States and abroad