PREPARATION FOR THE SEASON AHEAD
The Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency, in South Florida, has already begun to recruit elite American and international players for the start of the 2022/2023 season. In partnership with the International Center of European Football, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro offers a unique and professional soccer training program and methodology throughout the year with top-rated academics, so players do not compromise their education while chasing their dreams.
The PSG Academy Pro Residency splits each season into three distinct sections to maximize player development and ensure all individual players reach their maximum potential. The three sections are preseason, competitive season, and post-season. With the competitive season just underway, we take a look back at the Pro Residency’s preseason and why it is so crucial to a successful season for each individual players and the team as a whole.
Physical Evaluations and Assessments
The physical evaluations, led by the Academy Pro’s Head Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach, consist of various assessments and drills that measure player’s attributes such as speed, strength, agility, coordination, and more. These assessments take place on the field and in the fitness center at the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA Campus. Players go through each assessment as the coaching staff measure and collect the data. The data is then used to create each players Individual Development Plan for the season.
During preseason, players also visit the Academy Pro’s resident sports therapist and podiatrist who assess the players body for any current injuries or predisposition to certain injuries. They also provide a guide as to how players can take care of their body throughout the long and tough season. The sports therapist is available throughout the preseason to provide treatment and ensure all players are healthy to participate in preseason and be ready for the start of the season. On the other hand, the podiatrist accurately diagnoses possible foot, heel, and ankle conditions through a wide range of diagnostic services that prevent common soccer injuries, maximizing player’s performance.
Tactical and Technical Introduction
The tactical and technical introduction aspect to the Academy Pro’s preseason is focused on sharpening players skills and mental capacity while introducing the tactical concepts that are covered throughout the competitive season.
During preseason, training sessions are split between on the field drills, video analysis, and lectures. The field drills help players regain and hone their skills and technique ahead of the competitive season. The video analysis and lectures section, allow the Academy Pro coaches to communicate with the players the teams’ tactics, and objectives. Organized by the Academy’s Video Analysis Coordinator, the videos are used to help players visualize the roles of each position and analyze how the team carry out their tactics. This is an incredibly important part of preseason as it allows players and coaches to create a foundation to work on and develop throughout the season.
Individual Development Plan
The player Individual Development Plan is the result from the physical evaluation and assessments that take place earlier in the preseason. Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro coaches create the individualized plan that guides players to establish their strengths while improving their weaknesses to become more complete players. The players work through their Individual Development Plan during the season, with mandatory check-up meetings, alongside their normal training sessions with the team.
Each individual development plan is based the world-renowned official Paris Saint-Germain training program and methodology and consists of on the field drills to boost skills and technique, as well as exercises in the gym to improve strength and coordination among other attributes.
The Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency provides an individualized approach since each player has their own Individual Development Plan. This ensures a high-quality and tailored experience with individualized accompaniment from the Academy Pro coaching staff. As players work on their Individual Development Plans, the coaching staff monitor their progress and at the end of the season, review the overall progress of each player.
The last part of player’s Individual Development Plan is a meeting with the coaching and technical staff, as well as college advisors, to discuss next steps after their time at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency.
With the guidance of the staff and advisors, players identify their possible next soccer career opportunities. Possible opportunities include, being recruited by an NCAA affiliated College or University, recruitment to one of Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA’s partnering professional clubs in Europe, and more.
Importance of Preseason
Preseason is the most important part to the season. Building foundations and preparing for the competitive season is crucial for players to be successful and reach their maximum potential. At the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency, we ensure each individual player participates in preseason and are given every tool necessary, and in all aspects of soccer preparation and performance, to be ready for the season and reach their maximum capabilities.
