APAA CONTINUES TO FOSTER SUCCESS IN PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND GRADUATION

We are pleased to report on the continued progress of our players across all divisions, as highlighted during the week of events. Over the years, we have remained committed to our vision of graduating players from the academy to further stages of development. This remains our primary goal—when players join the academy, their initial intention is to practice their favorite sport. Along the way, they enhance their playing skills and develop holistically, focusing on key areas such as technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical fitness according to their age group.

It’s essential to understand that each aspect of development has a purpose—training is never done just for the sake of it. Each session is carefully designed to meet specific goals, helping every player improve individually.

In 2023, we successfully graduated players who have since continued their development, becoming even better athletes. As we progress through 2024, we are proud to maintain the same vision. We also deeply value the enthusiasm and support of the players and their families, who contribute significantly to our shared mission. While we understand that some families may miss watching their children train or participate in the league, soccer is an unpredictable journey—some players progress quickly, while others take time. However, with passion and determination, success is within reach for all.

Now in September, we are about two and a half months away from concluding the practice season and entering the league. As part of this process, we are evaluating all our players to assess their individual, group, and team performance throughout the year. It’s important to recognize that some players may be more advanced than others, but this is a natural progression. Those who demonstrate unwavering dedication are already making strides, playing in PSL teams across different divisions and other SAFA leagues, with some even representing their country on national teams.

We are also identifying and recommending players for PSL team assessments. The academy’s ultimate goal is to elevate every player to the next level, empowering them to fulfill their dreams of playing at a high level. Of course, we emphasize the importance of balancing these aspirations with their studies, which remain a crucial part of their development.

Stay tuned for more updates on this page.

Prof. Augusto Palacios