FORWARD MADISON FC ACADEMY INFO

Mission Statement

Our mission is to cultivate a diverse, positive, inclusive environment that nurtures young talents, guiding them on a path of progress both as technical and tactical players. We aim to instill a relentless pursuit of excellence, empowering young athletes to master technical aspects of the game including ball control, accurate and decisive passing, collective playmaking, as well as individual and team defending. Our commitment extends beyond the game, shaping individuals who embody the ethos of teamwork, adaptability, and the continual pursuit of improvement.

Why: To elevate the level of youth soccer in the state by providing better opportunities for all levels of youth soccer players while cultivating an everlasting passion for the game. 

Objective: To see more kids playing soccer at higher levels for a longer time period under a unified, clearly defined development structure. 

We aim to provide distinct developmental pathways for youth soccer players in collaboration with Madison area clubs. Different opportunities for all levels of player, from recreational to competitive, will be clearly outlined to help families make the best decision for their child. 

Our commitment is to keep playing costs as low as possible and to ensure access to our programming no matter what one’s socio-economic background may be. 

It is our duty as your local professional soccer club to help drive the development of players as well as help to ignite a lasting passion for the game of soccer. 

Youth Player Development Plan

Individual Player Development Plan

IDP process between staff and players 

• Head Coach meets with individual players a minimum of 3 times per year 
• Coach will present player with feedback and an individual development plan including any performance analysis tools, including video.

Individualized Player Development 

• Position Specific, Technical & Tactical Training
• Player development is individualized based on collaborative evaluation from coaching staff (Physical/Technical/Mental & Tactical)
• Set short term & long-term goals
  • Short Term – example: improving first-touch technique, increasing pass accuracy, strengthening offthe-ball movement
  • Long Term – example: improving positioning, becoming more effective in the final third, building stamina

Holistic Approach

• Physical Conditioning
• Strength & Injury Prevention Training
• Sports Psychology Training
• Recovery
• Regular adjustments with player feedback
• Players self-evaluate and provide feedback to coaches

FAQS

Why is this good for Madison?

Consolidates player pool in Madison

• Brings the best players from around Madison together creating a more competitive environment 
• Keeps the most talented players from leaving Madison to play elsewhere

Clearly defines the various developmental pathways

• Recreational – Competitive – Elite (Academy)
• Helps families decide what route is best for their child based on ambition and talent level

Ties the soccer community together

• Offers Madison clubs an opportunity to participate in the development and promotion of youth soccer players to the highest levels of soccer.
  • How cool will it be when the first youth player from Madison climbs the pyramid to play for FMFC?
• Offers an opportunity for collaboration between Madison clubs to work together in providing the best experience possible for all youth soccer players.

More visibility

• For college soccer recruiting
• For professional scouts

More player development opportunities

• Training with FMFC 1st Team
• Mixed Age Training
• Competing at the highest levels of American Youth Soccer
• Relationships with Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga), Amazonas (Braseliero Serie B), and Minnesota United (MLS) 

How does the Tier 2 Work?

• Tier 2 clubs are affiliated with MLS NEXT and play under the MLS umbrella.
• They follow MLS NEXT standards and guidelines.
  • Creates best player development environment
• They play more regionally than Tier 1 teams.
  • Saves money on travel time and cost
• They have the opportunity to attend MLS NEXT Fest and qualify for MLS NEXT Cup.
  • Increases player exposure to highest level of US youth soccer
  • Increases player exposure to College & Professional Scouts
• Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.

What’s the goal of the Tier 2 Leagues?

• To deepen the talent pool and welcome more players and coaches.
• To develop the next generation of talent who will impact the college game, professional game and national teams.
• To enhance player development by aligning teams with top-tier standards and creating more opportunities for growth.

What’s the competition format?

• Clubs will participate in one of eight regional tournaments each season – (WI/MN/IL/IN/MI)
• The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup later in 2026.
• Eligible age groups to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December.
• These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players.

What’s the training schedule like?

• 4 Trainings per week July – November
• 2-3 Training per week November – February 
• 4 Trainings per week February – June

Duration: The season will commence on July TBD, 2025 and conclude on June 30, 2026.

What’s the MLS Next 2 Schedule Timeline?

What facilities would be used?

• Outdoor Facilities
  • Madison College
    • Goodman Sports Complex [Full Size/Turf/Lights]
  • Breese Stevens Stadium
    • Full Size/Turf/Lights
• Indoor Facilities
  • UW East Madison Hospital
    • 30x20yd Turf Area (13,000 Square Feet)
    • Weight-Room & Track Area
    • 1 Basketball Court (Futsal)
• Other exciting partnerships and
  winter training opportunities will be
  released soon.

CONTACT INFORMATION

AARON HOHLBEIN | ACADEMY DIRECTOR | EMAIL: hohlbein@forwardmadisonfc.com

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