PRE ACADEMY
Rec Developmental League (RDL) (U6-U10)
RDL OVERVIEW
The Judah Lions RDL Program offers high-quality training and development for dedicated players aged 6-11, fostering both skill growth and a passion for the game.
Designed as the foundation for elite training, the Judah Lions RDL program targets U8, U10, and U12 players. It provides a structured, comprehensive experience that’s tailored to both age and skill level. Starting with Pre-Academy, players are introduced to the key principles of technical and tactical development, preparing them to advance to the RDL (U9-U12) and, eventually, academy soccer if they choose.
At its core, the Judah Lions RDL emphasizes individual technical skill development over short-term wins or losses. Our focus is on long-term player growth, with the aim of developing well-rounded athletes who understand the technical and tactical aspects necessary for success in future club soccer. Players are taught to play the "Judah way" — a philosophy that nurtures their skills while preparing them for the next stage of their soccer journey.
Cost / Season Length?
The cost of the Judah Lions RDL Program is $175 per season for U8 players and $250 for U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 players. Please note, uniforms are not included in the program fee.
This fee covers 16 weeks of practice, held twice a week, along with additional optional training sessions throughout the season. Parents will receive notifications about these optional practices via text or email. The program fee also includes all referee fees, coach salaries, and coach training costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When are tryouts?
Tryout dates for the Judah Lions Academy are set by Georgia Soccer and typically take place in late May, with additional dates throughout the summer. Detailed tryout information and online registration will be available on the Judah Lions website well in advance of the scheduled tryout dates.
In addition to the main tryouts, supplemental evaluations may be arranged throughout the year for players not currently enrolled in another club’s Academy program, as well as for all registered recreational players and any unregistered players seeking to join the program.
Who is eligible?
RDL players (both boys and girls) are selected by invitation only. From time to time, we hold mini camps to evaluate and identify new players for the RDL program. These camps provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn an invitation to join the program.
When and where are the training sessions?
RDL teams train twice a week on weekdays, with each session lasting 75 minutes. Practices are held at Green Acres Baptist Church or Unity Baptist Church.
Please note that training days, times, and locations may vary occasionally based on coach availability and field schedules. Families will be notified of any changes in advance.
When and where are the games?
Our RDL Boys and Girls teams compete in a variety of formats, including 4v4, 7v7, and 9v9. Teams will participate in a mix of games against local opponents, including Dublin, Macon Soccer, and CGSA recreational teams, as well as in-house scrimmages and other pre-academy programs in the Middle Georgia area.
Games are typically scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the Fall season (early September to mid-November) and the Spring season (early March to mid-May). Most teams play one game per week, though there may be occasional instances where players are asked to play twice in a single weekend at the same location.
In addition to regular season games, RDL teams will participate in house tournament (If possible).
Tournament – Preseason and Postseason (Not included in registration costs)
- All players are expected to participate in preseason and postseason tournaments.
- If a majority of players cannot attend, the tournament will be rescheduled for the next season.
- Tournament fees are calculated using a set formula, which is applied consistently across all teams.
What is the difference between Recreation and Academy Soccer?
Deciding whether your child should play recreational soccer or competitive (“academy/select”) soccer can be a challenging decision, especially for parents new to competitive sports. The main factor to consider is whether you want to accelerate your child’s soccer development through structured, professional training.
Recreational soccer typically emphasizes social interaction and "having fun" with friends, which can sometimes come at the expense of focused instruction. In contrast, academy soccer is designed to be both enjoyable and educational, with professional coaches teaching individual skills and team tactics appropriate for the child’s age and skill level.
At the RDL level, the result is a player who understands the game at a much higher level than their recreational counterparts, with a foundation built on expert guidance and long-term development.
What are the differences between Rec Developmental coaches (RDL) and Recreational coaches?
RDL soccer stands apart from recreational soccer in several key ways, with the most significant difference being the level of coaching. Coaching is much like teaching—it requires deep knowledge of the sport and the ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to young athletes. In recreational soccer, coaches are often well-meaning parents with limited experience in competitive or high-level soccer. In contrast, RDL coaches are highly skilled professionals, experts in their field, and trained communicators who are compensated for their soccer expertise and coaching qualifications.
RDL coaches are dedicated to fostering a community of players that emphasizes both individual and team development. They implement club standards of play that are developmentally appropriate for each age group, ensuring continuous evaluation and a clear structure. This approach is communicated effectively to both players and parents to align everyone toward common goals of improvement and growth.