FERN ACADEMY
A New Full-Time School Option for Serious Soccer Players
Fern Academy is a Monday–Friday academy combining academics, elite soccer development, speed & strength training, and mentorship for student-athletes who want more than the traditional path.
Why Fern Academy Exists
When I was younger, I was selected for U.S. Under-17 National Team camps and invited into their residency program.
It was a full-time soccer academy where players completed rigorous academics through IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, then trained every day during the week in preparation for the U-17 World Cup.
It was a system built to accelerate serious student-athletes academically and athletically.
The academics were strong enough that I would have graduated early and entered the University of Maryland ahead of schedule. The soccer side would have significantly elevated my development in a short amount of time.
But I turned the opportunity down.
At the time, a full-time soccer school was a foreign concept to many families, including mine.
That experience stayed with me.
Fern Academy was created so other families do not have to miss opportunities like that again.
We are building a local academy where serious student-athletes can develop at a high level, without leaving home, in an environment where academics and elite training work together.
What once felt impossible is now possible for this generation.
Built For Committed Players
Fern Academy is designed for motivated student-athletes who are serious about reaching higher levels.
Ideal applicants are currently competing in advanced environments such as:
EDP
ECNL-RL
ECNL
MLS NEXT
Equivalent competitive club levels
Highly motivated players outside these leagues with strong ability, ambition, and coachability are still encouraged to apply.
The Current Hidden Problems With the Traditional Path for Student-Athletes
Many families assume the traditional school + club soccer model is the only way. But for serious athletes, it often creates unnecessary limits.
Problems With Current Youth Soccer Development
❌ Limited meaningful touches during team sessions
❌ Too much time spent in lines or waiting
❌ Team tactics often prioritized over individual development
❌ Players compete often without improving key weaknesses
❌ Not enough repetition to build true mastery
❌ Skill growth often depends on paying for extra training outside team practice
❌ Important development years can be wasted
❌ Many players plateau despite playing year-round
Problems With the Traditional School Model
❌ Long school days leave little energy for training
❌ Athletes train after already being mentally fatigued
❌ Generic PE instead of real athletic development
❌ One-size-fits-all classrooms can limit learning
❌ Valuable daytime hours are underutilized
❌ Excess commuting between school, practice, and training
❌ Recovery, mobility, and wellness are rarely prioritized
❌ Serious athletes must squeeze growth into late evenings
What Makes Fern Academy Different
Fern Academy is built intentionally around the growth of the complete student-athlete.
The Soccer Development Advantage
Daily technical development built into the schedule
More touches, more repetition, more improvement
Individual growth prioritized alongside team success
Position-specific coaching and feedback
Speed, agility, and strength integrated weekly
Better habits, discipline, and confidence
Development while athletes are fresh and focused
Clear pathway for ambitious players
The Education Advantage
Smaller learning environment with more accountability
Structured academic support and focused study blocks
Better use of daytime hours
Less stress and better balance for families
Mentorship and character development built in
Flexible model designed for motivated students
Stronger daily routine for academics + athletics
Built to help students grow on and off the field
Built on Real Results
Fern Academy is new, but the results behind it are not.
Fern Athletics has already helped local athletes grow in skill, confidence, discipline, speed, strength, and
overall performance through training programs, camps, clinics, and mentorship.
Fern Academy is the next evolution of that mission.
Google Reviews (2026)
Limited Founding Class
If you believe there could be a better path
for your athlete, this is it.
Our first class will be intentionally small to ensure a high-level experience, personalized attention, and the right culture.
Families on the waitlist will receive first access when enrollment opens.
This first pilot group will help shape the future of Fern Academy.
The academy will be located at the climate-controlled Mac Arena in Crofton, Maryland, providing a professional indoor environment designed for year-round academics and training regardless of weather conditions.
This gives founding families the opportunity to be part of the first chapter of Fern Academy in a high-quality setting from day one.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:30 AM – Arrival & Morning Check-In
Students arrive, get organized, and prepare for the day.
9:00 AM – Academic Block 1
Focused coursework and productive study time.
10:30 AM – Break / Reset
10:45 AM – Academic Block 2
Continued academic progress with accountability and structure.
12:00 PM – Lunch
12:30 PM – Flex Development Block
A rotating growth period that may include:
Film analysis
Leadership training
Public speaking
Guest speakers
Passion projects
Financial literacy
Mindset development
Goal setting
College pathway guidance
1:00 PM – Soccer Development Training
Technical training, ball mastery, decision-making, and game growth.
2:00 PM – Speed, Strength & Athletic Development
Movement mechanics, agility, strength, injury prevention, and physical growth.
3:20 PM – Wrap Up / Dismissal
Join the Fern Academy Founding Waitlist
Complete the short application below to receive updates, priority access, and early enrollment opportunities.
Parent Information
Athlete Information
Soccer Background
Fern Academy is primarily designed for serious student-athletes currently competing in advanced environments such as EDP, ECNL-RL, ECNL, MLS NEXT, or equivalent levels. Highly motivated players outside those leagues may still apply.
Fit Questions
Tuition & Next Steps
Fern Athletics
2400 Crofton Blvd., Crofton, MD 21114
Questions? Contact
Marquez Fernandez
443-823-1143
Fern Athletics Foundation, Inc. Copyright 2026 - All Rights Reserved.