Ambitious Player Development Plan (IDP)
A 6-week, individualized development plan for players who want clarity.
The Ambitious Player Development Plan (IDP) is a short-term, individualized development block designed to help players understand what needs attention, how to approach it, and what makes sense next — without promises or guarantees.
Spots are limited. Applications are reviewed for fit.
Why This Exists
Most ambitious players are working hard.
The challenge is that many players and families still feel uncertain about:
what to prioritize
what “good” actually looks like
how to close gaps responsibly
whether the current approach is working
The IDP exists to provide structure, feedback, and clear direction over a defined period of time.
What The IDP Is
The IDP is a 6-week, time-bound plan designed to:
address key technical, physical, tactical, and mindset needs
build better habits through guided work
provide honest feedback in a professional environment
support more informed decisions about next steps
This is individualized development — with boundaries and a clear timeline.
What The IDP Is Not
The IDP is not:
a tryout
a pathway guarantee
a recruitment service
a long-term ongoing program
a replacement for team training
The purpose is clarity and development direction — not promises.
Who The IDP Is For
The IDP is for players who:
are serious about improving
want direct feedback and clear standards
can commit to a short-term, structured process
are at a point where direction matters
It is not designed for players looking for reassurance or guaranteed outcomes.
How It Works (High Level)
Duration: 6 weeks
Capacity: Limited (small number of players per cycle)
Format: Individual-led within a structured framework
Each player receives:
On-Field Technical & Physical Work
One 60-minute individual session per week
Technical execution + movement development
Focus on habits, efficiency, and repeatable actions
Tactical Support
Initial priorities set in Week 1
End-of-cycle tactical review
Optional mid-cycle check-in
Mindset Support
Initial meeting (Week 1)
End-of-cycle review (Week 6)
Optional mid-cycle check-in
End-of-Cycle Review
Clear strengths and constraints identified
Honest feedback across four pillars
Practical recommendations for next steps
Coaching & Support Team
The IDP is delivered by a small, clearly defined staff, with each area of development overseen by a coach working within their area of responsibility.
Program Lead · Technical & Tactical Oversight
Paul Ballard — Sporting Director, Unity FC
Paul designs each player’s Individual Development Plan and leads the weekly on-field technical sessions. He also oversees the tactical component of the IDP, helping players better understand decision-making, positioning, and game demands appropriate to their stage of development.
Paul’s role throughout the six weeks is to ensure the plan remains focused, realistic, and aligned with professional standards.
Strength & Conditioning
McKenna Regier — Strength & Conditioning Lead
McKenna leads the physical development component of the IDP, supporting players with strength, movement quality, and robustness appropriate to their age, training load, and environment. The focus is on supporting performance and reducing unnecessary risk.
Mindset & Performance
Mike Shearon — Mindset Lead
Mike supports the mindset component of the IDP, working with players on communication, confidence, consistency, and response to challenge. The focus is practical and applied, helping players understand how mindset shows up in training and competition.
Integrated Approach
All four pillars are connected through the Individual Development Plan created at the start of the six-week block. Paul oversees alignment across the program to ensure the work remains coherent, manageable, and appropriate for each player.
First Cohort Timing
The first IDP cohort is planned to begin the week of February 2, 2026 and will run for six weeks, with the goal of concluding before March Break.
Exact scheduling is confirmed once fit, availability, and training load are aligned.
How The IDP Fits Within Unity FC
The IDP sits between:
Training Pods / individual training (consistent repetition and habit-building)
and
higher-demand environments (Unity2, League1, or external pathways)
It is a bridge, not a destination.
Possible outcomes may include:
continuing in Training Pods
pursuing development outside Unity FC
future Unity environment consideration
or a recommendation to pause and reassess
Capacity & Fit
The IDP is intentionally limited.
Not all applicants are accepted, and timing matters.
Fit is based on:
readiness for feedback
capacity and training load
whether a structured 6-week plan makes sense right now
Next Step
The IDP is application-based.
Applying does not guarantee placement and does not create obligation.
It simply allows us to determine whether a conversation makes sense.
Summary
The Unity FC Ambitious Player Development Plan (IDP) is a 6-week, individualized development plan designed to help ambitious players turn effort into clearer direction — with honest standards, professional structure, and no guarantees.
Unity FC is not a youth club and does not operate a full academy. Our role is to provide honest benchmarks, structured development environments, and clear standards so players and families can make informed decisions at the right time.
Our League1 Partners
