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2025 Summer Camps Open

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:32:24 GMT

2025 Summer Camp Registration Open!
Our Summer 2025 Soccer Camp schedule is set and registration is open! Take advantage of our Early Bird discount (till March 15) and register now . What better way to spend the summer than to be with friends, outside, and learning a new skill or honing an old one.

We are offering one week of summer soccer camp: July 14-18. The week of camp will be hosted at Whitefield Academy . Both half day (8-12pm) and full day options (8-3pm) are available for parents for every week. We have Extended Care for any families needing to drop off before 8am or pick up after 3pm.

Register for our Recreational Camps here . Register for our Competitive Camps here . Don't know which camp is right for your child(ren), click here .

Note: There are camp discounts for current Whitefield Academy employees, Home School families, and Church of the Apostles members. Please email me to receive a discount code before completing registration.

Schedule "Stuffing"

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:27:47 GMT

Schedule "Stuffing"
I heard one of our pastors provide a great way to explain our over-scheduled lives in America yesterday at church. He labeled our overly fast-paced, anti-restful, not present with one another lives by the term schedule stuffing. I thought it was a great way to describe how things have become for most American families who do not intentionally focus on scaling back what they are doing with their and their children's days, months, and years as family units.

Imagine you are going on a trip and have one small suitcase to fill. That suitcase doesn't get to decided what goes in it, it just has to function properly with what is put inside it. You gather all your "essential" items and place inside the suitcase. Then you decide that you should probably grab this and that just in case, so you start jamming in more and more. Eventually, you are sitting on the suitcase, using your entire weight of your body to jam that last "must have" item into the bag. When you finally get it all zipped up (a miracle in and off itself), you look at it and think to yourself, "phew, I'm glad that's over...all packed!" The suitcase though has no room for anything else and is almost ready to bust a seam. You have to now gingerly place it in the car, because you know with one wrong move, a massive explosion (and busted bag) will ensue, because of the jostling around in the car.

This (hopefully funny) example is not meant to beat anyone over the head for doing alot of things with their lives. It's meant to serve as a gentle reminder (to myself included) that we should take inventory of what we are signing up for and most importantly why we are signing up.

What a great way to approach describing why we are only offering one week of summer camp instead of two or even three or gosh, even four! I mean, we really should "go big or go home," right? Isn't getting bigger, offering more, providing extra this and that, better ultimately for our kids, so that they stay active and healthy, stay competitive amongst their peers, and not be bored so they don't get into trouble? We couldn't agree less, here at Technika Academy! But I haven't always felt like this...it's a grace that I've come to witness so much unhealthy "fruit" of life always on the go, contracted out to someone else to entertain, raise, instruct, and coach our children.

So, why aren't we offering more weeks of camp to everyone? Doesn't everyone know and really feel that life lived so busy and quickly isn't the way we want it? Shouldn't we make sure that registration numbers are "good" by providing enough options for parents to choose between if they can't attend the only week we are offering? And what about the lost training that could have been happening if we did offer one more week of camp? Our kids are going to be behind their peers! (gulp).

What are we communicating is important to our families? Well, a good indicator of that is just looking at your weekly and monthly calendar.

Before we list the reasons that we are not offering more weeks of camp, let me say loud and clear, because I've been in the sports (soccer specifically) world since I could barely run, that if your child misses out on one or two or even an entire summer of "extra training," that they WILL BE JUST FINE, and that I've never witnessed in all my years any player gaining so much ground (or losing it) over the course of one week of training that their career is now on an entirely different path. If anyone tells you or sells you differently, start running the other way!

So, here are the reasons we are not offering any more weeks of camp this year:

1) Last summer was super busy for us , and we want to intentionally slow down a bit (we could have a slower year in 2024 and offer more camp weeks, but we're taking just a year at a time for now:))
2) We want others to enjoy more family time , and not more schedule stuffing, just because something exists to sign up for. "If you build it, they will come," is a true statement in the youth sports industry. We realize that whatever we offer will "pull" the interest of someone and we take that seriously. But we also realize that having somewhere to put your kids while you work is very important and we want to balance that appropriately by offering an outlet.
3) We desire that relationships between family members take more of a priority , even though we realize that relationships take time, effort, which make it easy to put in second place. Being present with your family members is more important than offering them the latest, greatest (fill in the blank). They want you around and not someone else.
4) Kids need time to engage in "unstructured play. " I know that seems scary, because they are going to say the parent dreaded words...."I'm Bored!!" But that's ok. You can live with that and it's good for them (any you).
5) We have noticed kids and parents burning out with life's demands and don't want to be part of that problem, but hope to be part of that solution.
6) We have noticed that the relational living that we are meant to do is taking a back seat because we are simply too tired from everything else.

So take a moment to check your schedule and your children's. Is it filled up so much that you have to schedule in down time? Maybe it's too filled. Or maybe scheduling in down time is exactly what you need to achieve some rest in your life and your kid's. If we have offended you in any way, please give me a call at 404-645-0028 and we can chat about i! Our goal is not that we condemn anyone for what you are doing, but provide you with something to chew on as you prepare for your upcoming summer plans!

We'd love to see you at our July camp if you are able to make it, and it fits well into your schedule. In the months to come, we'll be taking a stab at starting (and hopefully finishing) walking through our core values again and giving you a closer look at who we are at Technika Academy, so read over our Character value below.

-Amy Feigl, Executive Director

Core Value: Character

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:26:45 GMT

Core Value: Character
Last year, we tried to walk through our core values but didn't get as far as we had hoped! So to kick off this new 2024 camp season, we'll recap our last core value we highlighted: Character. We'll set to walk through the remaining our core values, giving you a closer look at who we are at Technika Academy . To re-start things, we'll describe what our core value "Character" means to us, and what we hope our impact looks like as we live with and teach character on and off the field.

It's quite fitting that Character is our first core value as we re-address who we are here, because all of our other principles we ascribe to really fall under this broad "character" core value. Well, what is Character? What kind of Character do we want to be exemplifying at Technika Academy ? In my opinion, Character is somewhat hard to describe without using other core values like, humility, service, kindness, hard work, etc. At Technika Academy we see character as what's behind all that you do, or what you do when nobody's around, or to put another way, the distinct qualities that describe a person's nature. A humbling question to consider: if someone were asked to describe you, what would they say? Maybe take time this week to ask your kids, or spouse, or someone you trust this question. Their answers may be surprising!

So, what are some character traits we should be aiming to encourage and develop in our players while they are under our care? What are the character traits that we want our staff to live by and be motivated by? What are the character traits that should drive camps in general? Well, there are dozens of admirable character traits that would be worthwhile to keep front of mind, however, we boiled it down to a handful, so that we could hone in on several that would really make an impact during our time on and off the field with our players. Below are the core values that we believe develop our Character best at Technika Academy , and what you can expect from us at any of our camps, and in our communications, throughout our hiring process, and frankly, in everything we do!

Character
Hard Work & Commitment
Honesty & Humility
Selflessness & Servant Leadership
Competition & Courage
Self Discipline & Moderation
Focus on Details & Conscientious
Fun & Enjoyment
Gratefulness & Kindness

In our following newsletters, we'll take a deep dive into what we believe each of these core values means and our pursuit on how we use them to positively change the soccer landscape, one camp and one player at a time. Thank you for the gift of teaching your children both on and off the field. We look forward to seeing you in June and July!

-Amy Feigl, Executive Director

The Benefits of Youth Camps

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 17:46:03 GMT

The Benefits of Youth Camps

Youth camps provide much-needed and sorely missed enrichment opportunities that allow kids to grow socially, cognitively, and physically. The benefits of these experiences include:

Socialization : Kids have spent more time in virtual classrooms than in physical spaces where they can truly interact. Facilitating face-to-face peer experiences for children is more important than ever. A youth camp is a place to make new friends and develop interpersonal skills.
Health and exercise : Too much time at home in front of screens has many kids spending hours on the couch in front of glaring technology devices rather than getting the exercise they need from being outside. Summer camps provide kids with exciting activities that get their growing muscles moving.
Learning opportunities : Youth camps give every child opportunities to learn lessons they wouldn't get at home. Campers hone their problem-solving capabilities, learn to work as part of a team, and gain valuable perspectives from others. Plus, the time away from home tests campers' responsibility and independence in a safe environment where they can fail with little consequence.
Sportsmanship : A youth camp focuses on teaching the team aspect that is of paramount importance for the team’s winning. It’s the best way of teaching youth the significance of working together as a team and thus, working towards a common objective. It helps emerging players to align personal goals with the team and putting great emphasis on team goals if asked to choose anyone. A sense of camaraderie is achieved when children witness their hard work paying off. They consider it as a collective effort and attempt rather than an individual. This helps players to learn sportsmanship which is of foremost importance in sports.
Responsibility and Work Ethic: The commitment and dedication you acquire or intensify in sports camp will help you in other areas of life, even if you don't make it professionally (few do). Dedicated athletes develop into leaders in other areas of life, ranging from business to politics and elsewhere. There's a connection between this success and the discipline, confidence, and desire to win cultivated in athletic activity — and enhanced by time in sports camp.
Reduced Screen Time: You’re not going to be Snapchatting or checking Instagram likes when you’re on a breakaway on the soccer field. Social media is not all bad, of course, but it’s never a bad idea to take a break. The intensive activity at sports camps gives kids a chance to moderate their cellphone and technology use; moderation is never a bad thing. There's a growing body of research into the effects of social media on kids and teens’ mental health. It’s good advice to deeply consider its effects and research on your own what social media can do to your child's mental health, body image, self esteem, stress level, sleep, and a host of other areas. Some authorities do feel that it does more harm than good . Sports camp will help break the spell.

"Can You Believe We Get to Be Parents....Again?"

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 10:34:14 GMT

"Can You Believe We Get to Be Parents....Again?"

My husband and I regularly muse to one another that we can't really believe that we are parents of children - six children nonetheless. We don't muse about this so much because we are ill-prepared and don't know what to expect or do anymore, much like we were at the beginning, but because neither of us are anything special. Especially, special enough to be receiving such amazing gifts year after year. We wonder on a regular basis, "who are we to be blessed so richly?" But I think that reality keeps things in perspective for us, and allows us to enjoy each child's phase and development, not wishing for it to be over (though some phases are extremely hard and demanding), but to revel in them and press into such rare moments that seem ordinary but are anything but.

Forgive me for the additional "baby" content, but walking (most times waddling) through pregnancy and then into labor and finally into baby boot-camp for three months where the baby is eating up a storm and sleep is illusive, have generally become the way that camps are conceived and labored over before the real work on the field begins. This isn't something daunting nor do I resent any one stage, but each new phase is something that is worth the journey, the effort, and the end product, until finally you get to hold the gift in your hands. It's a remarkably long but amazing process.

I can't help but smile to know that a little piece of your child's life will be impacted by how we conceive each week of camp, work and labor to bring forth the concept, coach, and then teach and get our hands "dirty" during their actually time on the field with us. It's amazingly humbling but rewarding, much like each pregnancy and new child has been for our family.

I promise that the next Executive Director note will be geared more towards soccer than babies, but what can ya do when you just gave birth, but to revel in it's beauty for a minute:)

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and got some good time in with family and friends - slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying the little moments that will be gone in the blink of an eye.

-Amy Feigl, Executive Director

New Registration and Operating System | PlayMetrics

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:46:04 GMT

Our New Operating & Registration System | Playmetrics!
We have some exciting news to share - have have officially moved to our NEW Club Operating & Registration system for the 2023 year that will replace Sports Connect. As a result, our website has been completely updated as well! Check out our new website .

We are excited to share our new Club Partnership with PlayMetrics!

PlayMetrics is our all-new, fully functional, consolidated, Club Operating & Registration System and communications software designed to improve the efficiency of camp operations, communication and user experience while enhancing effectiveness on and off the field. The system will allow you to register and communicate all in one place whether at home or on the go (yes, they have a cool mobile app). It will help us communicate with all our families more clearly and effectively, including updates/changes to camp schedules, camp activities, field closures and much more.

Check out some additional questions below!

Why are we switching?
The efficiency and effectiveness of the camp operations combined with communication are critical elements to everyone’s experience. As we evaluated our current situation, we identified areas that needed attention including consolidating systems, adding a mobile friendly user approach, connecting, and automating our programs, operations and analytics. Our new system allows us to make upgrades in those areas.

Will I have to create a new account?
Yes, as a part of the transition, you will need to create a new account in PlayMetrics. This will ensure you do not have duplicate accounts in the system and ensure the most up to date information. Stay tuned for our next communication with details on how to create your account.

When will we start using PlayMetrics?
We are now fully using PlayMetrics. The website is still the same to register and view camp information: tacamps.com .

What do I do next?

Check out the new website and information via tacamps.com
Create a new account and add all your players into the system
Register for camps when they become available (December)

Questions?
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or need help with the transition.

Thanks!

Welcome Baby Victor Feigl!

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:31:17 GMT

Welcome Our Newest Technika Academy Camper: Baby Victor!
Baby Victor Feigl was born on Tuesday, November 22, at 6:38am to our Executive Director and her family and on his Dad's 40th birthday no less! Both he and mom are doing great, and enjoyed the holiday time together with the rest of his family. What a joy to celebrate his birth and the new addition to the Feigl Family. Thanks to all the family and friends who journeyed with them through pregnancy and labor. A special thank you to midwife, Christine, who not only delivered baby Victor, but the last two Feigl babies (Esther and Joy). Christine has the first hat-trick of the season for delivering the last three Feigl kids in a row - thank you Christine! She is one of the heroes in the Feigl family and they are grateful to have had her for the last three births of their children.

Welcome United Rental | Supporter Sponsor

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:36:13 GMT

Welcome United Rental | Supporter Sponsor

Technika Academy wants to welcome United Rental as a proud Supporter Sponsor for the 2023 year. We are looking forward to partnering with United Rental for the third year in a row. A special thank you to Jeff Alexander for the support. Thank you United Rental!

We would love to partner with you too! If you have a desire to support youth sports that serves the needs of kids in and around your community (Mableton, Smyrna, Marietta) and want to get your name in front of over 2,000 families on a regular basis, please reach out to us . We have sponsorship levels for every need!

Grateful for My Station In Life

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:46:04 GMT

Grateful For My Station In Life
My family and I are preparing for our 6th child in about 4 weeks. No, we are not Catholic, we do know where babies come from (I think:), and yes, we do drive a huge Amazon van, and instead of hauling around packages we haul around children. I absolutely love the last few months of pregnancy. Not so much being pregnant, but anticipating the arrival of another child into our family, one more seat occupied in the huge van.

The thoughts and conversations during those last few months with our other children are so exciting and joyful as we anticipate the arrival of another pack member. One more child to enjoy, to teach, to learn from, to wonder over. I imagine my kids and husband are tired of me asking them, "what do you think this new baby will be like, and what do you think they'll look like, and what will our new family dynamics be?"

And I can't help but think of how I plan each camp season in many of the same ways that I do when I look forward to the arrival of another child. How am I going to engage with a group of campers, who am I going to meet, how am I going to teach something hard to someone who may just not get it? I genuinely look forward to all of it!

I've been involved in the game of soccer for over 30 years, been coaching it for over 20, and have been running soccer camps for close to 10 years. I am extremely blessed and humbled to be teaching, mentoring, and being around kids for a living. Most people don't ever get to enjoy their job, so I'm grateful that I do - every day! And the delight that being with your children gives me never fades from year to year. It's one of my joys and I'm grateful for my station in life and it's more than I could've ever asked for.

Thank you for allowing me such an important role in your child's life. I don't take it for granted, and I'm excited to continue to be involved as long as I'm able, teaching and passing along what I've learned over the years to the next generation. I'm already eagerly looking forward to next summer!

-Amy Feigl, Executive Director