This year has been one for the record books for IDA at DME Academy. The competitive season began on September 15, 2022 with a 8-1 victory over Ormond Beach SC U19. This outstanding team win would mark the first of many. The team had a 20-1-3 record overall, spanning regular season games and tournaments. The team attended and won two notable tournaments this season – IMG Cup and the Easter Cup International. 

IMG Cup is a prestigious tournament that attracts intense competition and a wealth of college coaches. This year, DME Academy took home the cup, breezing through the competition undefeated. They kicked off with a 2-0 win against BW Gottschee and went on to score 6 more goals in the final two games of the tournament defeating Smithtown Kickers 3-1 and Cedar Stars 3-0. 

The Easter International Cup is a high-level tournament, hosting 200 top youth soccer teams across the country as well as 25 international teams. The IDA at DME Academy squad had an undefeated run in the tournament with high scoring games against Pumas FC Honduras, ANPPS Parkland Soccer, ANISA International Soccer, ASEGL Plantation FC, and a huge 6-1 victory in the championship against Florida Rush OOSA. This was a major cup win for the Academy, boosting our status as one of the top youth programs in the country. 

One IDA at DME academy standout, Adrian Biaggi, committed to continue his soccer career at The University of Dayton – a division I school that competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Adrian came to the United States from Puerto Rico via IDA’s partnership with DME Academy during his senior year with no pre-existing college offers. Through hard work and exposure, Adrian earned 4 division I offers by April 1st of this year before ultimately choosing Dayton. 

In addition to the Academy’s on-field success, DME recently built a 75,000+ sq foot turf field, which will play a key role in enhancing training sessions and quality of games. With state-of-the-art facilities, the Academy will be able to host high-level competitions, offer showcase events, practice on a full-sized field, and have flexible training hours. 

This summer, IDA at DME Academy is hosting a 4-week intensive program that is designed to help serious soccer athletes improve their game. Players will participate in two daily training sessions, beach workouts, S&C sessions, receive a highlight video and professional photos, and have the option to take ESL courses. The camp is open to both boys and girls ages 13-19. 

Ready to ignite the dream? Speak to a representative today about opportunities with IDA at DME Academy!

Daytona Beach, FL – IDA is excited to announce the hiring of Thales Peterson as Head Soccer Coach. Peterson is set to take over the reins of IDA’s fast-growing soccer program in partnership with DME academy on May 15th. Peterson brings a wealth of soccer experience to the program and possesses strong leadership qualities that had him pegged for the position. 

Peterson comes to IDA @DME with an impressive coaching background. He has been coaching at various youth and professional levels for decades and holds a USSF A License. 

Peterson began his career as an Assistant Coach at the Empire Strykers (then named the Ontario Fury) in Ontario, California, and spent 13 years with FC Golden State, helping to build the youth program from scratch. Today, the club features thousands of players, many of which are MLS Next status. After his tenure with the Empire Strykers, Peterson was named head coach for the professional soccer club, Los Angeles Force, which plays in the National Independent Soccer Association out of Los Angeles, California. Most recently, he was the Girls Director and Head Coach at an ECNL-R club in the Sarasota, Florida area. Peterson is well-respected in the soccer community and has a proven track record of developing players and producing winning teams.

“We are thrilled to have Thales Peterson join the team as our Head Soccer Coach,” said Rick Angelicola, Academic Advisor at IDA @DME. “His extensive coaching experience, passion for the game, and commitment to player development make him the perfect fit for our program. His Brazilian roots and international ties will aid us in continuing to bring the best players from around the world to the fields at the IDA Florida Campus in Daytona.”

Peterson is equally excited about the opportunity to lead the IDA @DME Academy soccer program. 

I’m excited to work with a professional staff, at a state-of-the-art facility, and with high-level aspiring athletes. With dedication, the right mindset, and execution, you can achieve all your goals. I’m honored to help ignite the dream and make a positive impact on the lives of so many student-athletes.” 

The IDA soccer program in partnership with DME Academy is known for its commitment to excellence, both academically and athletically. With Peterson at the helm, the soccer program is positioned to continue its upward trajectory and achieve even greater success.