WHAT IS OUR ACADEMY PROGRAM?
A unique program in which 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and U12 year old boys and girls receive top quality soccer training in a fun and flexible environment. The first experience in competitive play should provide the best opportunity for successful transition from the developmental program to 7 aside, 9 aside and 11 aside game of select soccer. The Academy program will implement an age appropriate training system developed under the guidelines of GSSA, and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Various European club training models and techniques will be integrated into the curriculum for a truly international system of player development.
FAQ
There are 4 basics technical skills that must be developed at the U8-U12 age groups: dribbling, receiving, passing, and shooting. Crucial tactical skills such as the ability to organize offenses or defenses and recognize when to make certain types of runs are irrelevant if a player can not receive the ball cleanly, dribble creatively, pass accurately, and shoot the ball on goal. The Academy program will place training priorities on the most important technical topics: dribbling with creativity, mastering moves and fakes, receiving the ball away from pressure, accurate passing, shooting with power and accuracy, volleying and heading.
Fee includes Georgia Soccer registration and insurance, referee fees, professional training/coaching, field use, equipment, and league administration.
Players will be accepted into the Academy via tryout system Accepted players will be divided by age and gender and placed in pools/on teams. Academy pool/teams of players will practice together under the supervision of licensed coaches and professional trainers. Players movement from team to team may be necessary for those who progress at a quicker than normal rate or for those who may need a different level of competition. This flexibility is unique to the academy program.
1.5-hour practices sessions twice per week. Optional 3rd session for scrimmage games or special training topics. Goalkeeper sessions offered once per week
Academy players will participate for 2 full seasons. The fall season will take place August – November and the spring season will take place February – May. Academy teams will play at least 10 games per season, half at home and half away against other academy teams. U9/U10 teams will play 7v7 games U11/U12 teams will play 9v9 games. Games will consist of 2 halves, 30 minutes each. All players will play a minimum of half of every game.
Coaching points are generally best when left to the coaching staff and parents should refrain from offering advice to players during practices or games. Parents should refrain from giving any tactical feedback to players regarding performance unless first consulting with the coach as they may give contradictory information or repeat what the coach has already discussed with player. Over coaching or emphasizing mistakes can often lead to frustration or simply disinterest which eventually leads to player quitting the game.
Positive support is vital during times of disappointment which is a natural part of a young soccer player’s developmental success
Positive encouragement from parents is vital to help young soccer players understand the significance of winning and losing, the experience of frustration in learning and the need to develop self confidence
Positive coaching from our staff is vitally important to our player’s development. We must ensure that our players are installed with confidence to play and have an understanding of the coach’s instructions also that our players except constructive and negative information to improve them as soccer players and team members. Encouragement at this level is a crucial and necessary motivational tool to making our players successful, creative and well rounded soccer players.
Teams will participate in 2-4 local tournaments a seasonal year. The coaches will determine end of season tournaments and team rosters. As with practice and games, players may be moved during tournaments as parity dictates.
All games will be played with local leagues to eliminate extensive travel for players at such a young age. Travel will be limited to 1-1.5 hours if at all possible