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The GCCSA Academy program is for players that are U8 - U11. This program is designed as a basic introduction to competitive soccer. The players are trained by an Academy Staff which have age appropriate coaching qualifications. The Academy Program is a state run program through the NCYSA that provides children with a fun and exciting environment while developing fundamentals through a specific age appropriate curriculum.
The academy players practice two days a week with an optional SKILLS training on Wednesdays. By signing up for an Academy team, you are committing for both fall and spring with your team. Fall practices begin in September, and Spring practices start in February. Home games will be played at Hanna Park.
Why Academy?
Academy is a development tool recommended by the United States Soccer Federation. Its goal is to focus on skill and tactical development of younger players. The Academy format is used by most other countries. They take younger pools of players and have them train and play competitive/non-counting games. This means they do not have standings for this approach. It is not focused on winning or losing, but rather, it is focused on the player development aspect. This allows us to dispel the hyper-competetiveness at this young age to avoid burning out our players as they progress.
What is the difference between Challenge and Academy?
Training remains the same for both Challenge and Academy. Academy must have a certified National Youth License Director.
Matches are the big difference. We will schedule matches against other Academies. There are no standings. This is to encourage players to play rather then worry about a result. This will enable coaches to play all players rather than limit time for weaker players. Tournaments are now festivals. The festivals are handled much like matches where there are not champions, just matches played in a weekend.
FUNdamentals
This will be a higher level for player development, but we want players to experience the FUN of development.
Interactive Curriculum
Parents will be given our skill sheet so that you can take it and work on it with your child. You will know what our focus is so that you can be more involved in the development. As we get more competitive as they age up this will be important that you have a base understanding of what your child is doing.
How can I sign up?
Annual tryouts are held in May for the following Fall/Spring season. The website will be updated in April with tryout registration information.
For more information
If you have further questions, please contact Arik Lemmon, Academy Director.
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