ACADEMY

ANYONE BORN BETWEEN 2014-2017 IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE ACADEMY PROGRAM

ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Oklahoma Celtic Academy is to provide the best possible coaching and instruction for our young players to ensure proper development of individual skill and technique and to introduce the team concepts involved in the game. The Academy’s experienced coaching staff emphasizes technical, tactical, and physical development while encouraging individual creativity and expression.

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

GAME UNDERSTANDING: This component is related to the TACTICAL side of the game. Developing vision and game awareness is crucial from an early age. In soccer, one action is never repeated in exactly the same way and game situations change constantly. Collective practices and experience in different game situations aids the player by improving his/her knowledge of the game.

QUALITY: This component is related to the TECHNICAL side of the game. A quality touch of the ball is indispensable to the tactical side of game-efficiency. Technique in soccer allows for great diversity; therefore, repeating specific technical actions in a game context provides the player with a wide range of technical movements. Coaches will insist on a clean touch on the ball as well as quality technique.

INTENSITY: This component is related to the PHYSICAL side of the game. Practices must be performed at game intensity. Short working periods of high-intensity develops the technical quality and the quick, tactical decisions required in the game. Reproducing game intensity during training sessions is essential to the improvement of the different types of speed and endurance.

COMPETITIVENESS: This component is related to the PSYCHOSOCIAL part of the game. Opposed and high-intensity practices are essential in the development of high-quality and competitive players. Developing committed and competitive players from an early age is an indispensable aspect in the creation of successful teams.