ACADEMY
TRAINING

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.

STRUCTURE AND TIMELINE

Registration for the 2023/24 season will open on May 15.

Team/training group formation is concluded after the second/third week in August.

The fall outdoor season is from August 7th to December 7th.

Academy Teams will participate in Winter Indoor Session at ISA. (This is not included in the monthly cost)

The 2024 Spring outdoor season begins on Jan 29 and extends through May 16.

Players play in 8-10 league games a season. The number of tournaments will depend on each team, but the club suggests at least 2 for U8-U10 teams. (Tournament is an extra cost for teams)

U7 - U10 players train twice per week with the opportunity to train three times a week.

Teams Participate in Metro Academy Games (MAG) Games mainly on Fridays, but some will be on Saturdays and Sundays.

U7-U10 academy players CAN participate in the club's recreational program.

ACADEMY SKILLS TRAINING

Academy Skills Nights are held on WEDNESDAYS:

U7 & U8 5 pm - 6 pm

U9 & U10 6:05 pm - 7:05 pm

Skill Sessions: Designed to bring all academy players together in a club atmosphere for more unopposed technical training, ball manipulation, and speed & agility work.

Academy Skills Night Dates:

Fall 2023:

  • September 6

  • September 13

  • September 20

  • September 27

  • October 4

  • October 11

  • October 18

  • October 25

  • November 1

  • November 8

Spring 2024:

  • March 6

  • March 13

  • March 27

  • April 3

  • April 10

  • April 17

  • April 24

  • May 1

  • May 8

  • May 15

DEVELOPMENT CHARTS

U7 & U8 DEVELOPMENT CHART

U7 & U8 TECHNICAL

Objectives: General Technical Skill Development and Comfort on the ball. All Players must be introduced to the basic Coerver Moves.

Dribbling:

Change of Direction Moves:

  • Inside Cut

  • Outside Cut

  • Hook Turn

  • U-Turn

  • Pull Back

Stops & Start Moves:

  • Pull-Push

  • Stop & Go

  • Fake & Go

Feints:

  • Scissors

  • Side Step

  • Step Over

Running with the Ball:

  • Speed dribbling

Passing:

  • Short Passing

Receiving:

•       Inside of Foot

U7 & U8 TACTICAL

Objective: Confidence to use skills in a game.

individual Offensive Tactics:

  • Running with the ball

  • 1v1 Attacking Moves

  • 2v1 Attacking Options

Individual Defensive Tactics:

  • 1v1 Defending

  • Work Rate

Small Sided Games:

  • 2v2, 3v3, 4v4

  • Emphasis on dribbling, running with the ball, basic passing & support

Formations:

  • Learn how to play within a 4v4 or 7v7 format

  • Develop a basic understanding of attacking & defending principles

U7 & U8 FITNESS

Objective: Improve player’s general level of fitness.

Endurance:

  • 1v1 activities

  • 2v2 activities

  • 4v4 games

Coordination:

  • Technical work with emphasis on change of direction and change of pace.

  • Balance and agility movements

U7 & U8 PSYCHOLOGY

Objective: Ensure players are trained in a positive environment.

Training will put Focus on:

  • Concentration

  • Cooperation

  • Competing

  • Work Ethic

  • Sportsmanship

U9 & U10 DEVELOPMENT CHART

U9 & U10 TECHNICAL

Objectives: General Technical Skill Development and Comfort on the ball.

Turning Moves:

  • Inside/Outside Cuts

  • Hook Turn

  • U-Turn

  • Step Over Turn

  • Cruyff

  • Combination of Turns

Attacking Moves:

  • Scissors

  • Side Step

  • Step Over

  • Matthews

  • Reverse Matthews

  • Combination of Moves

Control & Receiving:

  • Ground Control

  • Aerial Control

  • Dynamic First Touch

Passing:

  • Inside of Foot

  • Instep

Dribbling/Running with the Ball:

  • Close control

  • Change direction/pace

  • Use of both fee

  • “Head up”

Shooting:

  • Striking the ball with the laces

Attacking/Defending:

  • 1v1 Attacking

  • 1v1 Defending

U9 & U10 TACTICAL

Objective: Confidence to use skills in a game.

individual Offensive Tactics:

  • Dribbling with the ball

  • 1v1 Attacking Moves

Individual Defensive Tactics:

  • 1v1 Defending

  • Work Rate

Small Group Attacking:

  • 2v1 Attacking Options

  • 2v2 Attacking Options

Small Sided Games:

  • 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 6v6 Etc

  • Emphasis on dribbling, running with the ball, basic passing & support play. (Depending on the game set up & theme)

Formations:

  • Learn how to play & adapt to different formations

U9 & U10 FITNESS

Objective: Improve player’s general level of fitness.

Endurance:

  • 1v1 activities

  • 2v2 activities

  • 3v3 activities

  • 4v4 games and bigger games

Coordination:

  • Technical work with emphasis on change of direction and change of pace.

  • Running activities

  • Balance and agility movements

U9 & U10 PSYCHOLOGY

Objective: Ensure players are trained in a positive environment.

Training will put Focus on:

  • Concentration

  • Cooperation

  • Competing

  • Work Ethic

  • Sportsmanship