The Academy Program provides an environment where players can develop stronger skills, experience healthy competition, and build confidence while continuing to enjoy the game in a positive, age-appropriate setting. Players interested in joining the Academy can participate in Academy assessments to determine if the program is the right developmental step for them.

The Academy program is designed for young players who are ready for more challenges and structured development.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF AN ATHLETE 

Before children become strong soccer players, they must first become confident movers.

Our Academy curriculum emphasizes developing fundamental athletic skills to support long-term success in soccer and all sports. Through age-appropriate activities, players develop:

  • Balance and coordination
  • Agility and quickness
  • Spatial awareness
  • Body control
  • Movement confidence

These essential abilities form the foundation of physical literacy, helping young athletes move efficiently, safely, and confidently as they grow.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: EVIDENCE-BASED DEVELOPMENT 

Our Academy program uses internationally recognized, evidence-based teaching methods, including Games for Understanding (GFUs). These activities allow players to learn soccer by playing, exploring, and solving problems in game situations, rather than relying solely on drills.

This approach keeps sessions active, engaging, and developmentally appropriate while helping players build important soccer abilities such as:

  • Ball control and technical skill development
  • Early decision-making and game awareness
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Creative problem solving
  • Confidence and enjoyment of the game

By learning through play, players develop both technical ability and game intelligence in ways that support long-term growth.

A STRUCTURED DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM 

The Academy program follows a structured training curriculum aligned with international development standards. Players progress through a 10-month curriculum designed specifically for this age group. Training sessions are planned using age-appropriate, evidence-based practice models that help accelerate development while keeping learning fun and engaging.

Each session focuses on building:

  • Technical skill with the ball
  • Game understanding and decision-making
  • Confidence in attacking and defending situations
  • Team interaction and communication

This structured approach ensures players receive consistent, high-quality development throughout the season.

COACH STANDARDS & PLAYER SAFETY 

The safety and well-being of our players is our highest priority. All Academy coaches are required to meet strict standards for safety, education, and professionalism.

All coaches maintain full SafeSport certification, which includes training on:

  • Recognizing and preventing misconduct
  • Mandatory reporting responsibilities
  • Emotional and physical safety for youth athletes

Annual Background Checks

Every coach must pass a national criminal background check each year and remain in good standing to work with youth athletes.

A POSITIVE FIRST STEP TOWARDS COMPETITIVE SOCCER 

The Academy provides young players with an environment that balances development, competition, and enjoyment of the game.

Our goal is to help players:

  • Build strong technical and athletic foundations
  • Grow in confidence and love for the game
  • Prepare for future competitive opportunities when the time is right

Most importantly, we want every child to leave the field smiling, having improved, and excited to come back for the next session.

CLUB COACHING STANDARDS

Our coaches follow club-wide coaching expectations designed to create a positive and safe learning environment, including:

  • A positive coaching model
  • Development-first philosophy
  • Athlete-centered communication
  • Consistent supervision and clear safety procedures
  • Ongoing coaching education to stay current with the evolving game

These standards ensure that every player is coached by qualified, vetted, and committed adults who prioritize both player development and player safety.