The Academy Program is the select developmental program for boys’ and girls’ teams from the ages 8 - 12.
This program is for the more serious player who desires professional coaching. These groups work on player development and team tactics. Player assessments are required.

Age Group: The Academy Level Program is comprised for the U9, U10, U11 & U12 age groups. It is a stepping-stone to the select program. The commitment level is more than that required in the recreational program, but less than that required of the select program. Similar to the recreational level program, it is open to players of all skill levels.

The program provides an alternative to the traditional recreational and traveling team programs. The overall focus of this league is to provide development of technical skills, tactical awareness, physical abilities and psychological growth within a fun and rewarding environment without the intense pressure to win at all costs. The ultimate goal of the program is the overall development of every player in each area of emphasis.

All of the teams will be trained by professional club coaches to provide the players with the best foundation of skills, abilities and knowledge of the game.

 

Program objectives:
• To eliminate keeping scores and reduce pressure on players and coaches to get results.
• To emphasize individual player development and especially individual technical development.
• To reduce the excessive travel around the state for games.
• To reduce the possibilities of mismatched opponents and lopsided scores by allowing clubs to do their own scheduling.
• To reduce the number of games players were playing in a year and increase the number of training opportunities.

Program Benefits:

• Free player movement within the academy program age group.
• Growing a ‘CLUB’ concept with a club loyalty as opposed to individual team mentality.
• Professional coaches taking over administration and training of younger ages.
• Increased player enrollment and larger membership at the club.
• Increased pool of players for older teams with improvement in quality of players.
• A good introduction to ‘Select’ competitive soccer for players transitioning from recreational to select soccer.

Commitment Level: This Program is for a full two-season commitment, Fall 2010-Spring 2011. These programs are for serious soccer players looking to develop their skills in an environment with professional coaches and staff. Players are asked to make practice sessions and games during BOTH. Typically, teams practice 2 days a week during the season and play 1 game per weekend (Fall practices Aug-Nov; Spring practices Feb-May); however, PLEASE NOTE our higher level teams may be REQUIRED to add a third practice, while others will have an optional third practice added. Select soccer IS different from recreational soccer.
It is a two-season commitment (U10-U14) and practice attendance is required or playing time is subject to limitation based on the discretion of the coaching staff. The competition both inner-club and intra-club is much greater at this level and training sessions help build a player’s skill level to meet the demands of that competition. Professional staff members coach the teams to deepen a player’s skill and understanding of the game.

The players are expected to:
Attend all team practices and games unless there are extenuating circumstances (for example: illness or unexpected out-of-town trips).
Attend all scheduled tournaments and soccer camps.
Bring a correct-size and pumped ball, water, and wear socks and shin guards to every practice.
Wear the training shirt to every practice, if required by your coach.
Make soccer their primary sport during the soccer seasons. Fall Season and Spring for U10-U14. Fall for U15 and above.

The parents are expected to:
Make an increased time and financial commitment to the Select and Academy Program (as compared to recreational soccer).
Parents must also commit to making timely payments to the team manager/team treasurer for coaching/ training/tournament fees during the year.
Get players to practices and games on time and ready to practice/play.

 

Length of Games, Overtime Periods and Ball Specifications

 

Section 1. (a) the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group is as follows:

Age Group	Game Length	Overtime Periods	Size	Circumference	Weight	Number of Players
Under-19	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-18	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-17	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-16	Two 40' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-15	Two 40' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-14	Two 35' halves	Two 10' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-13	Two 35' halves	Two 10' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-12	Two 30' halves	Two 10' halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 11, 8 preferred
Under-11	Two 30' halves	Two 10' halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 11, 8 preferred
Under-10	Two 25' halves	NONE	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 7, 6 preferred

   

 Section 1. (b) In tournament play, if the game is still tied after overtime periods, FIFA "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" rules apply to determine the winner.