U-9 Academy Fall 2009/Spring 2010

Overview

 

Starting in the fall of 2009, Anderson Independent YSA, Frankfort YMCA, Georgetown Scott County YSA, and Woodford YSA will begin a U9 Academy Soccer Program. This program will be different than the traditional select format where players try-out, are placed on Premier and/or Classic teams traveling teams, and then play in leagues and tournaments. In soccer terms, an “Academy” is when a club keeps a collection of players within an age group as opposed to placing them on individual teams. All players of the particular age group will train together. This will allow players to work with a highly licensed training staff to improve their overall skill development. The emphasis will be on technical training and working to instill a passion and love for playing with the ball (and less on competitive matches). The purpose of the “Academy” is on player development through a greater emphasis on training and by creating the most fun and supportive player-centered environment as possible. Trainers will also have an emphasis placed on coaching education to enhance the youth coaches’ knowledge and teaching of the game of soccer!

 

 

 

 

Organization

 

Tryouts will be organized and all players will be accepted. Those players will not be placed on teams, but will represent our U9 Academy in a group setting. Players will be placed in the pool for the full 16 weeks (8 weeks in each the Fall and Spring).

 

 

 

Eight Week Fall 2009/ Spring 2010

 

- Academy players will need to be registered with their local youth association and placed on a team to be eligible

 

- Trainers will rotate locations each week to ensure consistent training methodology

 

- Training will consist of 5 practices on Friday evenings

 

- Another 3 sessions will be Sunday “play dates”

 

 

- Technical training - 30 minutes

 

- Small sided games- 60 minutes

 

- Players will rotate teams to get a chance to play with different players and skill levels

 

- Players will be getting more playing time, receiving more touches on the ball, and playing equal competition through-out the day

 

- One tournament or “Festival” (optional) at the end of the season for the entire Academy

 

 

 

Cost

 

-$50 for the 8 weeks of Friday Night / Sunday “play date” Academy.

 

- Includes 8 sessions per season plus an Academy Jersey

 

- Includes Academy Coaches salaries and travel fees

 

- Play Date host will take care of field rental fees, other costs, etc.

 

- Optional Tournament expense for those interested in traveling (could put 1,2, or 3 teams in a tournament)

 

 

 

 

Advantages

 

- Emphasis on true player development over winning

 

- More qualified coaching staff

 

- Long term player retention and more development for late bloomers

 

- Less stress on coaches

 

- Parent Education Opportunities

 

 

 

Player Development

 

- Focus on technical training to improve advancement of touch and comfort on the ball

 

- Less pressure on players because there is less focus on winning

 

- More qualified coaches working with more players to develop overall talent and allow late bloomers to develop

 

- Show creativity and improvisation without fear of losing

 

- Build confidence on the ball

 

- Create “Player Centered Environment” rather than adult environment (parent, coach, and referee)

 

- Increase a passion and love of the game

 

 

 

Parent and Coach Development

 

- Focus on positive reinforcement

 

- Avoid putting pressure on players to win

 

- Encourage a love and passion for the game

 

- Focus on player’s enjoyment versus on personal gratification

 

- Involve more parents without fear of having to please others by winning

 

 

 

Academy Training Dates:

 

 

8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, and 10/16

 

 

 

 

 

Play Dates:

 

 

9/20 at Frankfort

10/4 at Anderson County

10/25 at Georgetown