Format
This program aims to have approximately 25 kids per location. Players will be organized into mixed groups of approximately 6 players each (6 to 1 player to coach ratio), who will start by playing a small sided games, transition into rotating skills stations and activities then finish with more exciting and fun games.
School programs with players U6 and older will be invited to participate in the Development Academy Saturday weekend inter-squad games. Each school will be organized into groups of 6 players per squad to compete against other school teams and Development Academy teams on the weekend. All squads will be professionally managed by an academy professional coach. The format will be 4v4, giving each teams two subs. The teams will play a small sided format without goalkeepers.
Curriculum
The Development Academy Junior curriculum is designed within the guidelines of US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches coaching education guidelines for players at the 2 to 11 ages. The program features a heavy emphasis on individual ball mastery, creativity and confidence all with in a fun and positive environment helping to maximum player development and enjoyment of the game. Each session will feature a theme. Examples include:
- Shooting and Technique
- Dribbling and Building Confidence - Basic Foundation and Change of Direction using different parts of the foot.
- Dribbling and Attacking - Fun moves such as the scissors and step overs, combination moves, penetrating runs by dribbling with speed at goal
- First Touch
- Passing and learning to play with teammates.