ESC FALL 2009 ACADEMY

The ESC Academy program is designed to allow recreational players U7-U10 to practice and play with kids of like ability. This program allows players to be challenged according to their level of ability and to help them develop as soccer players. It gives players the opportunity to work with experienced ESC staff coaches who have an extensive experience playing and coaching the game.

The focus of the training sessions will be teaching each individual the skills necessary to have success in this game. Players will work with the ball at their feet to make them comfortable with the ball and have the confidence to keep the ball during games. Each session will lead into small sided games to teach players how to apply the skills to the game.

The Academy program is also a great tool for preparing players that think they may want to play competitive soccer at U11 or for players that want to continue with recreational soccer at U11 and build a good solid foundation.

Academy Format:

Academy Age Groups (if Birthday falls within)

Why Academy?

The Academy is staffed by coaches that are on staff at the Edmond Soccer Club.  Many of these coaches have played at a high level and have attended education courses geared towards soccer coaches.  All coaches in the Academy have a minimum of a national D license and many have attained their National Youth License as well.  This will ensure that kids in the Academy will be taught the necessary skills for playing the game and create good habits that will benefit your child as a player regardless of what level he or she decides to play from recreational to competitive.  Kids will also get to play in games with kids of equal ability against kids of equal ability resulting in fewer lob sided games and better level of competition.

Is Academy competitive?

We train 2 days per week and play a game on Friday, much like any other recreational teams.   We keep no standings and remove the pressure to win from the coaches.  This allows coaches to focus on development.  Any child of any level of ability can participate in the Academy.

How are teams formed?

Teams will be formed based on ability. Players may move from one team to the next based on their progress. This evaluation and movement will be up to the coaches working in that age group.  We will be evaluating players throughout the month of August as we begin to sort them into training groups and teams.

Formation of Training Groups/Teams:

We will form training groups of no more than 16 players per group, but will form teams of 10 to 12 players for the games on Fridays.  This will allow us to end up in 8v8 scrimmages the last 20 – 30 minutes of each training session.  For the games on Fridays, players will get more playing time as well.

Example:

48 U10 boys   

3 training groups of 16 for training and 4 teams of 12 for the games on Friday.  The training groups will remain consistent, unless we feel the need to move a player.  This will only be done once a discussion with the parent has been done, and both coach and parent are in agreement.  Teams for the Friday games will be consistent as well, so the players can still get the team feel.

Who will be coaching my childs age group:

Practice Schedule (Fall 2009):

First practices will start the week of August 3rd.

Academy Fees:

• ESC Registration Fee: $125 / season
• $250 per team/ season - Field usage fee for practice at the complex.
• Coaches Training Fees U9/U10: $50/Month starting in August
• Coaches Training Fees U7/U8: $40/Month starting in August
• Uniforms: approximately $35.00 (2 Academy t-shirts, shorts, socks)

Tournaments:

U9 and U10 teams will play in 2 tournaments in the fall and 2 in the spring.  Some of the teams may participate in the Winter Magic indoor tournament held in Kansas City MLK weekend.

Beat the Heat  August 7-9      Boys                            Beat the Heat  August 14-16 Girls

Turkey Shootout         November 6-8

U7 and U8 teams will play 1 friendly in house mini tournament at the end of each season.

Academy Play Dates:

September 11, 18, 25              October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

download a USYSA Registration Form here

Fall 2009 Registration Academy Information/Registration Page