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Overview of the Academy session:
We will group all players by age. This generally translates to 4 age groups: Under 12, U14, U16, and Under 19. Each age group consists on average of 4-5 teams. Each team consists generally of 14 and 16 players. We will assign an Academy coach to each team who will train the squad for the duration of the camp and follow an age appropriate curriculum.
The Under 12 and Under 14 curriculum is designed for the younger players who want to become better on the ball and better in their decision making on the field. Our staff emphasizes appropriate technique whenever possible because skill acquisition is most effective between ages 9-14. Technical task repetition and the use of newly learned skills under real game constraints are the main objectives of this camp. Small-sided games and tactical instruction are part of every training session. At the conclusion of the week, a skill competition will determine the camp's best players.
The Under 16 and Under 19 Academies will focus on teaching players to improve their decision making in games. Sessions are designed so that players think faster and increase their vision during play. Tactical aspects such as High and Low pressure defending, possession soccer, counter attacking, kick and rush are designed for players who want to be better high school, club, and college players. Senior college level coaches will instruct on the principles of attacking and defending with topics ranging from zonal defending, combination play, pressure-cover-balance, flank play, counter attacking, direct style soccer, possession built up soccer, creative finishing, and much more. At the end of each lesson players will compete in a small sided game to highlight the topic of the hour. Coaches will teach players to make better decisions while playing at a faster pace in order to reach a new level of awareness. At the conclusion of the week, a skill competition will determine the camp's best players. A small sided tournament and evening league games should bring in every player. |