ESC SPRING 2013 ACADEMY

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WHAT IS THE ACADEMY?

The ESC Academy program is designed to allow recreational players aged 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 player the skills necessary to have success in the 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 in the game.

The Academy program is also a great tool for preparing players that think they may want to try out for competitive soccer at U11, or just to lay a solid foundation for continued play at the recreational level at U11.

ACADEMY FORMAT:

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.

ACADEMY AGE GROUPS: (If birthday falls within)

ACADEMY FEES:

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 attainder their National Youth License as well.  This will ensure that kids in the Academy program 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 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 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 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 season to make sure we have them placed correctly.

DO I NEED A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?

If you are "new" to ESC or GotSoccer, you must send a copy of your player's birth certificate to the Registrar, Pat Morgan.

Pat Morgan
2512 Stonehenge Dr.
Edmond, OK 73034

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 Friday.  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.  We will form 3 training groups of 16 for practice and 4 teams of 12 for the games on Friday.  The training groups will remain consistent, unless we will the need to move a player in order to challenge him or her more or provide better opportunities for success.  This will only be done once a discussion with the parent has taken place, and both coaches and parents are in agreement.  Teams for the Friday games will be consistent as well so players can still get that team feel.

Who will be heading up my child’s age group? (coach name below is an email link)

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: (Academy Practices start the week of March 4)

Academy Play Dates:

Spring 2013 - March 15, 29/ April 5,12,19, 26/ May 3/ May 10 (Rainout-Make-Up Date)

Registration Deadline: Early registration deadline - February 1, 2013

Registration Closes: February 15, 2013

Spring 2013 Academy Schedule:

Download a USYSA Registration Form here

Academy Field Usage Agreement