Introduction
Parents, SASA has designed an Academy program for motivated players in the U8 age group. These are players with birthdates that fall between August 1, 2001 and July 31, 2002. We have crafted our program to emphasize foundational skill-set development in a challenging and fun environment. We have also worked hard to ensure these young players are in a program that fosters their esprit with their teammates and love for the game. We want to promote soccer as a lifelong joy! We also intend to use the Academy experience to give parents and players an insight into our Travel program to support their commitment to this challenging but fulfilling soccer experience.
The Coaching Program
The program will be conducted one evening per week for approximately 60-75 minutes per session. SASA will run the Academy during April and May, concurrent with our spring soccer season. The Academy will take precedence over your child’s regular SASA practice schedule.
The Coaching Focus
The coaching sessions are designed to teach players the basic fundamentals of the game. At this early age, it is important that practices are run so that every player is receiving the maximum touches on the ball to promote footwork, control, and confidence. It is also important to educate players to respect the rules of the game and the importance of working as a team.
Academy Director – Travel Division Director – Rick Thoroughgood
Rick is responsible for the following coordination:
· To liaise with all parents
· To coordinate with SASA’s Recreation and Classic Directors and coaches
· To assist in the selection of players for the Travel Division
Academy Coaching Director – Technical Director of Travel – Tom Armstrong
Tom is responsible for the following activities:
- To develop the instructional program
- To identify the coaches to work within the program
- To identify potential coaches for future U9 Travel teams in the following Fall season
- To coordinate use of County fields
- To provide all supplies and equipment
- To coordinate participation in a post-Academy tournament
- To assist in the selection of U9 Travel players
Academy Coaches
The Coaching Director serves as the head coach for the boy’s program. The SASA General Manager serves as the head coach for the girl’s program. We are encouraging our High School and Travel players to work within the program. They have important insight into coaching and motivating young players. We may also seek the support of developing Recreation and Classic coaches who wish to challenge themselves with high-level Academy instruction. All coaches within the program work under the guidance of the Coaching Director.
Academy Groups
The Academy is organized into two groups; a girl’s group and a boy’s group. SASA intends to promote and grow U8 Academy participation into groups of 30 to 35 players each. Our goal is to have enough coaches to lead 8 to 10 players each.
Currently, SASA’s Travel Division encourages the formation of three boys and three girl’s teams within each age group from U9-U12. The teams are formed based on our assessment of skill-sets to support a Blue (elite), White (advanced), and Gold (advanced-developing) age group. Each U9 Travel team will have 10 players on their roster. Older teams will have larger rosters based on age group requirements. This will enable SASA to best support the appropriate development and soccer progression throughout a player’s SASA career.
The Academy Calendar
March, April, and May
All players will continue to play for their Recreation and Classic teams. There will be two (2) Travel tryout sessions and six (6) outdoor practice sessions during this period.
June
The players will represent the Club by participating in 4 v 4 tournaments in the local area. SASA will conduct final assessments to best place players with a team that fits their current skill-sets in the U9 age group.
July
Young players need a 4-6 week break from soccer during the summer.
August
In mid August, players will start preparing for the fall season with their new team. In late August, they will enter a pre-season tournament in the local area.
September - November
Players will compete in their U9 Travel program. They will play eight or nine games for their respective teams in the local Travel Leagues (ODSL, NCSL, WAGS). Travel games are generally scheduled on Sundays. Teams may compete in an end-of-season local tournament.
Coaching Practices
Week 1, April 16
Player Education
It is important that the players at this young age
· Have fun.
· Understand the need to have and look after their equipment,
· Know the basic rules of the game.
· Work not only as an individual but also as a team member.
· Learn to juggle a soccer ball as this will help in improving their skills.
Week 2; April 23
Passing
Players will learn to pass a ball over short distances with either foot.
They will learn to have an understanding of:
· Using the correct speed/pace to make a pass
· To pass the ball accurately over short distances
· To know when the plant foot is in the correct position
· To make the correct contact on the ball with the kicking foot
· To be able to pass the ball whilst moving around the field.
Week 3; April 30
Control
Players will learn the simple fundamentals of controlling a ball
They will learn to have an understanding of:
· Getting their body behind the ball
· To decide on the controlling surface – foot, knee or chest
· To relax on contact
Week 4; May 7
Dribbling
Players will learn basic turns and dribbling moves.
They will learn to have an understanding of:
· How to keep the ball close to their feet
· The importance of using all parts of their feet when dribbling
· The importance of keeping their head up
· They will also learn to develop tricks and turns when dribbling the ball
Week 5; May 14
Shooting
Players will learn how to strike the ball correctly.
They will learn to have an understanding of:
· Getting the plant foot in the correct position when shooting
· To make the correct contact on the ball with the kicking foot
· The importance of hitting the target
· To follow their shots in for any rebounds
Week 6; May 21
Defending
Players will learn the basic block tackle.
They will learn to have an understanding of:
· The importance of staying on their feet as a defender
· To be in the correct challenging position
· To keep their eye on the ball when challenging
Rain Make-up date: May 28
Games
During the sessions the last 15 minutes must be 3 v 3 or 4v4 small-sided games with no goalkeepers.
It is important that the players are not coached but allowed to play at this age group.
The emphasis should be on fun.
Parents
The Travel Director will address all the parents of children who are eligible to be selected for the Academy.
It is important that parents are aware of what is expected in our SASA program.
It is also important that parents are aware of the SASA program we are building to enable their children to develop.
Parents will be educated on the importance of player development rather than wins, ties and losses.
It is also important that we educate the parents on summer and winter breaks to help prevent burnout and lower limb injuries.
The Academy is at Smith Lake on Friday evenings and begins April 16, 2010 and finishes on May 21, 2010 with May 28, 2010 as a possible
make-up day. Each session will be from 6pm to 7pm.
Equipment
All players will need the following equipment:
· A size 3 soccer ball (Inflated correctly)
· A water bottle
· Cleats, Shin guards, Soccer shorts and socks
· An Academy tee shirt
· It is important players bring all their equipment to each practice.
Expenses
The fee will be $40 a player and will cover the following:
· Coaching Fees
· Field Costs
· Registration Fee
· An Academy tee shirt
· Tournament Fees
Registration
Registration begins Tuesday, December 15th. Please click here to register.
Questions
Tom Armstrong
Travel Technical Director
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