Technical Development/Skills Testing

The Youth Academy represents the beginning stage of our youth player development model. All teams compete at appropriate levels of competition based on age and ability, which range from local leagues to wider-ranging regional leagues and tournaments.

The Academy has a highly-structured curriculum with regular player evaluations giving feedback on individual technical development and skills shown in competition.

The U8-U10 years focus on individual technical development with a smaller concentration on team tactics. At U11-U12, technical development progresses toward the passing game, with a heavier concentration on tactics.

In general, teams train two to three times per week, with one match on the weekend, and participate in two to three tournaments spread across fall, winter and spring. Premier team players are expected to attend all three training sessions a week. Non-premier team players are expected to attend at least two, but are encouraged to attend all three. All players are encouraged to attend more than the required and may make up a missed training session with permission of the Director of Coaching. All players are expected to attend all scheduled matches and tournaments.