Academy Goals:

• Create an atmosphere where young players are exposed to the game with an emphasis on skill development as well as team development.
• Create an environment where players are allowed to flourish in a competitive arena in which the focus of quality soccer is more important than short-term success of winning versus losing.
• Educate our players and parents in the development process and club values.

Mission

The Academy Program philosophy is to emphasize player development over team development, with the primary focus on the technical soccer acumen and social integration of each player.

Organization

• Trainers are assigned by the Academy Director.  Trainers are selected based on their experience as players and teachers of the game.
• Academy will have a Parent Education program in accordance with the academy philosophy.
• An Academy Committee will be formed and comprised of Academy Director, Weston Wild Director of Coaching, Coaching Coordinator, Academy/Select Trainers, and Parent Advocate.

Players

• Players are assigned to a U7 &  U8, team based on their age, gender, and playing development.
• Players must be registered with AYSO 644. Players will not be able to participate in recreation/competitive play and the academy program.

Matches

• Matches will be played in house with the other Academy teams
• No scores or standings are kept. Players play a minimum of half a match (this suggests rosters of 9 – 10  players for 6v6
• Game Format: Follow the AYSO Modified Rules for U7 and U8

Referees

• AYSO 644 will assign referees
• Follow AYSO Modified Rules as it pertains to rules, Assistant Referees, etc.
• Each Academy match will be assigned one referee

Training

• Each player will have a maximum of two (2) training opportunities per week.
• Training should be conducted at the same time and at the same location.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the Academy? 

The Academy is designed to enhance the development of players through professional coaching at the younger age levels (ages 7-8). Our mission is to build strong technical soccer acumen, while providing a fun and healthy soccer environment in keeping with the AYSO philosophies.

How does the Academy work?

• Twice weekly training sessions using 4-6 stations for an immersion style program. Players rotate around these stations with curriculum based training and a small sided game (SSG).
• Players return to the same team and coach each week. This differs from other established local Academies in that it takes into account the players age and social skills. Many clubs do not take into account that at younger ages the game is played by friends and neighbors and the child is more likely to express themselves and explore new styles and skills if comfortable and surrounded by friends. This is directly inline with the ‘fear free environment’ of all the current coaching education formats.
• Players will play all games “in-house” except for friendly games organized by the Academy with other Academy teams across the area to give players the opportunity of playing at another venue and/or challenge.

How does the Academy fit into the programs offered by the AYSO Weston Wild program? 

This is the first year that the Weston Wild will have a U7 & U8 Academy program. This academy will serve as a bridge between the traditional AYSO recreational program currently offered and the Weston Wild Select program that starts at the U9 level. We created this to provide these children with an opportunity to play and learn in a more challenging and developmental environment.

What are the benefits of Academy?

Player development, all players will leave the Academy with the same basic skill set with varying levels of ability. Currently a high percentage of players enter select teams with a huge variance of basic skills that slows the development and growth of the entire team.

Games will be more enjoyable for players with reduced pressure. The coaches will not be focused on the game/win and so there will be less pressure to rush player’s development into a tactical vice technical focus.

What is the Academy’s Mission?

The objective and purpose of the curriculum is to develop each of the four components of a player in an age-appropriate manner: technical, tactical, psychological, and physical.

Each child that participates in the Academy’s Try Out is evaluated on 1) physical aspects of the game which included speed, agility, endurance, and coordination, 2) individual foot skills, and 3) team play/comprehension of the activity.

The scores taken have been used to place players on balanced teams within the Academy system for game play on Saturday’s.

There are instances where due to the overwhelming response and limited resources placed on the program, minimum requirements will need to be established for that seasons participation in order to bring the player numbers in line with the maximum player limit and to keep all teams within the 10:1 ratio required for Academy training and play.

Is this a year-round commitment? 

Yes and no. It's a 1-year commitment that covers fall and spring seasons. But we don't play year-round. After the try out are complete (late May or early June), we break until we start preparation for the fall. The fall season ends before Christmas holiday. We start preparation for the spring season in February, and wrap up towards the end of May.

How often do you practice? 

We currently practice twice a week and play most of our games on Saturdays. .

Is Academy soccer all about winning? 

No. We measure learning and fun, not scores and standings. The Academy program doesn't post scores or keep standings. At young ages, player development is much more important than winning a game. Our goal is to create an environment where players are allowed to flourish in a competitive arena in which winning is not a determinant of success, but where the instillation of quality is more important than short-term success.

At young ages, some teams will win games by playing "superstar" soccer, where most players on the team are instructed to kick the ball to a superstar player and let her do the rest. That's not our style. We want all of our kids to develop into skilled soccer players who are confident in their own abilities and eager to display those abilities on the field.

I already registered my child for the fall recreational program. Do I have to pay twice? 

No! Money already paid toward registration for the recreational program will be applied to your daughter's Academy registration. So you only have to pay the difference between the recreational and Academy fees.

Which team will my child be on? 

Teams will be determined after the try outs are completed. Teams will be created equal, and every attempt will be made to honor “buddy” requests. 

What size soccer ball does my daughter need? 

A size “3” for U7 and U8.

Do you play full-field or small-sided soccer? 

We play small-sided games on smaller fields:

U7 and U8  Academy:  We play mostly 6v6 (6-aside) on smaller fields. The smaller team sizes allow players to get more touches on the ball. The 6-aside fields are typically slightly less than half the size of a full 11-aside field. The smaller fields allow players to thrive based on soccer skills and increase the amount of touches they have with the ball.

How many teams do you put together? 

This depends on the size of the player pool.

How much playing time will my son/daughter receive? 

Everyone plays at least half of each game. We keep roster sizes small for regular weekly play, though, so kids typically play 2/3 or more of each game.

What happens if my child  has to miss an event? 

Just communicate this in advance with her coach. The flexibility of the Academy program usually allows us to work around an occasional schedule conflict.

How long are your practice sessions? 

Team sessions vary in length by age group

U7 and U8: 60 min.

For additional information on the Weston Wild program
please call 954-349-9786.