Program Introduction and Focus
SCSA is proud to announce the adoption of the U9/U10 Academy Program for the 2008-2009 season year. NCYSA voted to implement the Academy Program in 2007, paving the way for North Carolina Soccer Associations to offer it to their members. The Academy Program stresses the importance of player development rather than focusing on game results. The emphasis at this age is fun and enjoyment where everything is positive and creativity is encouraged. In this environment, young players can learn to love the game and develop positive habits and attitudes which provide the foundations for soccer excellence down the road. If kids enjoy the game at this introductory age, then hopefully we will have more players playing the game and staying in the game for years to come.
Program Leadership
Executive Director Brad Wylde selected Mark Pinch and Mark Thornton to head up the Youth Academy Program at SCSA. He didn’t have to look far to find Pinchy, who has been working with the younger teams at SCSA for over 6 years. He has been the Director of Coaching at SCSA for U9 and U10 for several years and brings plenty of experience working with young players in the pool training environment. Mark Thornton comes to SCSA from Concorde Fire in Atlanta, where he directed the Youth Academy Program. His Academy background has been invaluable for the successful planning, organization and implementation of the program here at SCSA. Brad has assembled a staff of academy coaches that have the credentials, experience and passion for developing the young player and who will provide them with a great foundation for a future in competitive soccer. More information about the coaching staff can be found in the links at left.
The Youth Academy players practice twice per week in a pool training environment under the guidance of a curriculum that emphasizes skill development in a fun and positive atmosphere. SCSA Academy teams play games on Saturday mornings against other Youth Academy clubs in the area and will also participate in intra-club round robins. They will participate in two to four tournaments or festivals per year. Players are also encouraged to attend SCSA’s weekly supplemental training sessions for goalkeeping, technical and speed/agility training, all of which are designed to complement the Academy curriculum. Details on the curriculum, practice schedule and event schedule can be found in the links at left.
Player Selection
Players are selected for the Youth Academy pool during assessment sessions held in May of each year. The Academy program is a full year commitment to SCSA, beginning and ending at assessments in May. To maximize playing time in games, team sizes are kept small. Therefore, players are expected to minimize absences from training sessions or games, as it will affect not only the player’s own development, but also the other players on the team. Players born 8/1/98 through 7/31/01 are eligible to participate in the Youth Academy Program in 2008-2009. The Academy pools are filled during the assessment periods, but openings do become available during the year. If you are interested in speaking with an Academy Director, please contact them at 704-708-4166 or by email.
