The Jr. Academy Program will select rising U8 players to join a comprehensive program geared to acclimate players who aspire to play in a competitive environment.  This program will provide a seamless transition from the recreation program to the Academy program.  The training sessions will be led by qualified professional staff who have an incredible amount of experience developing young players.  This is a selective program meaning all players must attend tryouts in late May. 

Practices 
Practices will be held twice per week..  Each practice will be 1.5 hours long.  Training will focus HEAVILY on ball control, dribbling, passing, defending, and shooting.  1v1 attacking and defending skills are the most important skills for players to learn at this age, so those will be the primary focus. 

Games 
Matches will be scheduled primarily on Saturdays, and the primary format will be “in-house” 6v6 matches which will include inter-squad matches and, on occasion, matches with our U9 Academy teams.  Games will be played at Rabbit Hill Park.  The Jr. Academy Director will set rosters for each team each week with the intent of making each match as competitive as possible.  The rosters will change slightly each week, so all players grow accustomed to playing with one another.  Throughout the season, we may schedule 2-3 matches with other clubs who have a similar program.  This decision will be based solely on the developmental needs of the players.  If the Jr Academy Directors and Staff feel the “in-house” matches are sufficient, then we may decide to forego scheduling with other clubs to minimize travel.  At the discretion of the staff, the U8 Jr. Academy players may participate in post season tournaments in the Fall, and other tournaments in the Spring. 

Tryouts 
All players must be evaluated for this program.  Tryouts are held for the coming seasonal year late in May.  Information will be posted on our website in early May regarding tryouts.