WDMSC Academy Program – U9-U10 Boys and Girls

Introduction

The WDMSC Academy program is is phase two of our Long-Term Player Development Pathway, and is a State-initiated and State-led program where parents of U09/U10 players have the option of registering their child for Academy or Recreational soccer. The intent behind offering two levels of play at U9/U10 is to provide players with the opportunity to play with and against players of similar ability and commitment and at a level where they will experience the most success and enjoyment.

The academy program is open to any player (boys and girls with dates of birth between 8/1/2000-7/31/2002) who have a desire to further develop their soccer skills and receive professional training. Special request for players playing up must be approved by the Academy Director of Coaching. The academy structure will follow the guidelines established by the Iowa Soccer Association.  Please feel free to contact Josh McAllister, WDMSC Academy Director at joshmcallister72@hotmail.com with any questions.

Academy Program Philosophy and Overview

The U9 & U10 age groups are often coined as the ‘Golden Age’ of player development because during this phase players’ have an increased capacity for learning and endless enthusiasm. Therefore, WDMSC coaches would like to maximize player development during this limited window of trainability. Our qualified professional coaching staff looks at player development through ‘bi-focal lenses’ and understand the present needs of this age group while, at the same time, retaining the long term vision of the ideal goal of helping every player reach their full soccer potential.

Players and parents can expect the follow;

• Practice: Players will have the opportunity to train three nights per week; twice under the direction of the professional coaching staff and one session with a qualified parent coach. Training session last approximately 75 minutes in duration. A flexible training schedule will be created to accommodate multi-sport activity participants. 
• Games: Academy teams will play in the Iowa Premier Soccer Association and play approximately 6-8 matches.  Academy matches will be played on Saturday mornings (where possible).  Academy clubs must still follow recreational play guidelines like 50% playing time in matches. However, the emphasis is placed on creating a playing environment that is more conducive to the individual as opposed to team development.
• Festivals: In addition to the league matches, the teams will also, participate in no more than 2 tournaments (festivals) per season. 
•  Coaching Staff: The parent coaches will have to attend a National Youth Module Course or a USSF License course to be allowed to participate in the training and coaching of the players at matches. 
• Team Formation: We will form balanced teams for competition and will restructure the team from the fall season to the spring season to ensure that our focus remains on the individual. 
• Cost: The cost of the program is $240 per season or $440 if you register for the entire year.  Click here to go to registration.

Academy v Recreational - How to choose

The difference between participating in an academy program or recreational program lies in the level of investment, commitment and interest about 8 and 9 year olds and their parents/guardians. To help parents decide which level of play is most appropriate for their child, listed below are the characteristics of typical players who would participate in an Academy Program. If your child displays a majority of the characteristics listed they are probably more suited to that level of play. However, it should be noted that during a player’s soccer development they may move back and forth between academy and recreational play.

• Demonstrates sound technical skills (control, dribbling, and shooting)
• Physically stronger than most players within their age group
• Athletically quicker than most players within their age group
• High level of coordination and good agility
• During games is aggressive in their attitude and approach to getting involved
• During games tends to dominate the play
• Demonstrates high level of focus and concentration during practices and games
• Started to narrow down the number of extra-curricular activities
• Soccer is a high priority
• Practices with a ball in their own time outside regular schedule of games & practices
• U9 player who will try-out for the U11 competitive age group in the following year.

Age Chart