Development/Academy Programs

There are two programs:

U7-U8 Academy Program

The U7-U8 program will provide a player centric Developmental program that focuses on creating a nurturing, educational soccer environment. The Quakertown Soccer Club is proud to be on the cutting edge of the latest coaching systems and is instituting the Academy Program, along with other local soccer clubs in the area, to accelerate the development of our U7-U8 players as a means of preparing them for competitive travel soccer. The program will incorporate the best new coaching techniques for younger players that stress player development while keeping the competitive nature of that development appropriate for their age. As a club we have decided that investing in our youngest players makes a ton of sense and allows players to proceed on with soccer feeling confident in their abilities and capable of progressing in a more controlled and systematic manner.

So what is Academy and how does it work? Why is it different from Intramural & Travel Soccer?

Academy is open to all players at the U7-U8 level. This program is for players and parents looking to take the next step in their development beyond intramural. This program is an introduction to what players and parents can anticipate from the Travel program. Players will train 1x per week with our club partner trainers from Perfect Touch Soccer (PTS) and a 2nd time per week with parent coaches during the Fall. The players in the program will participate in 3-4 “Festival” days during the Fall season. These festival days will be held at a local soccer club and will allow for the players to be broken up into teams who will play against teams from other clubs. Festivals will consist of 3-4 games and are typically on Sunday. The format used is 4v4 progressing to 7v7. Although games will be competitive, the emphasis will be on development of soccer skills and game understanding, NOT on winning. Fall registration will also include winter academy training sessions from January to March 1x/week.

Objectives:

• Provide appropriate competition
• Provide appropriate training to game ratio
• Provide more “touches on the ball” per game
• Encourage creative freedom in training & in games
• Create free player movement within the club (no set rosters)
• Reduce fear of failure by eliminating the pressure of winning games with more emphasis on individual player development
• Eliminate labeling players as “A” & “B” players at such a young age thus enhancing the development process
• Appropriate travel to play time ratio

• Less or no players sitting on the bench "waiting to get in to play"

Participating Clubs:

• Valley Soccer Club, FC Montco, Whitpain SC, PASC, LMYA, West Mont United, Harleysville.

FAQs:

Is my child good enough to sign up?
The Academy Program was formed with one of the intentions being eliminating the tryout/cut process currently associated with youth soccer. We feel no child U8 or under should be told they can’t play or be cut from a team. Kids develop physically at different times, and the focus of our program is to develop their skills properly so when they are fully developed teenagers they will have the necessary skill set. No child should have their future soccer career ended before it even has the chance to begin.

What is the benefit of training mixed ability players?
Players will benefit from the challenge that is presented through training with players of mixed abilities. Stronger players will be challenged to improve the level of play for all involved and weaker players will be challenged to compete with the stronger players. Not all activities will be mixed-ability; there will also be ability-based competitions where players are grouped with similar skill level players.

Who are the Trainer/Coaches?
Paid trainers from PTS will organize and run training sessions 1x/week. Parent coaches will run a 2nd session in the fall. Festivals will be lead by parent coaches. Parents are encouraged to participate in training sessions to increase cohesion for festival coaching.

How will I know if my child will benefit from Academy?
If your child has a love of the game and wants to be further challenged, they will benefit from our development philosophy, quality training sessions, varied game formats and qualified trainers and coaches. This program is designed to give your child the best opportunity for immediate improvement and future success in soccer.

2. U9-10 Intramural Academy