U8 Junior Academy

last edited: Jan 2017

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Program Description

The Junior Academy is our program for the most focused, and dedicated U8 players.  Selected players will train/play an additional time each week with our Academy coaches to help develop their skills and understanding of the game in a fun and constructive environment. 

This Program focuses on the Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Stage 2: FUNdamentals.

  • Physical – Develop the ABCs of movement: agility, balance, co-ordination and speed, as well as running, jumping, twisting, kicking, throwing and catching.
  • Technical – Movement exercises/games designed to promote a feel for the ball: gaining ball control in receiving passes, dribbling, passing less than 25m, kicking the ball forward, and shooting on goal.
  • Tactical – Small children are egocentric – playing the ball is the most important objective. However, they now need to be introduced to co-operation between players. They gain understanding of the game through playing situations.
  • Mental – Basic awareness of environment to build game intelligence and decision making.

At this stage, individual player development is paramount. Coaches and teachers should create a stimulating learning environment where the atmosphere is "Freedom and Fun."

Program Details

Soccer Age:

U8 (Players are grouped by gender)

Unsure of your age group?
Level of Play:

Players play 5 aside (5v5).
Player Assessments:

All U8 players at CUSC are evaluated prior to the forming of teams. These evaluations help us to balance teams, as well as to select the core group of our Jr Academy.  Selected players will be offered positions in the Junior Academy Program after evaluation.

Players who do not qualify for the U8 Junior Academy Program will be automatically placed in the U8 Developmental Program with the option of registering in the U5-U8 Academy Grassroots Training for continued monitoring and development.

Evaluation Dates:

See the 2017 Summer Evaluation Schedule
Season Length: Mid-May to Mid-August
Weekly Commitment:

Training twice weekly with Academy coaches and team coaches (weeknights).

Friendly game play on Saturday mornings.

Festivals against other clubs throughout the season.
Important Dates:

Games and Practices: 

Practices will be on weeknights TBD.

Games will be on Saturday mornings between 8:30-10:00 AM.

All games and practices are located in the Orleans area, with the sole exception of any festivals/tournaments played which may be anywhere in the Ottawa region.

 Click for Schedule

Evaluation Dates (MANDATORY):

See the 2017 Summer Evaluation Schedule.

  • Provides the ability to balance Development teams and/or determines selection to the Junior Academy.

Mid-May 2017

  • All players will be contacted by Team Officials.  If no contact made, please email the Director of this Program.

June 9, 10, 11, 2017

  • Pictures (not included in the fee)
Costs:

Player Registration Fee:

On or before March 31st: $185 (early bird discount)
After March 31st: $215 

Cost includes full uniform, a soccer ball, and year-end memento.

Volunteer fee: $50 per family (mandatory fee, refundable after volunteering)

Academy Fee: Once accepted to the Junior Academy program, the Academy Fee will apply.  See Registration Site for details.  
Player Requirements:
  • Players are required to wear protective shin guards and shoes at all games and practices.  Soccer cleats are allowed and recommended at all age groups.
  • No jewelry, hair clips or bracelets (excluding Medical Alerts) are allowed to be worn on the soccer field.  Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) Policy states that all jewelry including, but not limited to earrings and watches must be removed.  Taping earrings is also not allowed.  Jewelry poses an unnecessary risk to all players. 
  • Casts – Hard casts are not permitted.
  • Medical Alerts – Medical Alerts are allowed, but must be taped down.
  • Eyeglasses – The club strongly recommends that players who wear eyeglasses, wear sports glasses during games and practices for everyone's safety.
Register:

 

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