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ADDING LAYERS TO THE FUNDAMENTALS

NOW WE WORK

Training and playing in teams with a pool play narrative, is introduced at Academy level. With a focus on pushing and developing players into a more technical and tactical mindset.

ACADEMYWelcome
ACADEMY
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OUR ACADEMY IS A FANTASTIC PLACE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES TO CONTINUE THEIR SOCCER EDUCATION, WHILE CONSTANTLY CHALLENGING AND DEVELOPING THEIR MIND AND BODY
Developing core technique, game intelligence and passion for the game through our SA United Player Pathway, is the next evolution for our athletes progressing from our Rising Stars program, or heading into our competitive program at U11. 

Our Academy program offers professional soccer coaching for U7-U10 (2017-2014 birth years) boys and girls.

 

Players are assigned to team rosters and train as age groups twice weekly.

 

Our coaching staff follow an established club player development curriculum that places the individual at the centre of learning, with training goals that include individual technique and game intelligence.

From U7 to U10, our players work through a 4v4 and 7v7 training curriculum to prepare them for the move into U11 competitive 9v9 soccer. Written player evaluations are provided every Fall and Spring season. Game days are typically Saturday, with all Academy teams playing at one location as an entire program.

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ACADEMYTestimonials
TESTIMONIALS
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1  OF  4

As a military family, we have moved around every 2-3 years. My daughter played rec soccer for years before we finally signed her up to SA United. Her coach was able to see the potential in our daughter and shared the same enthusiasm. She has improved tremendously since the transition from Recreational soccer to SA United.

JULIAN P

Academy program parent

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ACADEMYPhilosophy
PHILOSOPHY
CONTINUING THE PHILOSOPHY THROUGHOUT OUR CLUB, WE PROGRESS INTO DEVELOPING A TECHNICAL, POSSESSION FOCUSED GAME
28 training sessions (minimum) and 8 games per season, offering challenging and enjoyable player development in a person-centered environment.

Academy players at SA United are immersed into an environment of challenging training and competitive matches. We aim to develop the whole player and person, learning a range of core technique, game intelligence, and experience of the game from all positions and points of play.

 

Players will always receive a minimum of 50% of playtime for every game to maximize their development. Coaches will rotate players through all positional roles on the field. This method allows them to experience and learn the game from all technical and tactical viewpoints. Using the pool play method we train same-age group teams side-by-side to allow pool training and scrimmage in training.

 

Pool play is used to share players across teams, allowing players to experience more than one game and move across different levels of competition. Our age groups are developed as an entire group, as we prepare and plan for U11 tryouts and competitive 9v9 soccer in our Junior program.

ACADEMYStats

GRADUATES

Academy to Competitive

GAME TIME %

Per player, per game (minimum)

PLAYING UP

Players in 9v9 brackets

ACADEMYProgramOverview
THE PROGRAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Our Academy program overview gives details on the program content, game format, program schedules and contact points

Teams are formed every Fall and Spring season. Players can register for Fall only, Spring only, or Fall and Spring seasons each year.
    • Age group and gender training schedule is set each year
    • Players compete in the PDF league of San Antonio, where no scores or standings are posted, but matches are highly competitive
    • Fall season runs from August-December. Spring season runs from January-May. Winter break is typically 5 weeks over December-January
PROGRAM CONTENTS
All age groups train a minimum of 28 sessions per season.
INCLUDED IN OUR ACADEMY PROGRAM:
    • Training sessions with SA United professional training staff
    • 2 training sessions per week (minimum)
    • 28 training sessions per season (minimum)
    • 8 regular games per season (minimum)
    • Association Registration
GAME FORMAT

U7 and U8 teams play a 4v4 game format with 3x15 minute halves.

 

U9 and U10 teams play a 7v7 game format with 2x25 minute halves.

 

PLAYER EQUIPMENT: Players at these age groups use a size 4 soccer ball. Shin guards, cleats and team uniform are required for all games and training.

 

FIELD DIMENSIONS: U7-U8, it is minimum 20x30 yards and maximum 35x40 yards. U9-U10 players it is minimum 35x55 yards and maximum 45x65 yards.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Our season schedule tries to maximize as much training and game time for all of our players and members, please view the dates and times below.

TRAINING INFORMATION

 

SEASON LENGTH:

PRACTICE DAYS:

 

SEASON BEGINS:

Games TBD
Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday
January 15, 2024
    • U7-U8 (2017-2016) - 5pm-6pm, Monday/Wednesday
    • U9 (2015) - 5pm-6.15pm, Tuesday/Thursday
    • U10 (2014) - 5pm-6.15pm, Monday/Wednesday

GAME INFORMATION

GAME DATES: TBA

 

GAME TIMES: Saturday, between 8.30am and 5pm. League schedule is set by board members

PROGRAM FEES
Payment plans for monthly training dues.

SPRING 2024

    • Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 - $1150 ($25 early bird discount through June 15, 2023)
    • Spring 2024 - $575 ($25 early bird discount through December 15, 2023)

TOTAL:

Please select an option above.

ITEMS NOT COVERED:

    • Tournament fees
    • Cost of uniform $125 (2022-2024)
    • Coach's travel expenses are not covered but shouldn't be an issue since all teams play locally
PLAYER REGISTRATION

If you are interested in your son(s) or daughter(s) joining our Academy program, then please click the relevant link to begin the registration process. You will receive a confirmation e-mail and information on the program itself not long after it has been completed.

SPRING 2024 PLAYER REGISTRATION
PROGRAM PACK

In our Academy Program Pack you will have access to content relevant to this age group, including our philosophy, formations, organizations that we play in and much more. 

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PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The role of our Academy Director is to oversee the program and is your point of contact for all things program curriculum related 

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BRENDAN JOHNSON
LICENSE(S)

USSF F / D, USC GK 1

NATIONALITY

AMERICAN

TENURE

6 YEARS

Brendan has been with SA United since 2017 and is also an assistant coach for the Our Lady of the Lake Women’s Soccer team.

ACADEMYProgramDirector
ACADEMYRegistration
ACADEMYFees
ACADEMYAdmin
FAQ'S
PROGRAM PACK
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What age groups does the Academy program accommodate?

Our Academy program begins at U7 (6) years old, and works up to U10 (9) years old, boys and girls.

Do you offer a scholarship program / financial assistance to families?

Yes we do, SA United is committed to affording all players the opportunity to participate in club soccer. Each year we budget to provide financial assistance for families that are in need.

How many training sessions are included in the program per week?

Teams typically train twice a week, alternating days (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday).

Are their opportunities for my child to play up an age group?

Yes, we offer players opportunities to player at a higher level at all levels of the program. These opportunities are determined by the program Director and the player(s) coach.

Do teams play in any seasonal tournaments?

Yes, the actual tournaments that you attend will depend on the coaches preference.

ACADEMYFAQ'S
TOURNAMENTS
3V3 BLARNEY BLAST
UNITED FOR HOPE
5V5 SUMMER SHOOTOUT
SUMMER GOLF CLASSIC
CAMPS AND CLINICS
MLK JR. DAY PRE-SEASON CAMP
WINTER TECHNICAL CAMP
THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP
OTHER PROGRAMS
PRIVATE TRAINING
TRYOUTS / POE'S
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Does your club hold any charity tournaments?

A. We have held our annual charity tournament, United for Hope, every year for the past 9 years, with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.

TOURNAMENTS
3V3 BLARNEY BLAST
UNITED FOR HOPE
5V5 SUMMER SHOOTOUT
SUMMER GOLF CLASSIC
CAMPS AND CLINICS
MLK JR. DAY PRE-SEASON CAMP
WINTER TECHNICAL CAMP
THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP
OTHER PROGRAMS
PRIVATE TRAINING
TRYOUTS / POE'S
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Does your club hold any charity tournaments?

A. We have held our annual charity tournament, United for Hope, every year for the past 9 years, with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Our Academy program is a fantastic place for young athletes to continue their soccer education, while constantly challenging and developing their mind and body.

PROGRAM CONTACT POINTS
DIRECTOR:
ADMIN:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Can we come out to the Sportsplex and see what the environment is like before registering?

A. Of course, we can arrange a free POE for your child and your family to experience our club.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Our Junior program focuses on our athletes learning to compete as a team, developing as an individual, enjoying the pursuit of excellence in a challenging environment.

PROGRAM CONTACT POINTS
DIRECTOR:
ADMIN:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Entering into the competitive phase of soccer, what can we expect from the program?

A. We offer multiple levels of competitive play, with a club focus and philosophy on developing intelligent, skillful athletes.

CLUB CONTACT POINTS
CLUB DOC:
TECHNICAL DIR:
ACADEMY DIR:
JUNIOR DIR:
CLUB ADMIN:
RS & ACAD ADMIN:
ASST. CLUB DOC:
RISING STARS DIR:
RECREATIONAL DIR:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Do you have your own soccer fields and where do your teams train?

A. All of our teams train at our own dedicated GVTC Sportsplex and it is located on Bulverde Road, San Antonio.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Players moving into the Senior program begin to learn about our competition phase, while we develop them for successful high-school and college careers in sport and study.

PROGRAM CONTACT POINTS
DIRECTOR:
ADMIN:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. How do you help players with their college aspirations and recruitment?

A. With a dedicated program director, we provide each athlete with a guide and athlete profile, outlining a timeline to organize their goals and support them in the recruiting process.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAM CONTENTS
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
PROGRAM PACK
ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Our Recreational program offers a low-cost, fun, creative and non-stressful environment, to not only develop soccer players, but for every player to participate on a team, regardless of their interest or ability.

PROGRAM CONTACT POINTS
DIRECTOR:
COORDINATOR:
DAN BRIDENBAUGH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. If my child really enjoys the program, are there any options for movement into the other club programs? 

A. Yes of course. We actually have players who have excelled in the program and then progressed into our Academy and Junior programs to further their development.

RISING STARS PROGRAM CONTENTS
ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Developing the very fundamentals of soccer, at the earliest time of a child's development, is crucial in their soccer education. 

PROGRAM CONTACT POINTS
DIRECTOR:
ADMIN:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. What does your program offer my young child and why play so early?

A. Our program has a set curriculum based on ball mastery, and a fun challenging environment to instill a passion and love for the game.

CLUB LEADERSHIP
ASST. CLUB DOC:
CLUB DOC:
TECHNICAL DIR:
ACADEMY DIR:
JUNIOR DIR:
RISING STARS DIR:
GOALKEEPING DIR:
TBA
CLUB ADMIN
CLUB ADMIN:
RS & ACAD ADMIN:
RECREATIONAL DIR:
DEVELOPMENTAL STAFF
COACHES:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Do you employ the most qualified staff and coaches in the city?

A. Over the past 17 years we have formed an unparalleled team of  high level full and part-time staff in San Antonio.

TOURNAMENTS
TOURNAMENTS
3V3 BLARNEY BLAST
5V5 SUMMER SHOOTOUT
SUMMER GOLF CLASSIC
CAMPS
CAMPS AND CLINICS
MLK JR. DAY CLINIC
PRESIDENTS DAY SOCCER CLINIC
SPRING BREAK SOCCER CLINIC
OTHER
CLUB EVENTS
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q. Does your club hold any charity tournaments?

A. We have held our annual charity tournament, United for Hope, every year for the past 9 years, with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.

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