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.
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.
GRADUATES
Academy to Competitive
GAME TIME %
Per player, per game (minimum)
PLAYING UP
Players in 9v9 brackets
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
August 14, 2023
- • 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: September-November, 2023
GAME TIMES: Saturday, between 8.30am and 5pm. League schedule is set by board members
PROGRAM FEES
Payment plans for monthly training dues.
FALL 2023/SPRING 2024
- • Fall 2023 - $575 ($25 early bird discount through June 15, 2023)
• 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.
FALL 2023 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.
VERSION: 1.1 - COMING SOON
FILE SIZE: N/A
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
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.