Academy
The Academy Program is comprised of 8U through 12U players (boys and girls ages 6-12 years old). The overall focus of this program is to provide development of technical skills, tactical awareness, physical abilities, and psychological growth within a fun and rewarding environment. The ultimate goal of the program is the overall development of every individual player in each area of emphasis.
All Academy teams practice at least twice per week and will be trained by professional club coaches to provide the players with the best foundation of skills, abilities and knowledge of the game. Licensed coaches follow a set curriculum, ensuring all Academy players are exposed to the same learning opportunities. During the majority of the season, optional third practices are available for qualifying players, and they are encouraged to attend these additional sessions. Players are also encouraged to continue their training outside of practice and games sessions.
Players must tryout for the Academy Program, with no guarantee of acceptance. We do aim to get every player the opportunity to play Academy level soccer, but this is not always possible. In age groups with multiple teams, players are grouped according to skill level. This ensures consistent development for each player, as playing with/against similar skilled players at this age is important. As much as possible, games for each team are scheduled against opponents with similar skill/ability levels.
Each Academy team plays in a pre-season and a post season tournament every season (Fall and Spring). So at least four tournaments per year. Some teams choose to participate in additional tournaments, and some higher-level teams may participate in tournaments outside of GA.
Important Dates
January 27-30 - PreSeason Academy Winter Training Camp
February 3 - First day of Spring practices
February weekends - Pre-season tournament weekends
March 7 - Regular season games begin
April 4/5 - No Academy games
April 6-10 - Spring break camp available, no team practices
April 11/12 - No Academy games
May 9/10 - Post-season tournament weekend 1
May 14 - Last day of Academy practices
May 16/17 - Post-season tournament weekend 2
May 19-21 - Sharpen Skills Camp for Academy players
May 26-29 - 8U-12U Academy and 13U Select Tryouts (for 2020-2021 season)