The Academy program is the foundation of our Select Program. It is a developmental program for 6-12 year old players (U7-U12) to create an environment more conducive for long-term player development. Tryouts for this program take place each year in late May/early June. Our program provides:
- A professional coaching staff that oversees all aspects of training and games
- A program that competes against Atlanta-area youth soccer clubs
- A program that participates in tournaments (limited number of and distance)
Boys Academy Core Values
- Confidence
- Competitiveness
- Honesty
- Respect
About the Academy
The NASA Tophat Academy program is designed to enhance the development of the player through professional coaching at the 7 through 12 year old levels. Our mission is to build a strong foundation for the soccer stars of tomorrow, while providing a fun and healthy soccer environment.
We created the U10 Academy program in 2001, and have expanded the program over the years to include older boys by forming the U11 and U12 Academies. The Academy programs serve as a bridge between our U8 / U10 / U12 recreational soccer programs and the U13 select program.
Highlights of the Academy program:
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Training three times a week
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Weekly friendly matches against other clubs' Academy teams
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Flexibility to move players freely between teams
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Pre-season Academy Camp
The pool of players for each Academy program consists of around 40 boys. We identify prospective candidates in three phases:
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Academy staff evaluates players during training sessions and games with their recreational teams during their league seasons.
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We complete evaluations through tryout sessions after the spring season.
Players who are identified as strong candidates will be offered admission into the Academy. There is no obligation to join, however. If the level of commitment isn't right for your son or family, the recreational program at NASA Tophat will still be available as an option.
Academy Goals:
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Create an atmosphere where young players are exposed to the game with an emphasis on skill development more than team development.
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Create an environment where players are allowed to flourish in a competitive arena in which the focus of quality soccer is more important than short-term success of winning versus losing.
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Educate our players and parents in the development process and club values.
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We'll measure learning and fun, not scores and standings.
2021-22 Fee Schedule
Fees by age group are shown below
if paid as a one time fee up front
. Payment installments are also offered as a four month, a seven month or a ten month plan (with the ten month plan only available for teams that play both fall and spring seasons). Further details on payment plans are available within the registration portion of our site.
- U8 Junior Academy - $1175
- U9 & U10 Academy - $1325
- U11 Academy - $1425
- U12 Academy - $1475
Late Fees
There will be a $25 late fee for any payments received over one month past due per the table shown above. The full amount can be paid at signing or according to this schedule.
Refunds
NASA Tophat program fees are non-refundable and not transferable once the player has been registered on a team. The only exception is a pro-rated refund if the player becomes injured to the point that they cannot play the remainder of the season and presents a doctor’s note to the club.