U8 Pre-Travel Academy
The U8 Pre-Travel Academy is an intermediate program designed to allow the U8 (8/1/07-7/31/08) recreation player an opportunity to train, play, and develop under professional coachingin preparation for playing U8 (U9 gold) Traveling Soccer the next spring. The program is open to committed players who enjoy the game and are interested in playing for the Tonka United Traveling Program. U-8 Pre-Travel Academy will allow for U8 players (formerly 2nd Grade Rec players) who excel in rec soccer to join a program that will help them transition from recreational soccer to traveling soccer in the spring.
Players MUST be born between 8-1-07 and 7-31-08.
A note from the Director:
"Tonka United has decided to not allow new U8 players and teams for the MYSA fall league because they are not ready developmentally – both physically and mentally, at this young of an age. Many of these players experience traveling soccer for the first time in the fall and have a negative soccer experience because of their lack of preparation, not to mention teams’ and individuals’ lack of success competing against older players in the MYSA sanctioned U9 league. The U8 Pre-Travel Academy, started in 2012, has had a significant impact on developing our young competitive soccer players. It is our crash course on soccer - 15 soccer days in a 5-week period in the fall – that helps prepare our young players for the next level."
U-8 Pre-Travel Academy Details
- Registration open July thru Aug 15, 2015 (REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL) - To be placed on a waitlist e-mail [email protected]
- September 9 - October 11, 2015 (Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays) - No training or games October 10th
- Times: Sundays and Wednesdays Girls = 5:15-6:15, Boys = 6:30-7:30; Saturdays Girls = 9am-10am, Boys = 10:15am - 11:15am
- Location: MMW (Saturday) & Freeman Park (Sunday and Wednesday)
- Each week will consist of 2 professional practices and a friendly game
- Teams will participate in the NSC Fall Cup (Blaine, MN) October 3-4, 2015
- Uniform/Training Kit included
- Cost: $200
Team Formation
- Players do not try out for the U8 Academy
- The Academy will train in a pool of players and divided accordingly for the NSC Tournament
- NSC Rosters will be announced Mid - September
- Friend requests are not taken into consideration for U8 Academy teams
- Rosters are not put together based on previous recreational teams
Curriculum
Players will be trained by Tonka United’s professional training staff assisted by individual team coaches. See curriculum topics below:
- Week 1, Sept 9, 12, 13, 16 = Dribbling for Possession, Dribbling for Speed, Dribbling Moves to Beat Opponent
- Week 2, Sept 19, 20, 23 = Passing and Receiving
- Week 3, Sept 26, 27, 30 = Finishing and Scoring Goals
- Week 4, Oct 3, 4 = NSC Fall Cup @ National Sports Center, Blaine, MN – 3 tournament games
- Week 5, October 7, 11 = Finale Review and Games
Other Details
- Coaches will be chosen based on prior experience and willingness to learn the Tonka United Age Appropriate Curriculum.
- Coaches will assist Tonka United Staff during Academy Sessions
- Coaches are expected to coach their team during NSC Cup without Tonka United Staff coaches.
More information on U8 Player Development Guidelines
What Happens After the Fall Season?
- Register Online (Beginning Mid October) for the 2016 Spring/Summer U9 Travel season. Registration/Uniform cost (Coming Soon)
- Teams will be formed in November, shortly after registration is closed (teams are subject to change from the Fall U8 Pre-Travel Academy)
- January - March, Teams will begin indoor soccer training.
- April - Outdoor practices begin when fields open
- League play runs End of April - Mid July