ASC Boys Rising U9 Next Level Academy Travel Program Overview
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U9 is part of the ASC Academy (Developmental) Age Group category, the term "premier player" means a player willing, and selected, to devote a significant amount of time and energy to soccer.
Selection will be based on the player and family’s willingness to commit the amount of time to the program and the player’s athletic ability and skill level. Player positions on the field are not a consideration. In the Academy Developmental Age Group category, particularly U9-U10-U11, the emphasis is not on developing winning soccer teams. In the Developmental Age Groups, the focus is on developing technically proficient players who over time, begin to develop into decision makers on the playing field. In the end if we do our part, positive results and experiences will take care of it’s self.
U9 Travel Tryout Dates/Times:
- Tuesday – 5/29 - Bles Park Field #2 – 5pm to 6:30pm.
- Thursday – 5/31 – Bles Park Field #3 - 5pm to 6:30pm.
- Tuesday – 6/5 - Bles Park Field #2 – 5pm to 6:30pm.
- Thursday – 6/7 – Bles Park Field #3 - 5pm to 6:30pm.
Academy Goal:
- The mission is to develop every player to his full potential.
- To create a high level training environment for the premier player.
- To create a program which does not select out players at this age, but rather provides an opportunity for players who have the desire to train at a high level.
- To create a training program that will help develop exceptional soccer players.
- To create an environment where the players feel a part of a great program and a great soccer environment.
- To create an environment where the coach can make decisions that are in the best interest of all player development, with minimal focus on winning.
- To play the beautiful game – beautifully.
Program / Team Structure:
Academy Style training for age group:
- 2 team format: - Gold andBlacke (Gold and Black are NCSL teams)
All teams are designated as ASC - Next Level Legends. Instead of having distinct teams within the age group, all players (Gold and Black) will train together, and game-day team composition may vary from week to week, using the NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) club-pass system that allows rostered U9 players to guest play on any (NCSL) U9 team within their club.
Players are joining the “ASC Legends Next Level Academy”, not a specific team. The U9 program will consist of 20-22 players will be part of the Academy Program (playing in NCSL
The benefit of the Academy format is that it is more appropriate for a young soccer player’s development because the focus is on individual player improvement as opposed to team accomplishments. Young players need a developmentally appropriate environment that will allow them to first cultivate and grow individual skills, confidence, and motivation. While the Academy program functions in a competitive atmosphere, winning is not the foremost focus. With increased proficiency, players will have the ability to compete successfully at an early age as well at subsequent age levels as the team concept and competition gains increasing emphasis for the skilled player. Players/Parents need to commit to the time requirement, expense requirement, and attitude requirement.
Practices:
- After team selection in June, weekly training sessions and/or pick-up sessions at coach’s discretion.
- Fall Season:
- Team Mini Camp in August – Dates TBD
- Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov – 10-11 weeks, including pre-season, 8 weeks league season
- Two 90 min. training sessions per week with NLA coaches.
- Third “Academy Day” training session – True Academy style (all 3 teams) w/ approved trainer(s) from Brazilian Touch Soccer.
- League games 8/9 per season.
- 2 or 3 tournaments
· Spring season:
- Mar/Apr/May/Jun, 10-11 weeks, including pre-season
- Two 90 min. training sessions per week with NLA coaches.
- Third “Academy Day” training session – True Academy style (all 3 teams) w/ approved trainer from Brazilian Touch Soccer.
- League games 8/9 per season
- 2 or 3 tournaments
- Winter season:
- Jan/Feb/Mar
- Indoor league(s) – Indoor or futsal – TBD
- Winter soccer leagues (indoor or futsal) will be organized by the coaches. Player attendance will also be managed by the coaches.
- Winter outdoor practices, weather permitting, will be held once per week at the coaches’ discretion. Players are encouraged to participate in as many as possible when they are scheduled, but understand some conflicts may arise in the winter months due to other sports and activities.
- “In Season” (Fall & Spring) third “Academy Day” style practice session.
- Training is provided once per week for all ASC NLA teams U9-U10-U11 (Fridays)
- All players are expected to attend all practices and games. The Club’s training sessions and games will take priority over other sports practices and games and other extracurricular activities. In the event a player must miss practice, the Team Coach must be notified prior to practice.
- All players are required to attend a minimum of 2 practices per week. Players should try to attend all 3 practices per week but have the flexibility to accommodate busy schedules by attending two of the three practice sessions offered, or attend training session from another age group.
- If a player is going to miss a training session that must be communicated to the Age Group head coach prior to the missed training session.
- Practice cancellations/changes are communicated via email or team website.
Games
- Players are expected to attend every game except in highly unusual circumstances. As with practices, players must notify the Team Coach if they will not be able to attend a game.
- Times and locations for all matches shall be provided by the Team Coach and/or team manager. Players must be at the field, dressed, and ready to play at least 45 minutes prior to kick-off. BE ON TIME!!!
- Most games are held on Sundays during the season but each team may encounter both a Saturday and Sunday game on occasion.
- Players should arrive 45 minute prior to game time.
- Equal playing time is not guaranteed at the travel/select level.
- Playtime targets may not apply if:
- Poor practice attendance includes repeated tardiness
- Tardiness to games (showing up less than 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time
- Behavior detrimental to the team during games or practices.
Codes of Conduct:
All players and families must review and sign the player and parent/spectator code of conduct. All parents are expected to cheer, NOT COACH, their sons in a positive manner. Each team will/must have a team sideline liaison (TSL) who will be responsible to ensuring that appropriate behavior is maintained.
Tournaments:
- A minimum of 2 or 3 tournaments per season.
- The exact schedule and number of tournaments will be decided by the coach.
Player Movement:
- As discussed above: Instead of having distinct teams within the age group, all players will train together, and game-day team composition may vary from week to week, using the NCSL club-pass system that allows rostered U9 players to guest play on any (on either of the respective club’s NCSL from week to week) U9 team within their club. This is determined by the Head Coach.
PLEASE NOTE AND CONSIDER: ASC Legends - Next Level Academy select teams are formed for a full year from August to June for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The Club and its teams are making a year’s commitment to each player. No player shall be cut from a NLA Select team. The Club and teams expect a commitment from each player and families for the full year.
Objectives of the NLA Legends levels are as follows:
NLA Gold and Black
The focus for the Gold and Black teams:
· Highest level of competition.
· Highly competitive…exposure to regional & national champion caliber teams.
· Compete in NCSL during the fall and spring seasons. Indoor training/play during the winter season.
· Highest level of required commitment to attend multiple weekly practices, weekend games, local and out-of-town tournaments. The Club asks that the commitment to our Gold and Black teams be a priority over any other Club sport conflicts.
· There is flexibility within the Academy style program during the year.
· Commitment level is one of the factors that does affect playing time.
· No guaranteed or set amount of playing time for players. The players will play A LOT!
· Player selection based on ability, team needs/requirements, competition level, de-conflict scheduling conflicts.
COACH/TRAINER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Age group head coach and coach(s) are in charge of all functions of the team. The coach shall at a minimum:
· Conduct two 90 minute training sessions each week during Fall and Spring seasons.
· Determine practice times and structure
- Select all players, conduct practice sessions, select starting line-up, substitutions, match day judgment.
- Final decision maker regarding tournament selection (optionally may provide a list for discussion with team parents).
- Hold open team tryouts in June, and optionally (Coach Decision) in November; fully responsible for player selection.
- Maintain a roster size of 10 (min) to 12 (max).
- Work within FIFA, VYSA, USYSA, NCSL/ODSL/WAGS guidelines, rules and regs.
- Maintain high standards of personal integrity; must pass KidSafe evaluation and participate in the Positive Coaching Alliance program.
- Not be held responsible for weather conditions resulting in cancellation of practices or games, and must follow weather decisions made by the Club, County, and League officials.
- Determine all game related issues such as line up, playing time, etc.
- Determine when/if a team is ready for tournament play.
- Determine the level of play at which the team will compete in the travel league and tournaments.
- Provide information concerning the above to the team manager for dissemination to the parents and work with the team manager as liaison to parents of the team.
- Help guide team in team supported roles, such as: team manager, team fundraiser, equipment manager, TSL, team treasurer, team tournament registration person, uniform and practice team uniform manager (if you want the boys to wear practice uniforms)
ROLE OF THE PARENT
To have a successful program, there must be understanding and cooperation among parents, players, and coaches. Your child’s progress will depend to a great extent on this triangular relationship. With this in mind, the Club asks you to consider this section a crucial part in the success of the program.
Please support Team Coaches, and trainers. A player develops when he or she trusts the coaches. A coach’s job is to motivate, teach, and constructively criticize each player’s performance. Please recognize that our Team Coaches and trainers use their experience to best develop each player. Your child will probably try many different positions throughout his or her career.
Parents are welcome at all games. They are asked, however, to participate as a spectator and avoid directing, instructing, or coaching from the sidelines. In addition, parents are asked to refrain from criticizing the calls and performance of the referee. The players and their coaches need parents and spectators to be supportive. Please cheer and applaud good performance and offer encouragement when the team is taking its knocks. Let the trainers and Team Coaches run the team. Attempting to coach your child from the sideline is distracting and counterproductive.
When allowed, per league or tournament play, the Club recommends parents sit directly across from Club teams between the Center and 18-yard lines. Issues with opposing team parents or spectators shall be brought to the attention of the Team Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL).
Parents are asked to refrain from approaching the field and remain off of the field at all times while practice is in progress.
Communicate through your Age group head Coach. Remember that there is a time and place for everything. If you need information or wish to ask questions concerning team management, contact your Age group head Coach. For information concerning coaching decisions, please contact the Age group head Coach. Concerns and criticisms are welcome, but should be shared with the Age group head Coach privately, away from training sessions, games, and other Club players and parents.
ASC Legends Next Level Academy believes that the pursuit of excellence in sports helps to develop maturity in children and young adults and that the experiences a player has with the team shall be beneficial throughout his lifetime. Next Level coaches believe that a youth sports program should be holistic and competition should produce more than just wins.
Winning and competition are only part of the equation of a successful program or season. Winning is transient, but life skills learned on the field of play and in training sessions are enduring and last a lifetime. Good sportsmanship, physical fitness, goal setting, self evaluation, problem solving, dealing with disappointment, developing a positive self-concept, and group loyalty are skills and ideals utilized long after a players career has ended. To this end, NLA will strive to instill these skills enhancing a child’s development as he matures into adulthood. NLA values the whole player and welcomes people of different talents, abilities, and experiences. Soccer equalizes inequities and humanizes all people – together we can make a difference in our community.
Hope to see you on the field,
Coach Brodie
