SSA Carrollton U8 Player Development Academy

Available for 6 to 8 year old boys and girls (birthdays between 8/1/2005 to 7/31/2007)

2014 Spring Season Schedule:

* SSA PDA is an invite program only. Therefore, players wishing to participate in the Spring 2014 PDA season are required to register and attend PDA Assessment Days to provide an opportunity for the club to determine a player’s suitability for the PDA fall program.

Overview

SSA Player Development Academy is a unique soccer development program for Under 8 soccer players, which aims to accelerate the technical and tactical development of players preparing to participate in the U9 academy program. We have recognized that there are many talented U8 players within our club, and in GA, who would benefit from a dedicated soccer environment to continue to nurture player ability and prepare them for higher-level soccer.

SSA PDA is a seasonal academy program designed for the passionate, motivated, and advanced U8 player who fosters the desire to be challenged in every aspect of their game. This program gives those players the opportunity to become even better soccer players by training in a professional environment with professional coaches and alongside like-minded players. Through an exclusive SSA curriculum, players are provided the tools to help accelerate their technical and tactical development to continue to take their game to the next level. In an effort to maximize player development, players are maintained in training groups and play non-results oriented games. Players may also have the chance to represent their club when playing neighboring clubs.

SSA PDA allows players to participate on a season-to-season basis, permitting players to register for one season without committing to a full year. This provides a chance for those players who turn 6 during a season to enter the program the following season, and those that turn 8 a chance to move up and join the Academy program should this be in the best interests of the player.

Purpose

To bridge the gap between Recreational soccer and U9 Academy soccer. A more soccer focused environment is created for players who love the game where individual player development is paramount to master key soccer techniques and concepts that are required at a higher level of play. This program allows players to experience an academy soccer environment while preparing players and parents for the next step of the soccer process. This program does not replace U8 Recreational soccer but offers another avenue of continued growth in the beautiful game.

For Whom

SSA PDA is available to all Recreational boys and girls who are in the U8 age bracket by August 1st. (players must be a minimum of 6 years of age). It is strongly recommended that players participate in a minimum of one season of U8 soccer, and have at least one full year of organized soccer experience on a team before considering this program. Interested players that are committed to the goal of development will be considered for this program and placed with the best interests of the player in mind. This program will have limited spaces to ensure a superior soccer environment is maintained.

Objectives

• Provide a seamless transition from Recreational soccer to Academy soccer

• Train in an academy-like environment with the priority being placed on player development

• Expose players to an exclusive SSA curriculum to enhance player development and better prepare players for the next level

• Provide the opportunity for players to become more technically and tactically competent

• Continue to nurture each player’s soccer talent and passion for the game

• Ease the learning curve for 1st year Academy players

• Help parents become aware as to the progression through the club

Staff

Coaching staff consists of SSA PDA Director with assistance given by professional coaches who have a vast experience at developing young soccer players.

Curriculum

Through Southern Soccer Academy's partnership with Chelsea, coaching staff will be able to set a unique and exclusive curriculum for the PDA.  All sessions will have realistic goals set forth by the staff and will be enhanced by a nurturing environment for accelerated development. Coaching staff will not only educate the players about the game, but give players and parents a view of the skills and techniques necessary for long term soccer success. Training topics will focus on dribbling, receiving, passing, ball striking, and principles of attacking and defending in a 1v1 up to a 5v5 situation, as well as a continued effort to expand each players own coordination, balance, body movement and confidence.

Format

Program:

• SSA PDA will consist of a 10-12 week season

• There will be 2 training sessions per week

• 1-2 games per team at the weekend

Training Session Structure:

• Session 1 conducted by SSA PDA Coaching Staff

• Session 2 conducted by SSA PDA Coaching Staff, covering the same topics as the first session

• Sessions are one hour and 15 minutes in duration

• Players all train as a group (boy and/or girls)

Game Format (vs. In-House):

• Players are split into teams and play multiple games against each other

• Each week players will be placed on different teams

• 5v5 (GK and four players)

• 4x12 minute quarters per game

Game Format (vs. Out of House):

• 1-2 times in the season, SSA PDA may travel or host a neighboring club

• Players will be spilt into teams as determined by coaching staff

• Playing format may change (e.g. GK and five players)