Academy Program
Philosophy and Structure
Program Background Yardley Makefield Soccer recognizes and supports the value of small-sided soccer. Our highly successful Peewee program has been a cornerstone of the development of our players in recent years. Following the directive from USYSA we have not only agreed to support the change to move to small sided games but have decided to be one of the leaders in the development of this teaching method. Since the 2003-04 season our U-8 to U-10 travel program and our U-8 and below In-House program has changed to accommodate the new system. The combination of In House Academy games and Academy Festivals has provided a better environment for our players to learn. To be eligible for the Academy Teams you would have to be a U8 Player thru U10 player. See EPYSA age group chart to see if you fall in that range. Academy Tryouts are in the spring for the following years teams. See website updates in the early spring for tryouts dates and times.
- Creating a Learning Environment
. A fundamental concept of the new Academy is to create an environment where children are free to express their creativity. The 4 v 4 approach, where winning is not the major goal, attempts to address this missing aspect. Players need the following to develop to their potential:
- Plenty of individual possession and touches that teach ball control
- The ability to try new skills and experiment without the fear of failure or ridicule
- Lots of 1 v 1 situations where forwards can challenge defenders and vice versa
- Little or no pressure, or Tactical instruction from parents or coaches
- No win loss pressure
- No designated positions that prevent development of an “all-round” player
- No rules that hinder restarting the game
- A vibrant, creative and FUN atmosphere
Year 1—U8
Initial teams formed from Tryouts.
Goal is 3 equal teams of 12 players each
No “A”,”B” or “C” player differentiation
Players rotate through teams each season
Academy format is 5 v5 (including a goalie)
5v5 Festivals with other teams and clubs
Kick in’s to restart game
Players play all positions to ensure player development
Rotating Goalkeeper
Equal playing time
2 (30 minute) Coerver skills training sessions per week
Coaches educational clinics on practices
Year 2—U9**
Additional players from tryouts
No “A”,”B” or “C” player differentiation**
No players cut from initial U-8 teams provided they are attending sessions
Rotate players through teams
Academy format is 6 v 6 (including a goalie) in the fall and 8 v 8 in the spring.
6v6 Festivals with other teams and clubs
Kick in’s to restart game
Rotating Goalkeeper
Equal playing time
Players play all positions to ensure player development.
2 (30 minute) Coerver skills training sessions per week
Additional technical training from staff
Year 3—U10**
4 teams of up to 14**
Academy format is 8v8 for fall and spring.
8v8 Tournament teams from Academy***
Rotating Goalkeeper
All players play all positions to ensure development
Equal playing time
2 (30 minute) Coerver skills training per week
Additional technical training from staff
** Streaming of players on different teams may begin depending on the relative development of the academy players. Because each academy group can show different levels of development and differentiation, the director of coaching can recommend assignment to “A”, “B”, etc. teams at different times in the program. When streaming takes place players are continually assessed for movement through the different teams based on their development. No child is permanently designated as an “A” or “B” player.
*** We attempt to select up to two U10 teams to enter the Jefferson Cup, a tournament held in Virginia in March. The director of coaching makes the selections and their staff based on their perception of the abilities of the players at that time. Selection for those teams does not imply a guaranteed spot on any future team.
Small Sided Games and Academy Training means…
· More touches
· More skills focus training
· More players play
· More time on ball
· More fun
· More playing time
No designated positions, equal playing time
· No cutting of original team selections when they commit to the program
Player differentiation only after development
· No win loss
· Less drop out
Improvements Needed
More teams and Clubs willing to play small sided games and festivals
Tournaments and Leagues to provide small sided events
Communication to and Education of parents and coaches
A way to provide more training for the more “promising” players
For more information on the YMS Academy Program philosophy, format, coaching curriculum, playing rules, game scheduling and festival participation please send an email to
ymspremier@comcast.net.
