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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 2 (30 minute) Coerver skills training per week

• Additional technical training from staff

• Improvements Needed

• More teams and Clubs willing to play small sided games and festivals

• Tournaments and Leagues to provide small sided events

• Support from USYSA on expanded rosters for Academy age groups and a Club Pass to allow players to move freely throughout the  Academy 

• Communication to and Education of parents and coaches

•  A way to provide more training for the more “promising” players

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 cutting of original team selections

• · No “A “, “B” or “C” player differentiation

• · No win loss

• · Less drop out

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

and the appropriate coaches will contact you.