U9/10 Academy Format
Focus:
Soccer players develop at different rates of their career, especially the younger ones. TFA offers the young player an opportunity to show passion and enjoyment for the game, while committing to our ‘in-house’ program. The U9/U10 Academy structure is based on individual player development as opposed to tactical and team based training. TFA focuses on providing the individual player the opportunity to have as many touches on the ball as possible, while being challenged to make their own decisions to solve problems the game presents.
Training:
Sessions are set up for individual development. This means, each player will have their own ball (sometimes groups of 2 or 3 as development improves) and be put in different pressure situations. The young player is challenged to keep possession of the ball and find solutions to avoid pressure on their own (have purpose with the soccer ball vs. kicking it aimlessly). This ensures the players are learning how to control the ball with all surfaces of their foot, while becoming comfortable on ‘both’ feet. The majority of the practice is focused on technical skills; first touch (ball control), passing, dribbling and beating players 1 vs. 1... and most of all fun! You will see many different games played with the younger players within their hour practice; some are not even soccer related, but they all involve the ball and the player.
We also scrimmage at training in a 3 vs. 3 formats (sometimes 4 vs. 4 depending on numbers). We stay away from playing larger numbers where the player has far less touches of the ball
You will never see long lines at training where players are standing around losing interest in the game. All players are involved!
Games:
We offer scrimmages within the Toledo area and fun days (where the players show up and plays on different teams for a period of time). These are always set up so that both teams have fun and enjoy the game. This is the most important factor at this age. As the player progresses through the age groups the families will be confronted with lots of soccer and lots of competition; weekends away, days traveling and many practices... something to look forward too! (In the TFA General Information Document, attached, you can see the tournaments, leagues and months that we participate in.)
As you can see from U11 onwards it’s a huge commitment!
Team Selection and Movement:
As long as the player is passionate and committed to the game, TFA offers that person a place in our Academy. Too many players are ‘cut’ at the younger ages, only to give up the sport, not realizing their true potential. We place players in an Academy set up, either between the U9/10 teams or the U10 blue/red teams.
As in all the age groups within TFA movement is encouraged, especially with the younger players. A player might be moved for various reasons, not just technical ability or physical attributes. Maturity, leadership, social skills are all taken in to account at this age. Movement is always very fluid at the younger ages; so don’t be surprised seeing many different faces with the various teams.