28 TRAINING SESSIONS
9 GAMES PER SEASON MINIMUM
164 GRADUATE EACH YEAR ON AVERAGE
50% GAME TIME MINIMUM
TRAINING SESSIONS
28 per season +8 more for elite teams
GAMES
9 games per season minimum
GRADUATE TO COMPETITIVE
164 graduate each year on average
ADDING LAYERS TO THE FUNDAMENTALS
NOW WE WORK
Training and playing in teams with a pool play narrative is introduced, with a focus on pushing and developing players into a more technical and tactical mindset.
OUR ACADEMY IS A FANTASTIC PLACE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES TO CONTINUE THEIR SOCCER EDUCATION, WHILE CONSTANTLY CHALLENGING AND DEVELOPING THEIR MIND AND BODY
Developing core technique, game intelligence and passion for the game through our SA United Player Pathway, is the next evolution for our athletes progressing from our Rising Stars program, or heading into our competitive program at U11.
Our Academy program offers professional soccer coaching for U7-U10 boys and girls.
Players are assigned to team rosters and train as age groups twice weekly.
Our coaching staff follow an established club player development curriculum that places the individual at the centre of learning, with training goals that include individual technique and game intelligence.
Small group and team tactics are taught to understand the depth of the sport, however team success is not defined as winning only. SA United teams play a distinct style of soccer, balancing the passing game with 1v1 play, but always aiming for high intensity performances.
From U7 to U10, our players work through a 4v4 and 7v7 training curriculum to prepare them for the move into U11 competitive 9v9 soccer. Written player evaluations are provided every Fall and Spring season. Game days are typically Saturday, with all Academy teams playing at one location as an entire program.
John R
My son plays on the U9 Boys Azzurri team. They have improved tremendously over the course of the Fall season. The boys improved at a more accelerated rate than any other U9 team in my opinion. The coach has been excellent. He makes it fun and at the same time maintains discipline. Christian is 7 years old and playing up a year!
Academy parent
My son and daughter have been with SA United for the last 8 seasons. My son is in the U11's and my daughter is in the U9's. Both have made tremendous progress in not only soccer skills, but social skills, teamwork, perseverance, health, critical thinking and strategizing. I love this club and my soccer families.
Cindy P
Academy parent
CONTINUING THE PHILOSOPHY THROUGHOUT THE CLUB, WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A TECHNICAL, POSSESSION FOCUSED GAME
28 training sessions and 9 games per season, offering challenging and enjoyable player development in a person-centered environment.
Academy players at SA United are immersed into an environment of challenging training and competitive matches. We aim to develop the whole player and person, learning a range of core technique, game intelligence, and experience of the game from all positions and points of play.
Players will always receive a minimum of 50% of playtime for every game to maximize their development.
Coaches will rotate players through all positional roles on the field. This method allows them to experience and learn the game from all technical and tactical viewpoints. Using the pool play method we train same-age group teams side-by-side to allow pool training and scrimmage in training.
Pool play is used to share players across teams every game, allowing players to experience more than one game and move across different levels of competition.
Our age groups are developed as an entire group, as we prepare and plan for U11 tryouts and competitive 9v9 soccer in our Junior Program.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Teams are formed every Fall and Spring season. Players can register for Fall only, Spring only, or Fall and Spring seasons each year.
Age group and gender training schedule is set each year.
Players compete in the PDF league of San Antonio, where no scores or standings are posted, but matches are highly competitive.
Fall season runs from August-December. Spring season runs from January-May. Winter break is typically 5 weeks over December-January.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Our season schedule tries to maximize as much training and game time for all of our players and members, please view the dates and times below.
Training information:
Season length: 14 weeks
Practice days: Mondays and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday schedules
Practice times: U7 and U8, 5-pm-6pm, U9 and U10, 6pm-7.30pm
Game information:
Game dates: September to November in Fall, February to May in Spring
Game times: Saturday, between 8.30am and 5pm. League schedule is set by board members.
Current training schedule:
Monday and Wednesday - U8 boys and girls, 5-6pm
Monday and Wednesday - U9 boys and U10 boys, 6-7.30pm
Tuesday and Thursday - U10 boys and U9 girls, 6-7.30pm
Tuesday and Thursday - U7 and U8 boys, 5-6pm
PROGRAM CONTENTS
All age groups train a minimum of 28 sessions per season.
Included in the program:
-
Training sessions with SA United professional training staff
-
2 training sessions (minimum) per week
-
28 training sessions per season (minimum)
-
9 regular games per season (minimum)
-
Registration
-
Insurance
PLAYER REGISTRATION
If you are interested in your son(s) or daughter(s) joining our Academy program, then please click the relevant link to begin the registration process.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail and information on the program itself not long after it has been completed.
Fall 2021 player registration
PROGRAM FEES
Payment plans for monthly training dues.
FALL 2021
-
Commitment fee of $150 (non-refundable)
-
$25 early bird registration discount until June 30, 2021
-
Pay in full - Fall only ($449)
-
Pay in full - Fall and Spring ($898)
-
2 monthly payments for Fall only (initial $150, then 2 monthly payments of $149.50)
-
5 monthly payments for Fall and Spring (initial $150, then 5 monthly payments of $149.60)
Total: $449 per season (Fall and Spring)
Items not covered:
-
Tournament fees
-
Cost of uniform - $90 (2020-2022)
-
Coach's travel expenses are not covered but shouldn't be an issue since all teams play locally
GAME FORMAT
U7 and U8 teams play a 4v4 game format with 3x15 minute halves.
U9 and U10 teams play a 7v7 game format with 2x25 minute halves.
Player equipment: Players at these age groups use a size 4 soccer ball.
Shin guards, cleats and team uniform are required for all games and training.
Field dimensions: U7-U8, it is minimum 20x30 yards and maximum 35x40 yards.
For U9-U10 players it is minimum 35x55 yards and maximum 45x65 yards.
CONTACT POINTS.
ACADEMY DIRECTOR
Ben Loney
ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR
Norma Miller
GRADUATES
Academy to Competitive
GAME TIME % MINIMUM
Per player, every game
PLAYERS PLAYING UP
In our 9v9 bracket
U7-U14
Our Recreational program offers a low-cost, fun, creative and non-stressful environment, to not only develop soccer players, but for every player to participate on a team, regardless of their interest or ability.
Q. If my child really enjoys the program, are there any options for movement into the other club programs?
A. Yes of course. We actually have players who have excelled in the program and then progressed into our Academy and Junior programs to further their development.
U15-U19
Players moving into the Senior program begin to learn about our competition phase, while we develop them for successful high-school and college careers in sport and study.
Q. How do you help players with their college aspirations and recruitment?
A. With a dedicated program director, we provide each athlete with a guide and athlete profile, outlining a timeline to organize their goals and support them in the recruiting process.
U11-U14
Our Junior program focuses on our athletes learning to compete as a team, developing as an individual, enjoying the pursuit of excellence in a challenging environment.
Q. Entering into the competitive phase of soccer, what can we expect from the program?
A. We offer multiple levels of competitive play, with a club focus and philosophy on developing intelligent, skillful athletes.
U4-U7
Developing the very fundamentals of soccer, at the earliest time of a child's development, is crucial in their soccer education.
Q. What does your program offer my young child and why play so early ?
A. Our program has a set curriculum based on ball mastery, and a fun challenging environment to instill a passion and love for the game.
U7-U10
Our Academy program is a fantastic place for young athletes to to continue their soccer education, while constantly challenging and developing their mind and body.
Q. Can we come out to the Sportsplex and see what the environment is like before registering?
A. Of course, we can arrange a free POE for your child and your family to experience our club.