1	Dacula Soccer Club’s Developmental Academy
2	What is the Developmental Academy? The Academy program is designed to prepare our players for select level soccer. Training will focus on technical skills such as dribbling, passing/receiving, finishing, and defending in a competitive training environment. Our main objective is to teach players to be comfortable when in possession of the ball and to make intelligent tactical decision.
3	Who is the Academy for? The Developmental Academy is for the soccer player that has progressed beyond the recreational player in their skill development and is ready to increase their commitment to the sport of soccer. The Developmental Academy is for the player who wishes to compete on a Dacula select team in the future and has a commitment to improving their technical and tactical ability.
4	What are the advantages of the Academy? Philosophy and methods consistent with the National Youth License agenda. Emphasis on player development (technical and tactical), not winning. Skill development is main determinant of success. Quality and long-term benefits are more important than short-term gains. Nominal travel. Games will be scheduled with other “local clubs”. Quality professional staff including Nationally licensed coaches.
5	What are the goals of the Academy? Plain & Simple Player Development
6	Player Development Accomplished through a planned systematic approach that takes into consideration where the player is in their: Psychomotor Development Cognitive Development Psychosocial Development
7	What do we mean by player development? Technical Skills Tactical Development Functional Development
8	Technical Skills Dribbling the Ball Dribbling Moves Passing the Ball Receiving the Ball Turning Heading First Touch Shooting
9	Tactical Development Individual Shape Team Shape Playing into Space Support Possession Pressure, Cover, Balance Field presence and awareness
10	Functional Development Principles of Attack Principles of Defense Building the Attack Rebuilding the Attack Attacking as a Team Defending as a Team Crossing/Serving the ball.
11	Assessment of player Development At this age we do not assess player development through won/loss records or tournament performance.
12	Development is assessed by The effort put forth The skill with which the game was played Individual and team improvements The attainment of team and individual goals
13	The Format U10 6v6 U11 8v8 U12 8v8 Note: We will attempt to accommodate all players if: 1. We have qualified staff coaches available 2. Technical ability is at a level where all players will gain maximum “soccer growth”
14	Important Information All Academy teams will practice together in one location. (When feasible) Participation precludes players from participating in the Recreational and Select Programs. Games will be in the form of friendlies in which players can be moved around from one “squad” to another. Two mandatory training sessions and a third optional session will be provided each week.
15	How much will the Academy cost? The Academy will cost $1000.00 per player for the entire year (Fall and Spring season). Payments can be made in installments. June $250.00 October = $250.00 February = $250.00 April = $250.00 This fee includes all training fees This fee includes Fall and Spring registration This fee includes 2 T-shirts ***Uniforms/tournaments/camps are additional costs and not covered by the Academy fee.
16	Uniform Package The uniform package will be provided by “Select Soccer” and will cost approx: $250.00 Two jerseys Two socks One short One bag One warm-up One long-sleeve jersey
17	Common Questions Will there be a goalkeeper coach? Yes, there will be keeper training one time per week. Why small-sided soccer? Each player will gain many more touches on the ball thus increasing their technical ability. The increase in skill will provide a better foundation for the transition to select soccer. (View DSC’s Academy News Page for related articles) Who will coach my child? -- Qualified professional staff will coach your child. The Academy will be directed by the Academy Director
18	How do you help your child get the most from their Academy experience? Encourage your player to be positive toward their teammates, opponents and coaches Make sure your player is on time to all practices
19	Player Responsibility Encourage your player to take responsibility for their soccer endeavors Players should have all their equipment for practice and matches Give them the responsibility of remembering their water, pony tail stuff, snack, etc. Players should take responsibility for their work-rate at practice and games
20	How can I stay informed? Utilize the club website www.daculasoccer.com Click on Academy for news updates Communicate with your child’s coach Before or after practice Following a game may not be the best time to talk to a coach Communicate with team managers Communicate with Academy Director and Administrator
21	GYSA Academy Guidelines Clubs will be granted permission to participate for a period of one year (fall and spring). Clubs must re-apply each year. Clubs must administer an Academy Parent Education Program in accordance with GYSA Academy protocol Academy Director must be a nationally licensed coach Sets training priority Player admittance policy Coaching and administrative staff selection Each club must attend State meetings as scheduled by GYSA
22	Academy Committee Rob Mangino Laurie Buckley Kristin Pullin Rick Culberson Roger Warner Jeff Tinklepaugh Joseph Aaron
23	Academy Coaching Staff Staff coaching profiles are located on the DSC website. Click on “academy” and then “coaching profiles” www.daculasoccer.com