Academy Schedules

Fall Schedules
Academy Concept

Academy programs aid in player retention and individual player development as opposed to the "team forming" model that excludes players too early who are not considered talented enough to add to a team roster. Academy formats are appropriate for young soccer players' development since the focus is on player improvement vs. team improvement or accomplishment. Academy formats do not have the short-term goal of winning a game at ages U-10 and below. In this format, the role of the soccer associations, clubs, and youth coaches is to develop players first. Then at U-11 and above start to incorporate the technically gifted and sound players into teams that can compete and win with increased skills and flair.

The premise of academy training is that "player development" is what is in the best interest of young players. It is at this young age that a player needs to learn the skill sets in order to ultimately play soccer at a higher level. The Academy format offers this special vehicle.

The Academy concept is a common global program and is practiced in Brazil, France, Holland, and England, among many other countries. In addition, in Africa and many Latin American and other similar countries "street futbol" and unsupervised soccer is a fundamental Academy format from which the best players are developed without a team construct.
Academy League

The Academy programs are designed to assist players, who are seeking a greater challenge, develop their soccer aptitude and realize the highest level of success in the game.

The level of play and competition is what differentiates academy from recreational soccer. In the academy soccer programs, teams are chosen by the Academy Director, and the academy league coaches are expected to play all players at least 50% of the game, regardless of each player’s aptitude.

Boys and Girls are seperated into different academies provided that there are enough players and coaches to do so.

Our Academy league consists of the following age groups.

  • Under 7
  • Under 8
  • Under 9
  • Under 10

The age group that your child will play in is determined by their birthday as outlined on our registration form.

When signing up to play in the academy league you will be required to provide the following equipment.

  • Soccer Shoes
  • Shin Guards
  • Soccer ball

The players uniform will be provided as part of the registration fees. The uniform consists of a shirt, shorts and socks. The uniform is yours to keep at the end of the season.

Most academy teams will play 1 to 2 games per week and have 2 practice sessions. At least one of the practice sessions will be an academy session with the academy director leading the practice. All games are played at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith and are usually on Saturday mornings.

Academy players are also given the opportunity to compete in tournaments in the regional area against other local soccer clubs.

The U7 teams play 4v4, the U8 and U9 teams play 6v6, and the U10 teams play 8v8.

As an additional reminder our club has a zero tolerance policy in regards to abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior detrimental to the game.