Carolina FC

About Academy

Academy Program
CFC’s Academy Program is designed for U9, U10, U11, and U12 players as a bridge between CFC’s developmental program (recreational) and Select (competitive) program. It is ideal for the young player who is taking particular interest in the sport of soccer and appears to be ready for a higher level of training as well as increased expectations. Yet, the Academy Program remains primarily focused on individual player development; emphasis on team results (winning) remains secondary. Players of this age are not yet emotionally and socially ready for the pressure of inappropriate competition.

Age Group Pools, Expectations and Coaching
Like the Select Program, the Academy Program expects increased commitment from its players in time and effort and players are trained by CFC’s professional coaching staff. However, Academy differs from Select in that players train as age group pools and play small-sided matches (6 v 6) or (8 v 8). Age group pools allow players to train and compete with different combinations of players, orchestrating competitive environments to benefit the growth and development of everyone involved. Small-sided matches allow for maximum touches during a game - players have to become involved in the play.

Joining a Team
Players interested in the Academy Program must participate in an Academy Evaluation. This is not a “tryout” process resulting is a player being cut. Rather, it is an opportunity for players, parents, and coaches to assess the suitability of the program to the player’s stage of development and determine placement within CFC’s programs.

Academy Evaluations will begin May 12 @ the CFC Complex. Evaluation schedules can be found here or on the home page of our website, www.CarolinaFC.net All players interested in participating in the Academy Evaluations must register online when it becomes available.

Training
Academy players train twice a week for 1 ½ per session with emphasis on technical skills and introducing tactical concepts. Players are encouraged to practice their skills at home. In addition, Technical Skills Sessions, Speed & Agility Sessions, and Goal Keeper Training are offered at no extra charge. Teams may participate in tournaments, clinics and camps, and other soccer events.

Games, Tournaments and Travel
U9 and U10 Academy games consists of 6 players per team playing two twenty five minute halves or four 12 minute quarters. U11 and U12 Academy games consists of 8 players per team playing in two thirty minute halves. All League games are played at the MESA Soccer Complex in Greenville. Directions can be found on the left hand side of this page. CFC typically does not send any young teams to tournaments. however, Academy teams may participate in 1 tournament per season.

Academy Pre - Season Camp
Carolina FC Academy Program offers a Pre - Season Camp at a location TBD August 11-15, 2008. The main focus of the camp will be lots of soccer with emphasis on ball control, conditioning with the soccer ball, and team building. A perfect opportunity to kick off the season! Players will be coached by the CFC Staff along with college coaches in the local area. More details to follow!

Fees
The Academy Program fee is $800 per year, of which $100 is due at the parent meetings in June following the Academy Evaluations. The remaining amount can be paid monthly throughout the season. In addition, uniforms must be purchased and estimated cost is $100. Back pack and warm up is optional. Players and their families are responsible for their own travel costs and tournament expenses.

What is the Next Step?

Select Soccer

What is Select soccer?
In simple terms, “Select” soccer means that players are chosen (selected) for positions on teams using a means of assessment, such as a tryout. Positions on teams are secured based on performance. This differs from recreational soccer where players may be placed on teams simply by signing up.

In South Carolina , Select teams begin at the age of U13 as recommended by United States Youth Soccer. States vary as to the number of levels within Select soccer they are able to offer and support with some states having as many as 4 or 5 competitive levels within Select. South Carolina supports two levels: Challenge (highest level) and Classic (second highest level), and offers two statewide Select leagues: SCSCL (South Carolina State Challenge League) for Challenge teams and PMSL (President’s Medal Soccer League) for Classic teams. States also differ in the names they assign to their various levels of play. What is called “Challenge” in South Carolina may or may not be equivalent to what is called “Challenge” in North Carolina or some other state. To add to the confusion, what South Carolina calls “Select” soccer was formerly (and sometimes still is) called “Classic”; other states call it “Travel” or something similar.

Beyond the Challenge level of play is the Region III Premier League. First and second place finishers of the SC Challenge Cup are invited to participate in this region (not statewide) league, competing against other top teams from surrounding states, providing them with a level of competition unavailable within the state of South Carolina.

Select Soccer at Carolina FC
Carolina FC is extremely proud of its Select Soccer Program. CFC Challenge and Classic Select teams demonstrate consistently high performance in the leagues in which they participate and enter more teams into the Challenge league than the Classic league. The success of CFC’s teams can be directly contributed to the long-term, progressive development of the individual players on the teams. From the beginning, CFC players are trained with their long-term development in mind rather than immediate team success. CFC coaches and trainers are committed to this philosophy and CFC utilizes the trainer system to insure that players get the maximum amount of learning from as many soccer experts as possible.

Not only do CFC Select team players perform well in the realm of club soccer, CFC training is proven preparation for high school soccer. CFC players are the backbone of many area high school teams, both public and private. The strength of a high school program usually reflects the number of club players on the team and the level at which those players compete during club season. CFC Select players feed into many area high schools, elevating the quality of the high school varsity soccer experience for both boys and girls and increasing the competitiveness and excitement of every high school match.

Is Select soccer for you?
Select soccer is for serious soccer players who want professional instruction and who desire a more competitive environment with other players who share the same goals. Most Select soccer players tend to be those that want to play for their high school and even possibly in college. Players should not try out for a competitive team simply because some of their friends are. They should tryout because they really love to play soccer, want to learn to play at a more advanced level, and are willing to commit the time and effort required to become the best soccer player possible.