FAQ's - 8U Junior Academy ProgramAcademy style -what does that mean? It means we take our players and install some basic values focused on technical and tactical improvement and run all our practice sessions the same way. All kids will get the same instruction and we tweak how that instruction is delivered based on skill levels in certain areas.
What this means for coaches as opposed to other rec teams?
8u strikers juniors is 1 team split into different training groups. We will all have the same jersey. Parent volunteers will be assigned a training group- A training group usually consists of no more than 12 players.
What are my responsibilities as a parent coach / team manager?
All training sessions will be run by Academy coach-. This does not mean we take over your teams - we engage you in the training as well as the players and expect the same engagement to the players. Guided coaching plans will be provided for each week that we will follow for each training session. Parent coaches will handle all communication to parents on their training group roster.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
Let the coaches coach. Cheer your player on, give them encouragement but let the coaches coach. At this level we are introducing new concepts that will slow down the game and drive it from 8 players chasing the ball to players using space and passing the ball.
How do games work if we are all 1 team?
For the first 3 weeks of games we schedule the teams to play themselves. Meaning we take the kids from 1 training group, put pennies on and they play themselves. Teams will be made evenly with the desire to see close games and not blow outs.The last 4 weeks of games - we will evaluate kids based on aspects of the game. We look at tactical, technical and overall. Players will be placed in new GAME groups with players of their similar skill set. We don't categorize as "good" or "bad". It is just similar skill level. What this does is gives the players who normally don't get touches in games and gives them an opportunity to improve with players who are working on similar areas of the game. It takes the kids who would get more touches and places them against each other and creates challenges for them. Result is players who never scored a goal gaining that confidence and the drive to want to improve while the players that dominate possession, get challenged and learn to overcome new struggles they might not have had. This does mean schedule will be incomplete until teams are broken up for week 4 games. Do not be alarmed when you see incomplete schedules.
What core values will the training sessions teach?
Our sessions from week 1 to week 9 will each be themed for different aspects of the game from dribbling, passing, positioning, spacing, shooting, defending. As for off the field values, fun is still number 1! We do introduce structure into how they need to behave and hold themselves on the field and on the bench with focus on humility, respect, and teamwork. But they will have FUN I can promise that!
If practice sessions are the same how do players who miss a week get the training they missed?
All practice sessions are open to all the kids who participate in 8u. We ask you to maintain your schedule practices as best as possible, but feel free to show up to any practice session. Parents should let their team manager/coach know. If your player practices on Mondays but week 3 can make it only on Thursday - not a problem bring the player on Thursday.
Can we join multiple training sessions a week?
This is encouraged. We obviously can't have 50-60 kids out there every night but discuss with parent coach if there is opportunity to do so every so often. We want these kids playing as much as possible.
What are the rules for 8u Striker's juniors?4- 12 min quarters -
We play 4v4, no goalies , no arc rule. Throw ins , goal kicks , corner kicks. On goal kicks defending team drops to behind center line. Full rules sheet to be handed at parents/coaches meeting.
What is the overall goal of this program? Why was it created?
To give players at this level more structure within the game and focus on improvements instead of results( wins, losses). It also helps us train parent volunteers as well as feeds into our Strikers Academy Program. For those who maybe considered it but had reservations on joining this gives the opportunity to get a glimpse of what it would be like to be a part of an Academy/ travel organization.
Any travel involved?
None as we are not registered with the state as traveling division of the league. If interested in travel there is an 8u academy travel team. Email
[email protected]