Youth Development Program U8

What is the PCYS Academy?

The PCYS Academy program allows you to place your child in an environment designed to foster more advanced growth in the game of soccer via a fully developed program, with dedicated instructors leading our coaching staff in an environment that is both structured and fun.

How is it Different than the Recreational Soccer Program?

The purpose of the PCYS Academy is to prepare players to be successful competitive soccer players and individuals. We do this through a focus on fundamental technical soccer skills and character education (sportsmanship, team building, positive social interaction). The PCYS Academy program is intended for children who have demonstrated a strong interest and enjoyment of soccer and want to spend the time and energy to improve their skills. If your child prefers to play soccer just for fun, he or she might find our recreational program to be a better fit.

Training Format and Philosophy

The PCYS Academy trainings are run in an academy setting following a training curriculum that has been created for our Academy program. The main objectives of academy training are to set a consistent training methodology in place for all players in the group and have the coaches exposed to all players in the age group. The academy training allows for players to be exposed to different coaches on a consistent basis. Training focuses on developing age appropriate skills aligned with the US Soccer Player Development Framework. 

Overall Academy Objectives

●  Technical – Develop skill, accuracy, and speed in all aspects of ball control (dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting)

●  Tactical – Emphasis on improving attacking principles and basic defending

●  Physical – Improve speed, agility, coordination and balance

●  Psychosocial – Develop and grow a passion for the game of soccer as they learn to cooperate with teammates in collective tasks and assume more responsibilities.

Pathway to Success

If your child has already been introduced to soccer and enjoys it, wants to learn and play more, and has an inner drive to learn and improve, the Academy is the program we'd recommend for your child. PCYS Academy is just the beginning of a player’s journey through their soccer career. The foundation being built for each player at these early ages will propel them to success as an individual and in a team environment through each stage of PCYS. Players will have the opportunity to compete at Classic, State League, Premier, and Regional League levels as they continue to grow older and develop. All of these outlets mean that possibilities are endless for players to develop and reach their highest goals as a PCYS player.

2023 FEES

● $100 for 12 sessions
Players will be provided with 12 training sessions. Sessions may be replaced by local games as available. Players may be eligible to participate in one tournament; those registration fees will be covered within the player fee. 

Players will need to provide shin guards, ball and cleats. 

*Number of sessions not guaranteed due to weather. 

2023 Fall Schedule 

Training sessions will last six weeks starting August 30 and ending October 11. Sessions will be 1 hour and held on Monday and Wednesday nights. 

Any scheduled games/tournaments may take the place of a practice session. 

If you are interested in volunteering to coach this age group or have any other questions - please contact mike.farrey@pcys.net