FCSA Academy Program

The academy model has received great praise as the “cutting edge” for player development. First Coast Soccer was the FIRST club in Jacksonville to adopt the academy model of training. FCSA academy has grown to include programs for players aged 5-12 years old. The academy program is divided into U6-U10 developmental academy and U9-U12 travel academy.

Travel Academy Program

For motivated and committed players wanting to play on U9-U12 travel teams.

Players attend tryouts in May/June and are placed on tiered teams. First Coast has 3-4 levels of travel teams in each age group for boys and girls. The program is specific for the age and developmental level of the players. Players attend training 2 times per week with their coach &/or trainer in a program directed by the DOC of Academy. Included on training days is supplemental foot skills training. Players can also attend beach fitness (summer) and functional training (U12’s). Goalkeeper training is included as part of the program.

One year commitment.

Travel Academy Goals

As players move through the travel academy program, the following technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas are covered:

Technical – individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent –

                dribbling, receiving, passing, shielding, shooting, heading, tackling,..

Tactical – basic principles of attacking and defending

Physical – fitness with and without the ball – agility, speed, strength, endurance,   

              balance, flexibility

Psychological - foster a desire to play (intrinsic motivation), encourage decision-

               making, creativity, increase demands, discipline.

Travel Academy Criteria

Size 4 ball

U9,10 player 6v6 including keeper, U11, 12 play 8v8 (some U12 teams will play full-sided in spring season).

TRYOUTS

Players are required to attend tryouts in May/June at Patton Park. See TRYOUT section for tryout details. There may be opportunities to join a travel team mid-season – contact the office – fcsa@bellsouth.net

GAMES

Teams will be given a schedule appropriate to their level of play. Games will be on weekends, ½ or more at Patton Park, ½ at various clubs in the league. 

Teams will participate in tournaments or festival play depending on the level of the team.

WHEN 

Practice days and time depends on the team.

Training starts August for fall season, February for spring season.

COST

Fees include training, age-specific curriculum, field usage, player evaluation, training shirt, referee fees, registration fees, Regional cup tournament entry for U11, 12 teams,  administration.

2010 fees - U9,10 - $250 (fall) plus $240 (spring); U11, 12 - $300 (fall) plus $290 (spring)

Additional $50 for uniform (if needed). Uniform is re-used each year. 

Tournament registration for regional cup tournament included. Other tournament fees are not included.

Uniform is about $50 per year.