Junior Academy Philosophy

Our goal is to teach all our players the correct way to play with an emphasis on long term development rather than short-term wins/scoring goals.

Our philosophy is to develop technically skillful players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We promote a fun, challenging environment in which we encourage individual creativity.

We want players to be critical thinkers and make decisions on their own with little to no on field instructions from coaches and parents.

Pillars/Fundamentals of the game:

Technical Skills and Moves - players learn all turns, tricks and skills moves with both feet. Emphasis on repetition to improve proficiency and confidence. All players are trained to be dribblers first.

1v1 Attacking - lots of 1v1, 2v1, and 3v3 free play within each training session. We encourage players to use their skill moves in a game like scenario. Also to recognize the triangle shape and overloads in small sided games.

Triangle Support - developing the idea of supporting the player on the ball with multiple options creating triangle and diamond shapes. Encouraging players to play out of situations rather than just kicking it away or dribbling into pressure.

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving - we encourage players to think for themselves and solve soccer problems with their skills. Our coaches use guided discovery questions to guide players to the answers rather than just telling them the answer.

When assessments?

Assessments dates are usually held in late November & May and several dates throughout the summer.  Assessment information and online registration will be available on the Thunder website prior to the published tryout dates.

Supplemental assessments or evaluations can be scheduled throughout the year for any player who is not registered in another club’s Academy program, all registered recreational players, or any unregistered players.

Who is eligible?

The junior academy program is open to all boys born in 2013.

When and where are the training sessions?

Junior Academy teams train 2 times a week on Monday and Wednesday at Auburn Thunder Soccer Complex in Auburn, Alabama

Training days:
Monday and Wednesday:

Times:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Spring Season: Begins February 1
Fall Season : Begins August 1

Practice Sessions
February 1  / February 3
February 8  (Toetaps) / February 10 (Foundations/Inside Foot)
February 15  (Pull Back) / February 18 (Sole Roll)
February 22 / February 22
March 1 (Toe Taps/Foundation/Pull Back/ Drag Inside)
March 3 (Coerver Moves Only : Toe Taps  /  Foundation  /  Pull Back  /  Sole Roll   /  Drag  Roll  /  Pull Push) 

When and where are the games?

Our Junior Academy U8 Boys teams will play both 7v7 format. All teams will play a mixture of games against Thunder recreational program teams, in-house scrimmages, and other Junior Academy programs in the Auburn area.

Games are typically held on Saturdays and Sundays during the Fall season from early September through mid-November and the Spring season from early March to mid-May. Generally teams play one game per week, although occasionally players may be asked to play twice at the same location.

In addition to regular season games, Junior Academy teams will participate in 1-2 local tournaments per year. 

U8 Junior Academy Spring 2021 Game Schedule
February 6: vs Red Star  (Auburn, AL)
February 13:  In House Games (Auburn, AL)
February 20: Red Star Tournament (Columbus, GA)
February 27: TBD
March 5 - March 14:  Spring Break 
March 8 - March 10 : Spring Break Camp (Auburn, AL)
March 26 - 28: Auburn Soccer Showdown (Auburn, AL)
April 3: In House Games
April 10: TBD
April 24 : vs AFC Lightening (Lagrange, GA)
April 25:  vs Columbus Red Star (Auburn, Alabama)
May 1: vs Barber Elite (Auburn, Alabama)
May 24, 25 & 26: Junior Academy Tryouts from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

What is the difference between Recreation and Academy Thunder Soccer?

Deciding whether or not your child should play recreational soccer or competitive (“academy/select”) soccer is often a daunting task for parents not familiar with the world of competitive sports. The primary deciding factor that parents should consider when making the academy verses recreation decision is whether or not one wishes to accelerate a child’s soccer development in a professionally guided training environment.

In recreational soccer, the focus is most often on social interaction, “having fun” with friends, which often comes at the expense of instruction. In academy soccer, the focus in on teaching in an enjoyable manner that is appropriate for the child’s age level. Individual skills and team tactics are taught by high-level, professional coaches in order to more fully develop the child’s level of play. When it comes to playing at an academy level, the end result is young athletes that know how to play soccer at a much higher level than their corresponding recreational players.

What are the differences between Academy Thunder coaches and Recreational coaches?

Academy soccer differs from recreational soccer in several ways, but the primary difference is in the level of coaching provided. Coaching is like teaching – it requires extensive knowledge of the subject and the ability to communicate that knowledge to young athletes. In recreational soccer, the coach is typically a noble parent with little or no competitive or high level soccer experience. Unlike recreation soccer, Academy coaches are experts in their field, skilled communicators and teachers, and are paid a professional salary.

Academy coaches are expected to create a community of players that supports the alignment of individual and team improvement by implementing club standards of play that are developmentally appropriate by age.  This requires continuous evaluation as well as a clear structure that is communicated effectively to the players and parents. 


Age Group Details & Cost
Spring 2021:

U8 (Born 2013)
Cost $435 OR 2 x $217.50 (includes one tournament)
(90 min training)
(includes  Home & Away Jerseys) 
(Players Provide own black shorts & Socks)

If you have any further questions please contact : 
Junior Academy Director : Warren van der Westhuizen | 404-713-5043 | [email protected]

Thanks

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