Skilz Academy is designed to help athletes in all phases of soccer, from fundamental skills to tactical decision-making. The program will instruct very basic skills to beginners, as well as, advanced techniques to players that have some experience in the game. Skilz Academy incorporates the use of U.S Soccer Federation’s Grassroots curriculum to create an age-appropriate, individual guide to player development in all aspects of the game – including physical, mental, emotional, as well as social.
Skilz Academy Explorers (2.5-3.5yrs, parent/child class) – Introductory program for 2.5-3.5 year olds that is meant for children who are ready for more of a challenge, but are not yet ready to be on the field without a parent. Your emerging explorer will work on developing balance, coordination, and ball skills. The program is designed to encourage children to build their self-confidence and begin to become more independent while the parents are able to take a less active roll. Classes are 45 mins once a week on weekdays before 3pm. Cost is $12 per class and includes a T-shirt for new customers!
Academy Tots (3-4yrs) – Introductory program for 3-4 year olds. Licensed coaches introduce the basic elements of soccer in a fun – engaging environment. Your budding soccer player will develop balance, coordination, agility, technical skills, social skills, and self-confidence. All this is accomplished through fun games and activities that ease players into developing new skills. Classes are 45 mins once a week on weekdays before 3pm. Cost is $12 per class and includes a T-shirt for new customers!
Skilz Academy High 5’s (5yrs, beginners) – Introductory program for 5 year olds who have not played soccer before. The class is designed for players to gain soccer experience and build the fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting that will be necessary for the next level, while also encouraging a love for the sport. Classes are 45 mins once a week on weekdays before 3pm. Cost is $12 per class and includes a T-shirt for new customers!
Skilz Academy 5/6 (5-6 yrs) – Classes for five and six year olds who want to learn more about the game and need a more challenging technical class. Each class will put emphasis on the basic fundamentals of soccer: dribbling, passing, and shooting. Small-sided games will be used to help introduce the application of the technical knowledge. Class meets once a week for 50 mins at $17.50 per class (pay by season).
Skilz Academy 7/8 (7-8 yrs) – Classes for seven and eight year olds who have soccer experience and are ready for more of a challenge. Each class will begin to introduce tactical decision-making skills and continue to work on improving the basic fundamentals of soccer: dribbling, passing, and shooting. Small-sided games will be used to encourage tactical decision-making and the application of technical knowledge gained throughout the class. Class meets once a week for 50 mins at $17.50 per class (pay by season).
Skilz Academy 9/12 (9-12 yrs) – Classes for nine to twelve year olds who have experienced soccer before and want to take their skills to the next level. Each class will put emphasis on tactical decision-making skills as well as continue to refresh the basic fundamentals of soccer: dribbling, passing, and shooting. Small-sided games will be sued to instruct tactical decision-making and the application of technical knowledge. Class meets once a week for 50 mins at $17.50 per class (pay by season).
Skilz Academy Adult (17+yrs) – Skilz Academy is a comprehensive program for adults who want to learn more about the game and are looking to improve their skills. Each class will put emphasis on tactical decision-making skills as well as the basic fundamentals of soccer: dribbling, passing, and shooting. Small-sided games will be used to instruct tactical decision-making and the application of technical knowledge. Classes are 50 mins once a week with 30 mins instruction and a 20 min scrimmage.
Class Levels
Each class is broken into levels of skill that is determined on the first day. Depending on the level of your child, we might suggest moving to another time slot or day.
Beginner: Just starting in the sport, no previous experience, looking to learn technical skills
Intermediate: Has some experience, looking to become more confident with technical skills and learn more tactical decision-making skills
Advanced: Has quite a bit of experience, starting to master technical skills, looking to become more confident with technical and tactical decision-making skills
Why small-sided games?
Small-sided games are used to increase the number of touches on the ball a player receives within a game, which in turn, improves a player’s skills, confidence, and comfort with the ball. It also develops intelligence with and without the ball to promote faster decisions and better awareness. Small-sided games provide an age appropriate environment which aligns with the physiological needs of players.
US Soccer Federation’s (USSF) Grassroots Curriculum
Play-Practice-Play is a Grassroots developed philosophy designed around a player-centered approach to coaching. Taking a player centered approach places the needs and motivations of the player at the forefront of a coach’s approach to coaching his or her players. This approach differs from traditional practices that may have children standing in lines, running laps, and participating in drills that don’t resemble the game of soccer.
Grassroots description comes from ussoccer.com – VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
