Developmental Academy

For players ages 5–7 (U6–U8) who want to take their soccer skills to the next level. Players will receive instruction from licensed coaches and compete in organized games against teams in the Recreational Program. No travel is required, and all games will be played at the club's facility.

Focuses on technical skills development & some team tactical elements to help make gameday fun, functional, and productive.

The primary focus is on the player developing age-appropriate skills and knowledge of the game.

The training environment is fun but focused.

Players should want to learn how to train.

What is the Developmental Academy?

  • This is a program for players and families who want their player(s) to learn how to train in an environment focused on individual development. Coaches from our Select staff organize and run practices with the assistance of Select Mentors and Volunteer Coaches. Volunteer Coaches (often parents) lead the teams on game days. 

  • Using our Stones River FC Coaching Curriculum, our staff will make sure players are introduced to topics and activities that reflect our Development Model for U6-U8 players. The objective is to provide a structured, consistent, and skills-based environment which will allow for maximum growth and development at these pivotal ages of growth in the game. 

  • The goal is to be able to do this while also fostering a fun and exciting experience for our young people. 

  • All games will be played in our traditional Recreational league here at the Rotary Soccer Park. Games will primarily be on Saturdays. 

What it is not…

  • It is not Select soccer.

  • It is not daycare.

  • It is a division of Recreational soccer organized and run by nationally licensed soccer coaches.

  • Practice will not be geared toward winning on Saturday.

  • Our goal is long-term player development.

  • Players that do not want to train and/or those that distract others from being able to train will be removed from training or potentially the program. 

What to Expect

  • Two practices during the week organized and run by our licensed club coaches.

  • Introduction to a higher (age-appropriate) level of soccer language and tactics presented during practices.

  • 8 Games played at the club’s facility against Recreational Youth teams with a volunteer coach on gamedays. View Recreational Calendar.

  • No travel required.

  • No previous playing experience is required, but some is suggested.

Additional FAQs