ACADEMY PROGRAM
BOYS & GIRLS U8 - U12
What is an Academy?
An Academy is a specialized youth soccer program where players are selected to participate in a structured competitive development pathway supported by a comprehensive curriculum. These players are generally in the fundamental and developmental phase of the game, meaning they are not yet in the advanced National/Regional platforms. Academy age profiles vary depending on the club pathway structure. The Academy is traditionally a holistic player-centric program designed to prepare players for advanced levels of play. On the pathway of a player (see diagram), our Youth Academy is the next step for a recreational player and the precursor to elite competition.
What makes the SNFC Academy unique?
The Sporting Nebraska FC staff has spent years researching, touring, examining and learning from some of the top performing Academies in England, Germany, South Africa and Brazil. In addition, SNFC staff works closely with the Sporting Kansas City Academy MLS side to help mold and shape an ideal Academy environment modeled after a professional Club. All the international and domestic research has been culled and used to create the foundation of the SNFC Academy. The program is led by the Academy Director and two Assistant Directors (Girls & Boys). Our coaches at SNFC are trained to lead with emotional intelligence. We intend to meet your player where they are in their growth phase of life as a person and a player and strive to provide a constructive foundation for personal and technical development. Players receive expert guidance from licensed coaches who are trained in the nuances of the game and player development. Players will compete in a high level, challenging environment where they will receive consistent feedback, including digitally archived player evaluations that “live” with the player through their life in the Academy. Sporting Nebraska FC maintains the highest standards of training with significant investments in a variety of equipment and both outdoor/indoor facilities. Our Academy Director, in conjunction with the direction of the Club Technical Director, developed age-appropriate curriculum and game models deliverable to our players through SNFC Academy coaches. Finally, the fundamental skills of the game and an emphasis on progression are pillars of the Academy methodology, and while winning is certainly a component of success it doesn’t define success at the SNFC Academy.
Why is the Academy expanding?
The Academy is expanding to complete a seamless player pathway from recreational to Regional/National platforms of play. While National platforms of play don’t start until the U13 level, regional competition for selected teams in the Youth Academy could start as early as U11. Sporting Nebraska FC recognized a place for improvement in player and family experience and is implementing the expansion to unify programming from the entry point of the Club to the conclusion of the youth career. Where appropriate, players will be invited to participate in the Academy as early as the U8 level after demonstrating advanced technical, physical, emotional and psychological behaviors at the Recreational level. A player may be invited into the Academy at any time from U8-U12.
What are the characteristics of an Academy player?
An SNFC Academy player is well rounded, happy, ambitious and self-aware of their respective age group. They exhibit determination, engagement and enthusiasm in their pursuit to learn more about the game. The ideal Academy players are problem solvers, curious and inquisitive about their environment. Academy players will experience holistic coaching in the areas of character, attitude, teamwork, leadership and resilience - life skills that will support their personal development as young human beings. SNFC Academy players will be encouraged to take risks, be creative and not be afraid to fail in a safe and nurturing learning environment.
We are excited to have you join us as we take this next step to complete the player pathway at Sporting Nebraska FC.
Here is a quick summary of benefits of the Sporting Nebraska FC Academy:
- Structured development pathway supported by technical age-appropriate curriculum
- Access to professionally licensed coaches
- High level environment designed to challenge the player
- Holistic player education including personal development of life skills
- State of the art equipment and facilities including indoor and outdoor turf fields
- Leading with technology - digital player profiles, archived evaluations, training resources for individual player improvement