What
Our Junior Academy, formerly known as RecPlus, program (U7/U8 and U9/U10 age groups) is geared towards players who are ready to take the next step in their soccer development. Players may be athletically gifted or have technically grown beyond what the Recreation program can offer. These players may or may not have an interest in transitioning to a more competitive travel team in the coming years, but they show a commitment to their development. Professionally licensed coaches and volunteer coaches, all of which have extensive coaching experience, will work on developing and improving each player's technical skills and general understanding of the game. At this age, ball mastery is the priority and comfort with the soccer ball is the building block for all future development.
When numbers allow, Junior Academy players will be placed into tiers that will play in either our tri-county RecPlus league or against CSA Rec teams when developmentally appropriate. There are typically two academy style practices that are split between group and team practices along with competition style matches on weekends (Weather Permitting).
This program will also provide an opportunity for interested parent coaches to assist and to gain valuable experience so that they can also develop their coaching abilities under the mentorship of the professional coaches. These parent coaches are essential to the game day experience.
When
Players will meet for practice(s) during the week based on availability of licensed coaches. You will be contacted by your player's coach or a league representative at least a week prior to the regular season beginning with your player's practice location/day(s)/time. Coaches will inform team of game schedule once released. Games are usually held on Friday evenings or Saturdays (weather permitting).
Where
Teams are typically formed in the Central (Prince Frederick) area depending on availability of fields, coaches, and registered players. Games could be played against teams in the Tri-County Area or against other CSA Rec teams. When playing tr-county area teams you should expect that half of your scheduled games will be played on a home field in Calvert County while the other half will be played at your opponent's home field.
How Often
Typically, ten to twelve weeks depending on age (weather permitting). Fall Program begins in mid/late August and ends by the beginning of November. Spring Program begins in mid March and ends the beginning of June. The Winter program has one weekly training session and usually runs from December through February.
What you need to bring
At practices, the player will need to wear provided practice shirt, athletic attire, shin guards, athletic footwear (cleats are not required but strongly encouraged), soccer ball, and plenty of water. A recreational uniform kit (mandatory), shin guards, and athletic footwear (cleats are not required but strongly encouraged) are needed for all games.
Cost
$179 - $199 per player a season; Fall, Winter and Spring (based on age group)
U10 Teams may choose to play in a tournament at the end of the fall season. Participants in the tournament will be charged an additional fee (approximately $45).
*** REFUNDS - All transactions are subject to a fee. Refunds may be requested prior to regular registration closing and team placement. All refund requests will be considered but are not promised or guaranteed. There will be no refunds once regular registration closes and/or team placement has begun.
Questions
If you have any further questions or concerns, please email academy@calvertsoccer.org