1. The Academy division is strictly instructional. Players will focus on skill building through events, games, and practices.

2. No scores will be kept. Coaches will manage their own games taking advantage of all opportunities to instruct their players on the rules and methods of the game.

3. There will be no goalies.

4. If an insufficient number of players are registered, the divisions may be combined.

5. Participation awards will be given to all players.

WHAT IS ACADEMY SOCCER?

Academy soccer is based on the academy method of teaching athletics. The academy teaching method is used by soccer clubs across both the nation and the world to ensure all kids are given the same instruction. In the academy format, every child in a specific age group is brought through the exact same practice. The coaches, instead of being responsible for a single group of kids, will work together in groups to teach every child on the field. The practice plan will be executed by the division coordinator and facilitated by the coaches (parents).

HOW DOES ACADEMY SOCCER WORK?

We have worked with US Soccer and Indiana Soccer to build the curriculum to fit their standards. For the first series of practices, every child will be on the same field at the same time. The children will all go through the same practice and participate as a big group. As game days near (usually the 2nd week or so), the children will be broken down into smaller groups with children that have similar personalities and characteristics. After they are broken down into groups, every child will still participate in the exact same practice as their peer. The groups are strictly to allow every child to be taught the game with kids that have the same learning characteristics as themselves.

WHY ARE WE MOVING TO ACADEMY SOCCER?

We are moving to academy soccer to make sure that every child that is signed up to play soccer at Plainfield Optimist has the exact same opportunity to learn the game of soccer by having our coaches working together instead of working against each other to teach the game. In the past we have had many experienced coaches who know the game, but also many who volunteer just to help out. Moving to this format helps those coaches who are kind enough to volunteer, but may not be very familiar with the game.

HOW WILL YOUR CHILD BENEFIT FROM THE ACADEMY FORMAT?

For the first time in the history of Plainfield Optimist Soccer, the information that your child learns will not be based on who your coach is. There will be no more worry of experienced coach or beginner coach, the guesswork is gone. Your child is going to learn soccer according to the skills needed for their age group according to the United States Soccer Federation and the Indiana Soccer Organization. The benefit is that each child can now learn the basics of soccer

COACHING RESOURCES

Beginner's Guide to Coaching Soccer

US Youth Soccer - Positive Parenting

Other Training Videos and Resources

Progressive Individual and Small Group Activities
(Courtesy of Washing Youth Soccer)

01 Individual | 01 Small Group  | |  02 Individual | 02 Small Group
03 Individual | 03 Small Group  | |  04 Individual | 04 Small Group
05 Individual | 05 Small Group  | |  06 Individual | 06 Small Group
07 Individual | 07 Small Group  | |  08 Individual | 08 Small Group

ACADEMY PRACTICE PLANS

For every Academy event, each child will need the following:  their own soccer ball, shin guards, and water.  All Academy ages use a size 3 soccer ball.  For the first 3-4 events the kids don't need to wear a specific shirt color.  After these events the age coordinator will let you know which color your child should wear to each event.  Cleats are not required, but recommended at the Academy ages.