The primary purpose of the Academy Select Program is to accelerate the development of young soccer players. Players in the program will focus on learning and mastering technical skills. In order to stay at the forefront of player development, especially in the 6 – 8 year old age range, our coaches create an environment that is both fun and competitive.
We have created the Academy Select Program to allow players to continue their development at an accelerated pace but yet stay within their specific age range. The Program will offer a progressive training plan that will enhance the players technical ability over the course of their involvement and prepare them for playing U9 competitive soccer.
Any player wishing to participate in the Academy Select Program will be required to attend the annual tryouts which are held in October/November of each year. We hope you choose to be part of the Academy Select Program.
For more information please contact:
Drew Griffin, Academy Select Director
Academy Select Overview
* Structured training program
* Practice 1 time per week for 1:15 each session
* Would also participate in U8 Recreation league (1 practice plus Saturday game)
* Select players would also participate in “Festivals” & “Friendly Scrimmages” against other local Academy programs
Coaching Staff
The Academy Select Program is directed by Drew Griffin.
Griffin coached Men’s Soccer at Saint Leo University for 4 years. He also coached on the staff at Tampa Jesuit High School for ten years. Coach Griffin has the distinction of being the very first Boys U19 Coach when the Spirit Competitive Program began in the 1980s.
The coaching staff is made up of coaches who have a reputation for helping kids develop a genuine love for soccer . They are teachers of the game who have a successful background in working with children. The staff has a commitment to quality and dedication to the development of young soccer players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Academy Select (AS) Players considered Recreational Players? Yes. During the Rec Season, the player will practice with their rec team once a week plus play a Saturday game. The AS Players will practice an additional day once a week during the Recreational season with the AS Coaches.
How much does being an Academy Select Player cost? If a player is invited to join the Academy Select Program, the player will pay an additional fee for shirts, field space, and tournament fees (in addition to the normal recreation fees).
What is the time commitment for the Academy Select Program? Tryouts will be after registration in September. Practices will begin in November and will extend through the recreational season and may be extended afterward.
Why not “play up” in competitive soccer? In this program, competitive training and coaching will be provided to your son . There is no traveling involved, unless you participate in a tournament with a selected Academy Select Team. U8 Academy Select players will be given the opportunity (if they are ready), to guest play with our U9 teams. Finally, the Academy is more cost effective than “playing up”. Registration is lower and there are few, if any, travel costs and tournament costs for parents to worry about. If the staff recognizes that a player is ready to move up and play in U9, then we will work to promote the player to U9 (if the parents consents to it).
Will there be an Academy Select Program for boys and girls? Florida Soccer Club will definitely have a program for boys. If their is enough interest and we have qualified girls to participate, we will open up the program to both boys and girls.
