9U-10U
Academy
JUSC's academy program is operated by Sporting Iowa. Academy soccer strengthens 9U-10U players’ technical foundations and prepares them for select soccer. Academy soccer allows players to play with and against players of similar ability and at a level where they will experience the most success and have the most fun playing the sport. It follows a set of player development guidelines that include following a training curriculum, mixing training groups, mixing teams after each playing season, maintaining small roster sizes, mandatory coach education for academy coaches, parent education and most importantly a focus on the individual player, not on the team. While there are no tryouts, players considering the academy program should exhibit sound technical skills, demonstrate good agility, and possess a high level of focus and concentration. Academy programming is available for both fall and spring seasons.
What
Players born in 2014 or 2015 are placed on teams of typically 10-12 players of the same age and gender. Teams are coached by both professional coaches and licensed volunteer coaches.
9-10 game season: Each team plays six 7v7 games (one per weekend) managed by licensed volunteer coaches against other local club teams with academy programs within the same age group. Games consist of two 25 minute halves, and are refereed by certified referees.
Each team plays an additional four games over two one-day festivals. One festival is against other local clubs, and the other are with clubs from the east side of the state.
Players participate in two 75 min training sessions per week over a ten week period delivered by Sporting Iowa's professional coaching staff and assisted by licensed volunteer coaches. Training is age appropriate focused on basic skill development with an emphasis on attacking and defending in pairs.
When
Training, Two Week Nights/Week, ~ 5 PM or 6:30 PM, TBD
Game Weekends: Aug 26-27 thru Oct. 28-29
No Games: Easter, Memorial Day or Labor Day Weekends
Match-up Festival Weekend 1: Sept. 16-17, Saturday (Girls), Sunday (Boys)
Match-up Festival Weekend 2: Oct. 21-22, Saturday (Boys), Sunday (Girls)
Where
Johnston or Urbandale Soccer Complexes for training.
Games played in Des Moines metro area.
Cost
$325/season ($25 Late Fee on or after 7/14/2023)