On this page:
- Overview
- Curriculum
- Format
- Program Schedule
- Uniforms
- Registration Details

Overview

The U8 Academy is designed to provide the highest quality development program for the area’s most motivated and committed Under-8-Year-Old (U8) soccer players. In the Fall 2020-Spring 2021 soccer calendar, players born in the year 2013 (January 1-December 31) are eligible for this program. Players are typically selected via an evaluation but due to COVID-19, evaluations will not be held, and open enrollment will occur.

It is intended for those children more seriously focused on soccer, and for players (and parents) who are willing to make a stronger commitment to prioritizing development above the social aspects of youth soccer.  It serves a “bridge” program to U9 Travel, although participation in U8 Academy does not guarantee or require participation in U9 Travel.

The U8 Academy is its own program, meaning players may participate in the U8 Academy or in the Rec 1 (Grades 1-2) program, but not both.

The program offers several unique benefits:
• A developmentally-appropriate curriculum with a heavy emphasis on individual technique, created and taught by licensed, professional coaches;
• Twice-per-week outdoor training in the Fall and Spring seasons;
• Intra-Academy games on Saturday morning with Professional Coaches;
• Potential cross-over matches with fellow Club Champions League (CCL) member clubs;
• Participation in the Herndon All-Star Cup November (optional; additional fee applies);
• Exclusive access to U8 Academy Winter Foot Skills (eight, once-per-week sessions), in conjunction with the club’s Winter training program (optional, additional fee applies);
• The Program includes Professional coaching at all Fall and Spring practices, games, and potential crossover games at no additional fee;
• The cost of the program is $425 per outdoor season.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 22, 2020 at 8 PM. No late registrations accepted.

FEE: $443 total

$425 program fee.  $18 Parks & Rec Fee is added.

Contact

For questions regarding U8 Academy, please contact Dan Raben, Director of Player Development.

Curriculum

The curriculum — designed by Dan Raben, Director of Player Development and U8 Academy Director – features a heavy emphasis on individual ball mastery, allowing each player to become more comfortable, confident and creative with their foot skills, while nurturing their passion and enjoyment for soccer. Activities and games will follow the best practices of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. Each week of training will feature a theme, which will build off the themes from previous weeks, including:

• Dribbling for possession (changes of direction, shielding)
• Dribbling for penetration (attacking moves such as scissors, Matthews, step-overs, etc.)
• First touch
• Passing
• Finishing and ball-striking

The theme of each week will be encouraged and emphasized in the Intra-Academy matches on Saturdays, to allow players to practice their skills in a game environment.

Format

Approximately 72 players of each gender participate in this program. Players will be organized into six groups (approximately 12 players per group), who will train together during the week under the direction of one of our U8 Academy coaches. Each group will be organized into two squads (Red and White) to compete against each other on Saturday morning, with both squads managed by the players’ coach that week. Games in the Fall season will be played 4v4 (no goalkeepers).

Groups are likely to change every week or two, which permits players to play with and against a variety of players while also working with each coach in the program. Families will receive notification each week in regards to their child’s assignment for that week, along with other updates.

Adjustments may be made to this structure in Fall 2020 to better ensure the health and safety of participants.

Program Schedule

The U8 Academy will train twice per week during the Fall and Spring seasons, and will play Intra-Academy games on Saturdays. All sessions are at Loudoun Soccer Park on lighted, turf fields (19798 Sycolin Rd, Leesburg VA 20175).

Pre-Season Parent Orientation (Zoom meeting): Monday 8/17 at 7 PM

Monday Training: 8/24, 8/31, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 (no training on 9/7 and 11/2)
5-6 PM – U8 Girls
6-7 PM – U8 Boys

Friday Training: 8/28, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 (no training on 9/4)
6-7 PM – U8 Girls
7-8 PM – U8 Boys

Saturday Match Day: 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7 (no games on 10/10)
9-10 AM – U8 Girls
10-11 AM – U8 Boys

Uniforms

U8 Academy uniforms are ordered through Capelli Sport. The kit includes:

• two numbered game jerseys (red and white)
• one numbered practice top
• one pair black shorts
• one pair red socks

Uniform orders can be placed between July 16-27, once numbers have been assigned to participating players.

CLICK HERE to visit the U8 Academy page on the Loudoun Soccer Capelli Sport webshop.

Fall 2020 Registration Details

Enrollment in this program is seasonal (separate registration for Fall and Spring), although participation for the full year is strongly encouraged.

Ordinarily, attending a Summer evaluation and be selected to the program is a prerequisite for participation. Given limitations due to COVID-19, enrollment for this program is open. Families interested in enrolling their child in this program should strongly consider whether this is an appropriate program for their child. Children who tend to stand out on their Rec teams, show a passion for the sport of soccer, and are willing to make a larger commitment to the sport are prime candidates for participation.

To enroll: login to your user account, and choose U8 Academy from the available options

Registration deadline: July 14, 2020.