U8 Academy
About u8 academy
The CiTY U8 Academy is designed for soccer players and families that are looking for a challenging and positive environment focused on player development. The U8 Academy serves as a bridge between our REC program and competitive CiTY travel teams where players will be trained by professional CiTY coaches using a structured, age-appropriate curriculum designed to challenge players while still making practices and games fun.
Program Goals
- Create a positive, fun, learning environment
- Focus on individual skill development, ball mastery, agility, balance and coordination
- Introduce basic, age-appropriate tactical and team concepts
- Identify and develop future CiTY travel players and families
- Familiarize players and families to the demands of travel soccer without the pressure
- Help players develop a passion for the game!
u8 academy Program Overview
Full Year Program
Winter U8 program is separate from U8 Academy
Eligibility -Boys and Girls born in 2014 & 2015
Structured, age appropriate training curriculum and activity calendar
Practices - 2x/week run by CiTY staff coaches
Games - 6-8 small-sides game dates per season
U8 Academy players will play 4v4 games against other local club or in local leagues
Games will focus on player development and scores will not be kept
All players will receive a customized CiTY size 4 soccer ball included in the program fee
Academy Director - Carmen Juliano
Advantages of Small-sided games
Players get more touches on the ball
Players make more soccer decisions
Allows focus on age-appropriate technique and tactics
Smaller field improves agility, coordination, and fitness
Creates a challenging and fun, age-appropriate environment
Easier communication between coaches and players
u8 academy Uniforms
CiTY U8 Academy uniforms are not included in the program fees. All U8 Academy participants will receive a separate uniform ordering link through Angelo's Soccer Corner. U8 Academy uniform includes 2 shirts, shorts, socks and a sack pack. Additional CiTY gear can be ordered separately.
CiTY U8 Kick-Arounds
CiTY U8 Kick-Around sessions are designed to identify players for the CiTY U8 Academy program. Players and families will get to meet potential teammates, the coaching staff and learn more about the CiTY U8 Academy.
Please check back for info on the next U8 Academy Kick Around.
Please contact at carmen@ellicottcitysc.org with any questions.