Arsenal Development Academy
The Arsenal Development Academy will consist of two parts; the Junior Academy for boys and girls ages 5-7 and the Academy for boys and girls ages 7-12. The Arsenal Development Academy Program in its entirety will strive to identify and correct technical weaknesses, inspire game understanding, instill positive habits and attitudes and develop player’s confidence to compete at the highest level possible at each step in their development. The Junior Academy is specifically designed to enhance the youngest player’s learning environment to provide a safe, fun training curriculum that will promote a life-long passion for the game of soccer. The Academy program’s curriculum will further develop those players who wish to make the transition from junior academy or recreational play to competitive soccer. The program is designed as a transition for the junior academy player and more technically-advanced recreational player who has a strong desire to increase technical skills while also learning more about the tactical and physical aspects of the game. Players who complete the Arsenal Development Academy will be well prepared to play at the highest levels of Georgia select soccer.
Academy Selection/Placement/Movement
Players will be evaluated and selected during spring tryouts held in late May each year and placed into age appropriate player pools. Players will be further evaluated during early fall training sessions and sorted into teams based on age, commitment and ability level. Players may be moved among pools and/or teams in order to get the best competitive fit for each match and provide each player an enjoyable, challenging learning environment. New players may be evaluated and placed into the academy program throughout the year provided space is available. New players and player movement will be closely monitored by the Academy Coordinators and Director in consultation with the team coaches to provide the best experience for each individual player.
Academy Training and Playing
It is expected that each player be committed to the Arsenal Development Academy for the entire year. It is imperative that each player make every effort to attend all training sessions and be attentive and prepared to train. Throughout the year players will benefit from both team training and pool training. Players will train the majority of their time with their primary team and coach. Twice per month the players will train together as a pool so they can be exposed to all pool players and coaches and challenge themselves within their age group.
The essential aspect of the Arsenal Development Academy is training rather than winning at all costs. Technical and tactical training is provided two times per week in 1.5 hour sessions with an option of a third technical skills session conducted by our Academy Staff. In addition, players are expected to work at home on basic technical skills such as juggling, receiving, passing and dribbling. The team's coach periodically gives each player a written assessment as a measuring tool to benchmark development. Included in the Academy will be multiple soccer activities and skill sessions to supplement the regularly scheduled training. Specialized goalkeeper training will be offered for those interested players.
The format of play will consist of two or more of the following for each pool. Intra-Pool - competition dates will include both small sided games (3v3 and 4v4) as well as the appropriate 6v6 or 8v8 contests. Academy Festival - a weekend day where each team plays approximately two games per day against another club’s academy program. The level of play will be as competitive as possible but teams will be set to avoid lopsided games as much as possible. The focus is on player development and enjoyment and not on winning and losing. Tournament Play – during which teams will play 3-4 games against outside competition. These more demanding matches will enable the players to become comfortable in a more competitive environment. Teams will travel within a three hour radius, additional expenses will be incurred. Academy teams are not ranked in the state, and the teams do not play to progress to a higher level of play each season like in the older age groups (U13-U19). Therefore, the purpose of all games is to focus on skill development, team development and individual player growth.
Academy Schedule
The format of play will consist of two or more of the following for each pool. Intra-Pool - competition dates will include both small sided games (3v3 and 4v4) as well as the appropriate 6v6 or 8v8 contests. Academy Festival - a weekend day where each team plays approximately two games per day against another club’s academy program. The level of play will be as competitive as possible but teams will be set to avoid lopsided games as much as possible. Score is kept, however the focus is on player development and enjoyment and not on winning and losing. Tournament Play – during which teams will play 3-4 games against outside competition. These will be competitive matches in order for the players to become comfortable in a more competitive environment. Teams will travel within a three hour radius, additional expenses will be incurred. Academy teams are not ranked in the state, and the teams do not play to progress to a higher level of play each season like in the older age groups (U13-U19). Therefore, the purpose of all games is to focus on skill development, team development and individual growth for each player