U7/U8 Academy Program

The Academy is an alternative to recreational soccer for our younger players. This program offers players with 2011 and 2010 birth years advanced training.

Academy Overview

Team Mission

            To develop players who understand and have the ability to play the game at a higher competitive level. The Mustang Academy will look to improve their standard of play. This will occur individually, as well as in the team environment. We are players who understand the game of soccer, and what it takes to be responsible and successful at our level. We expect to play fast, hard, and skillful soccer. We will conduct ourselves with class both on and off the field.

Coaching Philosophy

            I love the game soccer. I will give my knowledge and experience to the players under my care. I want to help them become students of the game and to have fun. I want my players to conduct themselves with respect at all times. My players understand that they have made a commitment to learn the game of soccer. This will happen through hard work on the field and off the field. I want to instruct the students, style of play, positioning, and skill. I want a team that plays both sides of the field. I will provide a fun, creative, and positive environment where risk taking is accepted and encouraged. We will start with basics and build from there.

Player Responsibility

            This is a fun sport and I want to create a fantastic team environment for all. To do this we must be ready to play and have fun  when practice and game time comes.

Ready to Play

This player should have with them every practice the following:

• Inflated ball
• Water
• Shin Guards
• Cleats
• Trash Bag in the event of Rain
• Tape
• Extra Shoe Laces
• Emergency Phone Numbers
• Training Suit/Sweats
• Gloves, Shirt, and Long Sweats (Keepers)
• Team Shirt                                                                                                    

Place these items in you bag the night before so you do not have to hunt them down and be late for training the next day. Try to make it to practice 10-15 minutes early so you are ready in time, to start on time. 

Parental Support

            The role that the parents play in the life of a soccer player has a massive impact on their experience.  With this in mind, I have taken the time to kindly ask you to follow these guidelines as we approach the coming season:

1. Let the Coaches Coach

Leave the coaching to the coaches. This includes motivating the players for practice, games, after-game analyzing, setting goals, advice, etc. You have entrusted us with the care and teaching of your player, and we need to be free to do our job. If a player has too many coaches, it is confusing for them and their performance and fun will decline.

2. Support the Program

Get involved. Volunteer, car pool, bring snacks and have fun!

3. Support and Cheer for all Players

Foster teamwork. Being a good teammate is a skill! This is a team and every player on the Academy needs encouragement. I want the Academy to be a success, and that rests on the shoulders of all of us working together.

4. Help the Players keep their Priorities Straight

Let's all try to help the players maintain their focus on school work, family, and the other things in life that indirectly relate to soccer. Receiving good grades, studying, and being respectful only helps a child process information, think and make good choices. This helps on the soccer field when decision-making time comes every second!

5. Have a Blast!

We are playing this sport to have fun. We will challenge each player to improve their ability and understanding of the game to make soccer fun. We will do this in environments that are fun, and challenging. We look forward to the process, we hope you do also.

6. How you can Really Help your child succeed

These are the 10 Most Important Skills early childhood educators, parents, and coaches can teach and use to guide children.

1. Confidence - feeling able to do it

2. Motivation - wanting to do it

3. Effort - being willing to work

4. Responsibility - doing what is right

5. Initiative - moving into action

6. Perseverance - completing what is started

7. Caring - showing concern for others

8. Teamwork - working with others

9. Common sense - using good judgment

10. Communication - expressing feelings and thoughts

If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with the coaching staff.

9. Time Commitment

The average number of training days during the season is three days per week.

John Kinnear: msljfk88@yahoo.com  or  Michael Hoffert: mhoffert9@gmail.com