Format

The program aims to have approximately 72 players of each gender participate in this program. Players will be organized into groups of approximately 12 players each, who will train together during the week under the direction of our Development Academy professional coaches. 

For weekend games, each group will be organized into two squads to compete against each other on the weekend. Both squads will be professionally managed by an academy professional coach. The format will be 4v4, giving each teams two subs. The teams will play a small sided format without goalkeepers. 

The groups of players are likely to change or be mixed throughout the course of the season. The club will give families a notification about the updated group assignments along with other updates consistently throughout the season. 

Curriculum

The Development Academy curriculum is designed within the guidelines of US Soccer and United Soccer Coaches coaching education guidelines for players at the U6 to U10 ages. The program features a heavy emphasis on individual ball mastery, creativity and confidence all with in a fun and positive environment helping to maximum player development and enjoyment of the game.  Each session will feature a theme. Examples include:

- Shooting and Technique 
- Dribbling and Building Confidence - Basic Foundation and Change of Direction using different parts of the foot. 
- Dribbling and Attacking - Fun moves such as the scissors and step overs, combination moves, penetrating runs by dribbling with speed at goal
- First Touch
- Passing and learning to play with teammates. 

The theme of the week will continue into the weekend intra-squad game and will be encouraged by our professional coaching staff. 

The Development Academy program will train twice per week during the fall and spring seasons and will play Intra-Academy games or TASL league on Saturdays or Sundays.  All training sessions will take place at Norfolk Collegiate Turf Field (7336 Granby St, Norfolk, VA)

(We will evaluate players during placement dates)

SPRING 2023 Schedule

Training Schedule
First Practice: February 28th
Last Practice: May 11th
Day: Tuesday and Thursday 
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: Norfolk Collegiate School Turf Fields

Game Schedule
Game Days: Saturdays or Sundays based on league game schedule
Game schedule to be announce once the teams and leagues are finalized.
Game Location: Captain Slade Cutter Park, Norfolk Collegiate School, Hampton Roads Soccer Complex

Full Year Development Academy Registration Details

Enrollment for this program is set up as a open registration. You will register for the Full Year Academy Registration - once placements takes place you will be sent an invitation to accept and finalize your registration.

Our Development Academy Program is intended for players with a strong interest in soccer, open to the idea of playing travel soccer (Academy) in the future and for parents who are willing to make a stronger commitment to their child’s development in soccer.

To enroll please create an account or login to you existing Sports Connect account and select the Development Academy  program. 

Program Cost: 
Development Academy Single Season (Fall OR Spring) - $275
Full Year Development Academy $500 (Includes Fall & Spring season and Summer Academy)
Full Year Development Academy + $750 (Includes Fall & Spring season, 1 week of Winter & 1 week of Summer Elite Camp Series, Summer Academy, Futsal)

Development Academy Uniforms are ordered through Soccer.com. The uniform kit includes:

- Two numbered game jerseys
- One numbered practice jersey
- One Pair of shorts
- One pair of socks

Uniforms run on a two year cycle and are not included in the program fees. Returning players may wear the same kit from the previous fall or spring season within the same two year cycle. 

New players will receive an email approximately a month prior to the program start date with instructions once all players have picked(or assigned) their numbers and Soccer.com is ready to accept orders.