The Youth Academy Program is comprised of sponsored Academy programs throughout the state. These programs are designed to promote holistic player development over team development in a child-centered environment for ages U8 to U12.

Youth Academy Format

The purpose of this format is to increase player enjoyment, development, and retention.

The Youth Academy Format provides opportunity for participating clubs to play developmentally appropriate games amongst other clubs within or outside of their geographic area. Games are played on weekends known as Playdates at a host club’s field. Participating clubs sign up for the Playdates they wish to attend during the calendar season.

In place of Tryouts, clubs hold Assessments/Evaluations before a season. After Assessments/Evaluations, an Academy Director places all players (U8-U12) within their age group into a Player Pool. Within the Pool, players train together in a child-centered environment following a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Coaches then place each player onto a developmentally appropriate team for each Playdate. Not having set “teams” gives coaches the opportunity to place each player based on their developmental needs for both training and games.

Alabama Soccer Association tries to create a league that is competitive and fun but sometimes a game may be lopsided in skills and ability. We have added Competition Safeguarding below to give coaches and parents some ideas of how we can make sure a game is played without running up the score and more players get a chance to play or be challenged in their game.

Join our Youth Academy Programs