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What Is Academy?

A certified Youth Academy Program approved by STYSA that uses a defined curriculum and player-centered developmental focus to provide optimal playing environments for players registered as 7u-10u. The program focuses on the complete development of each player and provides an opportunity for boys and girls to learn through playing, emphasizing the process of both skill acquisition and tactical understanding.

What are the Program Goals?

  • To emphasize player development over team development 

  • To focus on the development of each child without the pressures of short-term wins, losses or results  

  • To develop ball skill and decision-making in the game with a fun and dynamic atmosphere for players   

  • To educate parents on the sport and their role as a supporter of their child’s long-term athletic development

  • To prepare younger players for the transition into competitive select soccer  

  • To offer a program that follows recommendations and guidelines from U.S. Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation for small-sided play

  • To help clubs reduce travel and lower the expense for younger players and their families 
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Are there benefits?

All South Texas Youth Academy Clubs and Leagues receive support at multiple levels from our State Technical Department. The Youth Academy Program club and players must be registered with STX Youth Soccer in order to receive benefits, including:

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  1. Organizational structure and models for league and program design 

  2. Handbook on how to create and operate a successful Youth Academy Program

  3. Curriculum designed specifically for the age and ability of the youth players

  4. Sample training sessions

  5. Opportunities to attend State coaching clinics and courses

  6. Educational meetings/webinars for coaches, parents and players

  7. Informational material to distribute to parents and players 

  8. Assistance with organizing Academy Festivals

Requirements & Guidelines

All Youth Academy members must follow :

  • Use of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiative Standards (U.S. Soccer PDIs)

  • Adherence to the FIFA Modified Playing Rules

  • Mandatory 50% playing time for all players 

  • Flexible rosters and player pools where players have the ability to participate in multiple games (maximum of two per day)

  • Coaches & Team Managers must be able to have visible at all games (while on the sideline) a current seasonal year 2024/25 Kidsafe Badge. 

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