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 u7-u10. 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. But most of all, a place to come and have fun with friends who are learning the game just like us.
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What are the Program Goals?
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To emphasize player development over team development
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To focus on the development of each child without the pressures of short-term wins, losses or results
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To develop ball skill and decision-making in the game with a fun and dynamic atmosphere for players
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To educate parents on the sport and their role as a supporter of their child’s long-term athletic development
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To prepare younger players for the transition into competitive select soccer
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To offer a program that follows recommendations and guidelines from U.S. Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation for small-sided play
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To help clubs reduce travel and lower the expense for younger players and their families
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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Organizational structure and models for league and program design
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Handbook on how to create and operate a successful Youth Academy Program
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Curriculum designed specifically for the age and ability of the youth players
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Sample training sessions
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Opportunities to attend State coaching clinics and courses
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Educational meetings/webinars for coaches, parents and players
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Informational material to distribute to parents and players
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Assistance with organizing Academy Festivals
Requirements & Guidelines
All Youth Academy members must follow :
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Use of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiative Standards (U.S. Soccer PDIs)
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Adherence to the FIFA Modified Playing Rules
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Mandatory 50% playing time for all players
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Flexible rosters and player pools where players have the ability to participate in multiple games (maximum of two per day)
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Coaches & Team Managers must be able to have visible at all games (while on the sideline) a current seasonal year Kidsafe Badge/Adult Participation Badge.
PDI's (US SOCCER ) Structure & Rule Differences
Restarts & Kick-ins (U7/U8 Rule)​
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Sideline Restarts: Most U7/U8 leagues replace traditional throw-ins with kick-ins or dribble-ins from the sideline to keep the game moving and focus on foot skills.
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Set Pieces: All restarts (sideline kick-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks) are typically indirect, meaning a player cannot score a goal straight off the initial restart touch without a teammate touching it first.
The Build-Out Line (Crucial U9/U10 Rule)
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The most distinct rule modification for 7v7 play is the Build-Out Line, placed equidistant between the penalty area line and the midfield line. ​
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Retreating: When the goalkeeper catches the ball or a goal kick is awarded, all opposing players must immediately retreat behind the build-out line.
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Re-engaging: Opponents can only cross back over the build-out line once the ball is put into play (dropped, thrown, or passed out of the box).​
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​No Punting: Goalkeepers are completely banned from punting or drop-kicking the ball. They must throw, roll, or pass it out to encourage building an attack from the back.
Rule Modifications (IFAB/FIFA)
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Time-Wasting & Restarts: Referees use a visible 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks; exceeding it results in a turnover or corner kick.
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Goalkeeper Possession: Goalkeepers are limited to 8 seconds of holding the ball, with a visible countdown resulting in an opponent corner kick if exceeded.
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Substitutions: Players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds; slow exits mean the incoming substitute must wait 60 seconds before entering.
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On-Field Medical Treatment: Outfield players requiring staff attention must leave the field and stay off for 1 full minute after play restarts (excluding severe/head injuries).
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Player Conduct & Captains: Only the team captain may approach the referee to discuss decisions; dissent or covering mouths during confrontations can trigger a yellow or red card. Walking off in protest can also result in a red card.
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Expanded VAR: Video Assistant Referee reviews now cover second yellow cards leading to reds, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and cases of mistaken identity.
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Hydration Breaks: Mandatory 3-minute hydration breaks are integrated into each half during hot conditions