FCKC Academy Structure

Mission Statement The FC Kansas City Academy system will identify and develop top players to compete at the highest levels of competition by implementing proven coaching and development techniques in conjunction with regular assessment and review by the club and academy directors. The goal of the academy system is to create teams that play following the 3A model: - Attractive - Attacking - Aggressive

Academy Philosophy Following the style and tactics of the senior team, the FCKC Academy system will focus on developing players and teams who are comfortable playing a possessive, attractive style of soccer based on good build up play and without solely relying on direct overhead balls to generate offense. The club academy director will work closely with the coaches in this system to ensure that training and tactics are consistent and effective across all the age groups.

Selection into the academy system comes with higher expectations and a deeper level of commitment by players, parents, coaches, and staff. Player development and team performance is the utmost focus of the FCKC Academy system; winning will come as a by-product of that focus. The FCKC Academy system will develop players after the wholistic style focusing on the complete player who is committed, classy, coachable, competitive, and confident.

One of the primary goals of the academy system is to create a culture that develops complete, high-level, players in a challenging team-based environment. Players consistently pushed during training sessions and should expect to work at the competitive edge of their comfort zone in order to excel. A “high anxiety” environment is crucial to learning and creates the focus and edge players will need to improve and perform under pressure. FCKC Academy players will focus on long term success over short term, placing emphasis on competing at a high level while still allowing for trial and error as well as individual creativity as part of the learning process.

Academy Training The FCKC technical and academy director use the club curriculum and determine general methodologies for training. This is designed to ensure the quality of training and environment is the same across all teams and age groups. In general:   FCKC Academy teams will train at least 3 times a week. Players who desire additional sessions are welcome to inquire with their coach as to where and when a fourth session is available. Following the same philosophy as US Soccer, FCKC Academy team trainings will target a 3:1 training to match ratio. Training sessions will be at least 75 minutes long in outdoor and a minimum hour long during winter months.

Goalkeepers will attend at least one position specific training session provided by the club per week. FCKC will work with the coaches and staff to ensure the facilities they use are appropriate for their age and level. Regular feedback is an important part of player development both from coach to player / parent and vice versa. It’s important that we establish open lines of communication between all the members of the academy system. .

Player Requirements and Expectations Soccer as the first priority as displayed by actions and attitudes Display the needed effort to be successful in developing as a player and person Commit to the rigorous training, match, and travel schedule Show up for each event prepared to play when the whistle blows Arrive early and be ready to go on time. Be physically and mentally focused at each event Potentially participate in a mandatory Academy fundraiser Represent the club well both on and off the field As a family, sign a player / family code of conduct

Why Academy? Play with top players who are also committed to the game More training scenarios available Higher level leagues and tournaments Stability of a collaborative, quality coaching staff More opportunities for college exposure