1. VSA U09/U10 Academy Program
Spring 2016 Season
Parent Meeting
March 22nd, 2016
South Middle School Commons

2. Introduction & Contact Information
Robert Cutchens
Academy Director
c: (call or text)

3. Program Objectives
Create an enjoyable learning environment that will stimulate a love for soccer while developing technical skill, sensory motor ability, and a basic understanding of how to play soccer
Develop stronger player base/club

4. Youth Development Director
Staff Structure
Technical Director
Chris McGill
Youth Development Director
Ginger Parson-McGill
Club program oversight, staffing, philosophy, strategic direction
Academy Director
Robert Cutchens
Program oversight, staffing, philosophy, strategic direction, coaching resource
Program oversight, communication, administration, coaching resource

5. Staff Structure (continued)
U09B Head Staff Coach
U10B Head Staff Coach
U09G Head Staff Coach
U10G Head Staff Coach
U09B Staff Coaches
U10B Staff Coaches
U09G Staff Coaches
U10G Staff Coaches
U09G Team Coach
U09B Team Coach
U10B Team Coach
Lead coaching for training sessions and games as available, mentor other coaches
Assist Head Staff Coach with leading training sessions and games as available
Assist Staff Coaches with training sessions and assist/lead games as needed

6. Program Composition & Team Formation
196 Players Registered – Largest Ever
There will not be “A” and ”B” teams
Our goal is to create balanced teams but not a perfect science
May need to “float” players between teams to ensure we have sufficient number of players for games
60 U09 Boys – 6 Teams
50 U10 Boys – 5 Teams
46 U09 Girls – 5 Teams
40 U10 Girls – 4 Teams

7. Training Sessions (Practices)
Minimum of 16, 20 scheduled
Tuesdays – U09 5:30 to 6:45 pm / U10 6:45 to 8:00 pm
Fridays – U09 & U10 5:30 to 6:45 pm
Most important facet of the program
Developmental Focus:
Foot skills/Ball control
Dribbling
Passing/Receiving
Shooting/Finishing
Shape & Positioning
Attacking & Defending

8. Training Sessions (Continued)
Typical Format
Warm-up - Fast Footwork, Dribbling Moves, Technical Skill
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3 (time permitting)
Scrimmage
Cool-down/fun
May run long – take your player if needed

9. Training Sessions (Continued)

10. Academy League Games Each team scheduled to play 6 to 8 Games
Mostly Saturdays, may be some Sundays
Players need to arrive 30 minutes early
6v6 format w/goalkeepers, 25 minute halves
Players will receive approximately 50% playing time
Players will be rotated through positions – forward, midfield, backfield, goalkeeper

11. Tournament Events Optional – Additional Fee
Eastern Iowa Academy Festival, Cedar Falls, IA
U09/U10 Boys – Saturday, 4/30
U10 Girls – Sunday, 5/1
Note: U09 Girls teams will participate in an event on Sunday, 5/1, at the Timberline Complex w/no additional fee
Central Iowa Academy Festival, Des Moines, IA
James W. Cownie Soccer Complex
Saturday, 5/21 & Sunday, 5/22

12. Communication Good communication is critical
, website, Twitter, Rained Out
Communicate with your player’s coaches as soon as possible
– include all Staff and Team Coaches and include Robert in CC
Cell/Text - Add contact numbers to your cell phone

13. Parent Conduct – What Not To Do
You’re all representing our club – more importantly you’re role models for our kids
Do not argue/yell at officials
Do not yell negative comments at players
Do not coach players! Information you provide may conflict with what coach is providing.
Use of profanity is unacceptable

14. Parent Conduct – What To Do
Look for signs of “good soccer” –
Movement off the ball
Maintaining good shape and position
Players executing dribbling moves/attempting to beat an opponent
Players attempting/completing passing opportunities
Goalkeepers making great saves/distributing the ball well
Players communicating with one another
Maintaining possession
Finishing/scoring
Giving great effort
Cheer the players on

15. Season Calendar
Sent via and provide detailed information about important dates/times for the entire season
Also available online at VSA website

16. Questions?