General Information about Recreational, Academy, & Bridge Development Soccer
WHAT IS RECREATIONAL SOCCER?
Recreational soccer is offered for ages 4-9 (U6 – U10) and is ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN. Commitment is on a season-by-season basis, with volunteer coaches helping create the best environment for enjoying the game.
WHAT IS ACADEMY?
The Academy program (U8-U10) is designed to allow players to practice and play with kids of a more advanced skill level. This program allows players to be challenged according to their ability and help them develop as soccer players. It gives players the opportunity to work with experienced SSC (Stillwater Soccer Club) coaches who have an extensive experience playing and coaching the game.
The focus of the training sessions will be teaching each player the skills necessary to have success in the game. Players will work with the ball at their feet to make them comfortable on the ball and have the confidence to maintain possession during games. Each session will lead into small-sided games to teach players how to apply the skills in the game.
Players are eligible to “Play-Up” on a case-by-case basis. SSC believes “playing-up” provides opportunity but will limit eligible players to move up only 1-age group. For example, U8 players will not be allowed to compete in U10 if the team competes in an age bracket more than 1 year older.
WHY ACADEMY?
The Academy coaches are state certified (or in-process of obtaining certification) and club authorized, and offer a more competitive environment than recreational soccer. Academy coaches approach coaching age specific. This ensures kids within the Academy program are taught the necessary skills for playing the game and building good habits that will benefit each player, regardless of what level he or she decides to play from recreational to competitive.
The Academy program is also a great tool for preparing players that may want to try out for competitive soccer (APEX FC) at U11, or just to lay a solid foundation for continued play at the recreational level at U11 and beyond.
IS ACADEMY COMPETITIVE?
Academy is intended to be a more competitive environment than Recreational soccer, but HAVING FUN AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT REMAIN a primary objective. The Academy program will hold activities 2 days per week, similar to Recreational. However, Academy will play friendlies or games on weekends and attend anywhere between 2-4 tournaments per season.
WHEN SHOULD I REGISTER?
Registration for the Fall season begins in July and Spring season begins in January. You must first be registered for the Recreational program to be eligible to play Academy. The recreational fee covers insurance, registration through US Club Soccer and facility fees.
DO I HAVE TO TRY-OUT FOR ACADEMY?
Academy holds seasonal (Fall and Spring) tryouts. Information regarding tryouts will be posted on the SSC website and distributed via e-mail prior to each season.
DO I PLAY RECREATIONAL SOCCER AND ACADEMY SOCCER?
In Stillwater, the ability to offer an Academy only option is based on numbers & player quality. Stillwater Soccer Club will not offer an Academy only option if it means undermining quality and experience of the Recreational program. However, we do need to serve the more advanced players within the Academy program. Recreational players of all levels need environments to fail & succeed to improve, even the most advanced players.
In the event there is not enough player participation to hold an Academy only option, a hybrid plan will be utilized. In this model, players will participate in the Recreational program AND a 1-night a week Academy offering. This type of Academy team will still look to participate in friendlies, games, and/or tournaments as outlined above.
IS THERE ADDITIONAL TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR U8 PLAYERS & THOSE U10 PLAYERS NOT SELECTED FOR AN ACADEMY TEAM?
Yes, SSC will look to offer a Bridge Program (Skills Training) for all registered U8 & U10 Recreational players looking to advance their technical development. No teams will be formed within the Bridge Program and coaches will create a training environment focused on individual skill and technique improvement. Training will be held 1 night per week, on a night not to conflict with recreational activities(no requirement to commit to an entire season).
Throughout the Fall and Spring, players within the Bridge program may be offered opportunities to attend tournaments in order to further develop their skills and enjoy the challenge of competing against other clubs in Oklahoma. This helps cautiously guide, educate, and coach these players.
DO I HAVE TO PLAY ACADEMY TO PLAY COMPETITIVE SOCCER IN THE FUTURE?
No. Again, the Academy program is also a great tool for preparing players that think they may want to try out for competitive soccer (APEX FC) beginning at U11, or just to lay a solid foundation for continued play at the recreational level at U11 and beyond.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ACADEMY?
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- Registration & Training Fees
- Whole season paid in Full – Cost is $145. This includes $70 for Season Registration, $0 for Field Usage (included in recreational registration), and $75 for 3 Months trainer Fees (Fall = September / October / November & Spring = March / April / May)
- Monthly Plan – Initial Cost is $70 for Season Registration, $0 for Field Usage (included in recreational registration). Monthly fees of $25 will be drafted on the 15th of each month.
- Uniform
- $80 per Player – Includes: 2 Jerseys, 1 Pair of Shorts, & 2 Pair of Socks
- Registration & Training Fees
- Tournaments
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- Academy teams are projected to attend anywhere from 2-4 tournaments per season.
- Each tournament cost between $30-50 per player, depending on the tournament location and number of players participating.
- Scholarships
- Cost should never be a deterrent for why a player does not to participate in the Recreational, Bridge, or Academy Programs. Scholarships are available to cover Registration, Training Fees, Uniform, & Tournament. Information on Scholarships can be requested through Registrar or Recreational Coordinator.