The goal of our developmental program is to provide training in an environment that is fun, challenging, and tailored to the player’s individual abilities. This includes high quality, age-appropriate training; nurtures the social, moral, and emotional development of all players; prepares the players to play at the next level. In this program, player development takes precedence over winning. In adopting The DDYSC Academy, the club looks to train and develop as many U9, U10, U11, and U12 players as possible. This will lead to a large base of young soccer players who have been exposed to quality, professional training for two years.
The DDYSC Academy Program will seek to prepare our players to compete in the game of soccer. We will do this in a supportive environment that nurtures the children’s natural competitiveness, but focuses on the strides made as an individual and as a team player. The coaching staff will make decisions that are in the interest of players, not wins or losses. Training will focus on all aspects of the game: mentally and physically.
Games will be seen merely as a part of the training process. They will give players a chance to test their skills. Games will give coaches an opportunity to teach tactics and learn what skills need to be focused upon in the next training sessions. The games will be a fun chance for kids to demonstrate what they’ve learned in front of their families.
All Academy players are expected to commit for the Fall and Spring Seasons. Academy soccer is a competitive soccer program that requires players and parents full commitment to trainings, games, and to the team.
U9: All games will be small-sided 6 v 6 with 5 field players and one goal keeper.
U10: All games will be small-sided 6 v 6 with 5 field players and one goal keeper.
U11: All games will be small-sided 8 v 8 with seven field players and one goal keeper.
U12: All games will be small-sided 8 v 8 with seven field players and one goalkeeper.
Age groups and boys and girls will train separately. There are two mandatory training sessions per week for one and half hours each. There will be additional training clinics available throughout the season for maximum player improvement. Most training sessions will be held at Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club in Oakhurst.
Games will be played on Saturdays. Home games will be played at Pattillo Park. Away games will typically be held in the metro Atlanta area against other local clubs that have an Academy Program. Teams will play approximately 10-12 games per season. Games will typically be 30 minute halves. All players must play at least one half of each game.
Teams may travel and participate in up to 3 local tournaments per year. For U9 Boys and Girls age groups, teams will only compete in one tournament per season for two per seasonal year. In addition, one out-of-town tournament may be attended per year. Teams are encouraged to play in a couple of tournaments each season to test the players’ abilities against opposition from other areas. Tournaments will be a coach and team decision and will require additional fees.
If you would like to participate on the DDYSC Academy Soccer team you will be notified within three days of the end of try-outs. If you choose to accept the placement on the team you must notify the YMCA and come to the registration date and complete all forms and pay all fees. If you cannot attend the registration you must make arrangements with the Community Sports Director.
