San Juan Soccer Club’s training goal is to develop our players over a 8-9 year time frame. In the background of all our training is instilling that true love of soccer.
The U8 Academy is for our youngest players. Everyone who wishes to participate will be accepted into the academy. The atmosphere is one of fun and building confidence and self assurance on the playing field. Encouragement and a positive field experience is what our youngest players enjoy. Training practices take place a maximum of two times per week .
The U10-U12 age groups are classified within our training program as the Technical Training group. Our coaches focus on teaching the proper techniques in the fundamental skills of trapping, passing, movement off the ball, and defending. In addition, coaches touch on developing an awareness of space and the overall shape of the team on the field as a whole. Learning these fundamentals the right way early, creates a stronger player in the older age groups. Training practices in these age groups are 2-3 times per week.
The U13-U15 age groups are classified within our training program as the Tactical Training group. Building on and continuing the player’s technical development from the younger age groups, coaches for these age groups also teach broader game strategies and execution. Individual player development as well as team development are the building blocks to championship teams. Training practices in these age groups are 2-3 times per week.
The U16-U18 age groups are classified within our training program as the Advanced Training group. As the children reach these ages, their game must reach the next level of play to reach the higher level soccer platforms in the US. The coaches focus primarily on the player’s development and understanding of “systems of play”. As our player’s move on to greater ventures in soccer, it is imperative to equip them with the tools they need to succeed
in the game and in life.
In the end, as the children grow older and face the real world, translating lessons learned on the field into useful life experience for handling both life’s successes and failures is the most valuable training of all.