Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers ACADEMY TRAINING AND MATCHES Q: Where will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams train? A: The Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will train in a combination of WakeMed Soccer Park and WRAL Soccer Center throughout the year. Additional outdoor facilities will include NC State’s Soccer Training Facility and UNC Men’s Soccer Training Facility. Futsal training will take place at SportHQ. Q: How many days a week will the Capital Area RailHawks teams train? A: The Capital Area RailHawks will primarily train 4x a week, Monday – Thursday. Scheduling will vary based on team needs, match schedules, facility availabilities, and built in breaks throughout the calendar. Q: Where will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams play home matches? A: The Capital Area RailHawks will play home matches at both WakeMed and WRAL Soccer Center. NC State’s and UNC’s facilities will also be used for some matches. Q: What times will each Academy Team train? A: The Academy teams will train primarily in 1 hour 30 min increments 3x a week and one 2 hour session per week with athletic performance training built into the session. Session times will be a combination of 4:30pm – 6:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm sessions throughout the week. This is subject to change per daylight accommodations and other factors. Q: What will the coaching staff to player ratio be for trainings and games? A: Academy training sessions will have multiple coaches in attendance to help individualize player development, as well as instruct small group concepts. Q: Are players required to attend all Academy trainings and matches? A: Yes. Players will be expected to attend all trainings and matches throughout the year. As with everything else, communication between players and the coaching staff will be extremely important about all attendance expectations.
ACADEMY TEAM TRAVEL Q: What is the travel like for the Academy Teams? A: Travel for the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will mirror that of professional clubs around the world. The team will travel on a combination of air travel, bus travel, and van travel. All players will travel collectively for all away matches / events. Parents will only be responsible for some in-state travel, while the Academy will provide all out of state travel arrangements. Q: Do parents travel with players for away competitions? A: Players, coaches, medical trainers, and team managers will all travel collectively for away matches / events. While parents will be encouraged to attend and support the Academy teams on the road, they will not travel with the group. Q: How will players eat on trips? A: Meals will be arranged for all team breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In addition, players will have snacks and fluids arranged for all bus travel and hotel stays. Q: Will players have time for academic study while traveling? A: Mandatory study hall times will be required on most bus travel and hotel stays. ACADEMY ROSTER MANAGEMENT Q: How many roster spots will be on each Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams? A: The amount of roster spots will vary per age group, but the overall idea will be to formulate team numbers based on opportunity, competitive environments, and the ability for younger players to “play up” on older Academy Teams. The Academy Teams will not be maxed out to US Soccer roster size specifics, as the Capital Area RailHawks Academy highly regards match opportunities. Q: How will players be selected for match day rosters? A: Players will be selected for each match roster based on the following factors: training performance, match opportunity, entire Academy (14/16/18) roster management, injuries, opponents, and other factors. Q: How are players evaluated each year for renewal in the Academy Program in the following year? A: Players will be evaluated through their training and match performance throughout the Academy season. They will also be evaluated on professionalism, competitiveness, and desire. No players are guaranteed Academy roster spots from year to year.
Q: How many players travel and play in each game? A: At the 13/14 Age Group, 16 players will be able to be selected for matches, per US Soccer Guidelines. At the 15/16 and 17/18 Age Groups, 18 players will be able to be selected for matches, per US Soccer Guidelines. By these standards, the same number of players per group will travel to away matches / events. Q: What happens to players that do not travel? A: Players that do not travel will be taken into consideration for additional friendly matches / trainings to maintain match fitness. Academy Staff will communicate all specifics with non-traveling players. Q: Will players have an opportunity to "play up" from one team to another? A: Playing up will be highly encouraged by the Academy Staff and each age group will work with each other to make sure there are definite plans for players playing up throughout the year. Q: What are Developmental Players? How will these players be selected? A: Developmental Players are players that are not full-time with US Soccer Developmental Academy Teams. They can appear in up to 7, but no more than, matches throughout the Academy season. Developmental Players will be full-time with their specific club team and have additional training / match opportunities with the Academy Team, as decided by the Academy staff. ACADEMY GEAR AND EQUIPMENT Q: What gear will be provided for the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams? A: All Academy players will receive attire for travel, training, matches, and team appearances. All gear will be adidas brand and will be in the same theme as the Carolina RailHawks Professional Team. Q: What will players wear for training? For matches? While traveling? A: For training, all Academy players will wear the exact same training jerseys (shirts/shorts/socks/warm-up) as the Carolina RailHawks First Team. For matches, all Academy Teams (14/16/18) will wear the exact same match kits as the Carolina RailHawks First Team. For travel, all Academy players will wear a combination of polo travel shirts and warm-up suits - all provided to the players. Other travel and match gear will be provided, as well. ACADEMY COMPETITION AND EVENTS Q: What teams comprise the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams competition? A: The Capital Area RailHawks U15/16 and U17/18 Academy Teams will compete in the Southeast Division of the East Conference within the US Soccer Development Academy. Matches against each conference opponents
throughout the season will be in a home/away schedule. The current opponents in this conference are:
Georgia United (Atlanta, GA) Concorde Fire (Atlanta, GA) Orlando City FC (Orlando, FL) Kendall SC (Miami, FL) IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) Weston FC (Miami, FL) Chargers Soccer Club (Clearwater, FL) Carolina Rapids – formerly North Meck SC (Charlotte, NC) Charlotte Soccer Academy (Charlotte, NC) NC Fusion (Greensboro, NC) South Carolina United Battery SC (Charleston, SC)
The U13/14 Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will compete in the South Atlantic Conference, in a more regionalized division. Matches against each conference opponents throughout the season will be in a home/away schedule. The opponents in this conference are:
Georgia United (Atlanta, GA) Concorde Fire (Atlanta, GA) South Carolina United Battery SC (Charleston, SC) CESA Premier (Greenville, SC) NC Alliance (Raleigh / Durham, NC) Carolina Rapids – formerly North Meck SC (Charlotte, NC) Charlotte Soccer Academy (Charlotte, NC) NC Fusion (Greensboro, NC)
Q: What tournaments and events will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams participate in? A: In addition to the USDA regular season schedule, the U15/16 and U17/18 Capital Area RailHawks will compete in some, or all, of the following events/ tournaments:
CASL Showcase (12/13-14 in Raleigh, NC) USDA Winter Showcase (11/29-12/3 in Sarasota, FL) USDA Playoffs / Showcase (6/22-26 in Westfield, IN) USDA National Finals Week (July 2015 Location TBD) Friendlies will be played throughout the year against other USDA Academy Teams and other top level competition.
In addition to the USDA regular season schedule, The U13/14 Capital Area RailHawks will compete in some, or all, of the following events/tournaments:
USDA Fall Regional Showcase (11/8-9 in Winston-Salem, NC) CASL Showcase (12/13-14 in Raleigh, NC) USDA Winter Futsal Event (2/7-8 in Charlotte, NC) USDA National Event (6/12-15 in Westfield, IN) Friendlies will be played throughout the year against other USDA Academy Teams and other top level competition.
Q: Will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams travel on any foreign trips? A: The Capital Area RailHawks 14 Academy teams may potentially be looking to travel abroad for top level competition in Europe during the Spring Break time of 2015. This will be determined in the early fall of 2014. ACADEMY COACHING STAFF AND PLAYER INTERACTION ACADEMY PLAYERS PROMOTION Q: How are players assisted with the college recruiting process? A: All players will be individually guided through the college recruiting process by the Academy Staff. The staff will provide insight, recommendations, and overall guidance through the entire process, from players on the U13/14 Academy Team – through to the U17/U18 Academy Team. Q: How can players be evaluated for Youth National Teams? A: The USDA provides the unique opportunity to have US Youth National Team Scouts at every league game throughout the year. Additionally, at each USDA Showcase Events, multiple Youth National Team Scouts and Staff will evaluate each game. Academy players can be brought into Youth National Team Camps based on single game performances and scout’s recommendations. Also, the Capital Area RailHawks Academy staff will work closely with US Soccer to ensure that deserving players receive Youth National Team opportunities. Q: What opportunity will Capital Area RailHawks Academy players have with the Carolina RailHawks? A: Deserving players may have the opportunity to train and compete with the Carolina RailHawks Professional Team, as well as the Carolina RailHawks U23 Development Team. These opportunities will be managed by Colin Clarke (Head Coach – Carolina RailHawks) and John Bradford (Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director.)
SCHOOL SPORTS AND NON-ACADEMY ACTIVITIES Q: Will players be allowed to play school soccer? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, players will not be permitted to participate in school sports, in addition to the Academy season. This includes Middle School soccer and High School soccer. With the 10-Month USDA Season, players will be fully engrossed in the highest level of training and matches for total player development throughout the year. Q: Will players be allowed to play multiple sports in addition to competing with the academy? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, players will not be permitted to participate in other sports throughout the Academy Season. Q: Will players be allowed to participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP)? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, Academy players will not participate in the ODP Program. Academy players will be evaluated by US Soccer Federation Youth National Team Staff and Coaches throughout the year. Academy Players will have opportunities to participate in US Soccer Market Training Centers (MTC’s), as well as Youth National Team Camps / Events, based on evaluation and selection. MTC’s are regionalized identification events that help US Soccer pull from different USDA Academy Clubs, and others, in order to place high level players in an extremely high competitive environment. MTC’s are based on regional geography. Q: Are there any off field requirements for the players? A: As members of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Program, players will have off field requirements throughout the season. Players will be responsible for maintaining quality academic standing in school, as poor academic standing can lead to Academy suspension, or dismissal. Academy players will be responsible for active, positive community involvement, and ultimately will be responsible for maintaining a high quality representation of themselves, their families, the the Capital Area RailHawks, and the community. The Academy Staff will be planning community events throughout the season as part of the overall calendar. ACADEMY MEDICAL STAFF - INJURY PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION Q: Is there a trainer on staff? How can injuries and rehab be provided? A: A trainer will be provided for all training sessions and matches. Also, through the Capital Area RailHawks partnerships – injury rehabilitation will be provided and outside medical recommendations will also be provided.
ACADEMY TEAM TRAVEL Q: What is the travel like for the Academy Teams? A: Travel for the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will mirror that of professional clubs around the world. The team will travel on a combination of air travel, bus travel, and van travel. All players will travel collectively for all away matches / events. Parents will only be responsible for some in-state travel, while the Academy will provide all out of state travel arrangements. Q: Do parents travel with players for away competitions? A: Players, coaches, medical trainers, and team managers will all travel collectively for away matches / events. While parents will be encouraged to attend and support the Academy teams on the road, they will not travel with the group. Q: How will players eat on trips? A: Meals will be arranged for all team breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In addition, players will have snacks and fluids arranged for all bus travel and hotel stays. Q: Will players have time for academic study while traveling? A: Mandatory study hall times will be required on most bus travel and hotel stays. ACADEMY ROSTER MANAGEMENT Q: How many roster spots will be on each Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams? A: The amount of roster spots will vary per age group, but the overall idea will be to formulate team numbers based on opportunity, competitive environments, and the ability for younger players to “play up” on older Academy Teams. The Academy Teams will not be maxed out to US Soccer roster size specifics, as the Capital Area RailHawks Academy highly regards match opportunities. Q: How will players be selected for match day rosters? A: Players will be selected for each match roster based on the following factors: training performance, match opportunity, entire Academy (14/16/18) roster management, injuries, opponents, and other factors. Q: How are players evaluated each year for renewal in the Academy Program in the following year? A: Players will be evaluated through their training and match performance throughout the Academy season. They will also be evaluated on professionalism, competitiveness, and desire. No players are guaranteed Academy roster spots from year to year.
Q: How many players travel and play in each game? A: At the 13/14 Age Group, 16 players will be able to be selected for matches, per US Soccer Guidelines. At the 15/16 and 17/18 Age Groups, 18 players will be able to be selected for matches, per US Soccer Guidelines. By these standards, the same number of players per group will travel to away matches / events. Q: What happens to players that do not travel? A: Players that do not travel will be taken into consideration for additional friendly matches / trainings to maintain match fitness. Academy Staff will communicate all specifics with non-traveling players. Q: Will players have an opportunity to "play up" from one team to another? A: Playing up will be highly encouraged by the Academy Staff and each age group will work with each other to make sure there are definite plans for players playing up throughout the year. Q: What are Developmental Players? How will these players be selected? A: Developmental Players are players that are not full-time with US Soccer Developmental Academy Teams. They can appear in up to 7, but no more than, matches throughout the Academy season. Developmental Players will be full-time with their specific club team and have additional training / match opportunities with the Academy Team, as decided by the Academy staff. ACADEMY GEAR AND EQUIPMENT Q: What gear will be provided for the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams? A: All Academy players will receive attire for travel, training, matches, and team appearances. All gear will be adidas brand and will be in the same theme as the Carolina RailHawks Professional Team. Q: What will players wear for training? For matches? While traveling? A: For training, all Academy players will wear the exact same training jerseys (shirts/shorts/socks/warm-up) as the Carolina RailHawks First Team. For matches, all Academy Teams (14/16/18) will wear the exact same match kits as the Carolina RailHawks First Team. For travel, all Academy players will wear a combination of polo travel shirts and warm-up suits - all provided to the players. Other travel and match gear will be provided, as well. ACADEMY COMPETITION AND EVENTS Q: What teams comprise the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams competition? A: The Capital Area RailHawks U15/16 and U17/18 Academy Teams will compete in the Southeast Division of the East Conference within the US Soccer Development Academy. Matches against each conference opponents
throughout the season will be in a home/away schedule. The current opponents in this conference are:
Georgia United (Atlanta, GA) Concorde Fire (Atlanta, GA) Orlando City FC (Orlando, FL) Kendall SC (Miami, FL) IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) Weston FC (Miami, FL) Chargers Soccer Club (Clearwater, FL) Carolina Rapids – formerly North Meck SC (Charlotte, NC) Charlotte Soccer Academy (Charlotte, NC) NC Fusion (Greensboro, NC) South Carolina United Battery SC (Charleston, SC)
The U13/14 Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will compete in the South Atlantic Conference, in a more regionalized division. Matches against each conference opponents throughout the season will be in a home/away schedule. The opponents in this conference are:
Georgia United (Atlanta, GA) Concorde Fire (Atlanta, GA) South Carolina United Battery SC (Charleston, SC) CESA Premier (Greenville, SC) NC Alliance (Raleigh / Durham, NC) Carolina Rapids – formerly North Meck SC (Charlotte, NC) Charlotte Soccer Academy (Charlotte, NC) NC Fusion (Greensboro, NC)
Q: What tournaments and events will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams participate in? A: In addition to the USDA regular season schedule, the U15/16 and U17/18 Capital Area RailHawks will compete in some, or all, of the following events/ tournaments:
CASL Showcase (12/13-14 in Raleigh, NC) USDA Winter Showcase (11/29-12/3 in Sarasota, FL) USDA Playoffs / Showcase (6/22-26 in Westfield, IN) USDA National Finals Week (July 2015 Location TBD) Friendlies will be played throughout the year against other USDA Academy Teams and other top level competition.
In addition to the USDA regular season schedule, The U13/14 Capital Area RailHawks will compete in some, or all, of the following events/tournaments:
USDA Fall Regional Showcase (11/8-9 in Winston-Salem, NC) CASL Showcase (12/13-14 in Raleigh, NC) USDA Winter Futsal Event (2/7-8 in Charlotte, NC) USDA National Event (6/12-15 in Westfield, IN) Friendlies will be played throughout the year against other USDA Academy Teams and other top level competition.
Q: Will the Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams travel on any foreign trips? A: The Capital Area RailHawks 14 Academy teams may potentially be looking to travel abroad for top level competition in Europe during the Spring Break time of 2015. This will be determined in the early fall of 2014. ACADEMY COACHING STAFF AND PLAYER INTERACTION ACADEMY PLAYERS PROMOTION Q: How are players assisted with the college recruiting process? A: All players will be individually guided through the college recruiting process by the Academy Staff. The staff will provide insight, recommendations, and overall guidance through the entire process, from players on the U13/14 Academy Team – through to the U17/U18 Academy Team. Q: How can players be evaluated for Youth National Teams? A: The USDA provides the unique opportunity to have US Youth National Team Scouts at every league game throughout the year. Additionally, at each USDA Showcase Events, multiple Youth National Team Scouts and Staff will evaluate each game. Academy players can be brought into Youth National Team Camps based on single game performances and scout’s recommendations. Also, the Capital Area RailHawks Academy staff will work closely with US Soccer to ensure that deserving players receive Youth National Team opportunities. Q: What opportunity will Capital Area RailHawks Academy players have with the Carolina RailHawks? A: Deserving players may have the opportunity to train and compete with the Carolina RailHawks Professional Team, as well as the Carolina RailHawks U23 Development Team. These opportunities will be managed by Colin Clarke (Head Coach – Carolina RailHawks) and John Bradford (Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director.)
SCHOOL SPORTS AND NON-ACADEMY ACTIVITIES Q: Will players be allowed to play school soccer? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, players will not be permitted to participate in school sports, in addition to the Academy season. This includes Middle School soccer and High School soccer. With the 10-Month USDA Season, players will be fully engrossed in the highest level of training and matches for total player development throughout the year. Q: Will players be allowed to play multiple sports in addition to competing with the academy? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, players will not be permitted to participate in other sports throughout the Academy Season. Q: Will players be allowed to participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP)? A: Per the US Soccer Development Academy Rules & Regulations, Academy players will not participate in the ODP Program. Academy players will be evaluated by US Soccer Federation Youth National Team Staff and Coaches throughout the year. Academy Players will have opportunities to participate in US Soccer Market Training Centers (MTC’s), as well as Youth National Team Camps / Events, based on evaluation and selection. MTC’s are regionalized identification events that help US Soccer pull from different USDA Academy Clubs, and others, in order to place high level players in an extremely high competitive environment. MTC’s are based on regional geography. Q: Are there any off field requirements for the players? A: As members of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Program, players will have off field requirements throughout the season. Players will be responsible for maintaining quality academic standing in school, as poor academic standing can lead to Academy suspension, or dismissal. Academy players will be responsible for active, positive community involvement, and ultimately will be responsible for maintaining a high quality representation of themselves, their families, the the Capital Area RailHawks, and the community. The Academy Staff will be planning community events throughout the season as part of the overall calendar. ACADEMY MEDICAL STAFF - INJURY PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION Q: Is there a trainer on staff? How can injuries and rehab be provided? A: A trainer will be provided for all training sessions and matches. Also, through the Capital Area RailHawks partnerships – injury rehabilitation will be provided and outside medical recommendations will also be provided.
