Pre âAcademy (U7 & U8)
Pre –Academy (U7 & U8) The AFC Lightning U8 Pre-Academy Program is designed to provide high quality training and development opportunities for motivated and committed U8 (2010 & 2011) soccer players. AFC Lightning Pre–Academy is the beginning stages of elite training for U7/U8 players. The objective of this program is to provide every player with a structured, comprehensive training experience. Our curriculum is both age and skill appropriate. Pre – academy is the stepping stone to the AFC Lightning Academy program (U9-U12). After graduating from the program all players will have the necessary tools to play academy soccer if they desire. The AFC Lightning Pre-Academy focuses predominantly on individual technical skill development. We de-emphasize short term wins and losses and focus on playing the AFC way and long-term player development. The program focuses on developing players who understand the technical and tactical topics that prepare them for club soccer in their later years. The pre–academy program is open to all boys & girls born in 2010 & 2011 who are not currently registered with any recreational or academy program. Our U7/U8 boys and girls will play both 4v4 & 7v7 format. All teams will play a mixture of games against PTC Lazers recreational program, in-house scrimmages, and other pre-academy programs.
Pre - Academy Philosophy Our goal is to teach all our players the correct way to play with an emphasis on long term development rather than short-term wins/scoring goals. Our philosophy is to develop technically skillful players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We promote a fun, challenging environment in which we encourage individual creativity. We want players to be critical thinkers and make decisions on their own with little to no on field instructions from coaches and parents.
Pillars/Fundamentals of the game:
Technical Skills and Moves - players learn all turns, tricks and skills moves with both feet. Emphasis on repetition to improve proficiency and confidence. All players are trained to be dribblers first. 1v1 Attacking - lots of 1v1, 2v1, and 3v3 free play within each training session. We encourage players to use their skill moves in a game like scenario. Also to recognize the triangle shape and overloads in small sided games. Triangle Support - developing the idea of supporting the player on the ball with multiple options creating triangle and diamond shapes. Encouraging players to play out of situations rather than just kicking it away or dribbling into pressure. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving - we encourage players to think for themselves and solve soccer problems with their skills. Our coaches use guided discovery questions to guide players to the answers rather than just telling them the answer.
Pre - Academy Philosophy Our goal is to teach all our players the correct way to play with an emphasis on long term development rather than short-term wins/scoring goals. Our philosophy is to develop technically skillful players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We promote a fun, challenging environment in which we encourage individual creativity. We want players to be critical thinkers and make decisions on their own with little to no on field instructions from coaches and parents.
Pillars/Fundamentals of the game:
Technical Skills and Moves - players learn all turns, tricks and skills moves with both feet. Emphasis on repetition to improve proficiency and confidence. All players are trained to be dribblers first. 1v1 Attacking - lots of 1v1, 2v1, and 3v3 free play within each training session. We encourage players to use their skill moves in a game like scenario. Also to recognize the triangle shape and overloads in small sided games. Triangle Support - developing the idea of supporting the player on the ball with multiple options creating triangle and diamond shapes. Encouraging players to play out of situations rather than just kicking it away or dribbling into pressure. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving - we encourage players to think for themselves and solve soccer problems with their skills. Our coaches use guided discovery questions to guide players to the answers rather than just telling them the answer.
