The Seacoast United Maine Junior Academy Program is an accelerated soccer training/playing program which prioritizes skill development and nurtures a love for playing in a fun, competitive, and age appropriate environment, where players enjoy the opportunity to play with and against those of similar motivation and ability.
The Seacoast United Maine Junior Academy is a unique and special training program for a select group of 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 year old boys and girls. The goal of the program is to identify and select a limited number of young players from the region and train them once each week in an enjoyable and challenging environment which emphasizes skill development through individual and small group activities and small-sided play.
For 2010/2011, the Seacoast United Maine Junior Academy will be offered at four different locations:
- Seacoast United Indoor Arena, Topsham ME
- The Armory, Portland ME
- Your Space, Gorham ME
- The Armory, Augusta ME
* Seacoast United (NH) offers the Jr. Academy program at two other Maine locations: York and South Berwick. Please click here for more information on programs/training offered at those locations.
The SUSC Maine Junior Academy Program will be directly linked to the Club’s Player Development and Coaching Philosophy. The success of Seacoast United youth club teams can be attributed to the fact that the majority of SUSC’s current players are Junior Academy Graduates. Because many of our past Junior Academy youth are currently playing for SUSC Premier Teams, this really enhances our commitment to continue to identify and nurture talented young players in a developmentally appropriate setting. Therefore, the staff directly responsible for overseeing Seacoast United Maine’s club program, (U11 - U19 Boys and Girls) coaches the Junior Academy groups.
It is our hope that those involved in our Junior Academy Program will continue to learn and enjoy playing as they move up "The Seacoast United Ladder" of soccer playing opportunities.
Program Content
- Junior Academy is a 24 week training program
- Varied Technical syllabus with emphasis on core age specific components
- Academy sessions 1.5 hrs in length
- Highest levels of instruction provided by Academy coaching staff
- Optional Log Book and Mini ball program to further enhance the Academy students progression
- Indoor League play during final 8 weeks of Academy in Seacoast United Maine Indoor leagues
- Focus on 2 v 2 , 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 games, culminating in 6 v 6 play during 8 week league session
- ’Four Corners’ approach to coaching, which is made up of Technical, tactical, physical and psychological components
- All academy players are expected to focus, work hard and show a willingness to develop as they prepare for the next level of playing at the club.
Core Technical Components for U7 - U11 Player
Log Book
During a player’s time with the Jr. Academy, there will be a new topic introduced every 2 weeks. In conjunction with indoor training, players will be provided with a log book and mini ball to further practice and develop understanding and technique of the Academy syllabus.
