Worthington United

soccer Learning Academy

Academy Fast Facts

  • The Soccer Learning Academy is for U8-U10 players
  • Fall season: August-October (13 weeks)
  • Spring season: mid March-May (11 weeks)
  • Teaching sessions (practices):
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
  • Saturday mornings in August and March
  • Practices are held at the Soccer Learning Center, located behind Perry/Phoenix Middle School
  • Teams participate in 8 league games and 2 tournaments per season. Most or all on weekends, played in Worthington or other suburban locations.
  • Optional winter activities.
  • Coaches are supported and mentored by Rob Smith (Director of Player Development), Kevin Donovan (Director of Worthington United 94), and Jeff Dybdahl (Director of Soccer Learning Academy)
  • Players are assigned to specific teams after the first two weeks of teaching sessions in August, so coaches can place players on the team that seems to be the best fit for them to grow. Players can be moved part time or full time to other teams if coaches believe it would be better for a player’s growth.
  • Coaches, players, and parents are expected to follow the guidelines of Live United 94! which support the development of the environment in which we want our players to thrive.

Dear Parents,


We want the Soccer Learning Academy to be a favorite time of the week for young players. We want our players to grow in their love for soccer as they grow in their soccer skills and understanding, become more fit, and learn about character traits that can help them grow as persons.


The Soccer Learning Academy teaches through methodology that has been proven effective in our country and around the world. We teach through competitive games and activities led by coaches who are chosen for their competence, caring, and desire to teach young players in a fun and competitive environment.


Jeff Dybdahl

Soccer Learning Academy Director

Academy@WorthingtonUnited.org


Soccer Learning Academy

Pillars of Player Development

Character

John Wooden's 'character words' from his Pyramid of Success will be discussed (and modeled) regularly at sessions with our Academy players. The 'Wooden Words' found at the 'base of the pyramid' will be at the core of our 'character talks' - industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, and enthusiasm.

Fitness

We will engage players in FUN, dynamic FIT2PLAY activities to enhance coordination (lightness on feet), to strengthen the core (through kid-friendly exercises), and to begin to build speed and endurance (best way is through PLAYING the game with limited stops).

Skill

We will engage players in FUN, challenging repetitions on the ball. FUN skill challenges will be given for players (to practice at our sessions and at home) to achieve progressive levels of performance through skill days. We believe that skill is USING technique in game situations and will encourage players to develop skills by being BRAVE during practices AND games.

Game Sense

Through the use of small sided games and the 'Play Practice' approach, we will engage players in thinking how to use their 'soccer brains'. Basic strategy (tactics) will be introduced. At the heart of our program will be developing 1v1 and 2v1 skills (and WHEN to use) as well as introducing, teaching, and fostering Playing Through the Lines.

Fun

Repetitions on the ball (through small-sided game PLAY and through a 'PLAY practice' approach) is at the HEART of this program. We also want players to begin to develop a team concept and to understand the importance of working together toward a common goal.

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