(U5 & U6, previously our U6 age group)

EvertonFL/St. Pete raiders believes that all young players should receive a quality foundation to their soccer education. The Academy Developmental League will provide that foundation for our U5’s and U6’s.

Players will practice once a week, under the guidance of our professional Recreation Training Staff. The program is structured so that all players will be given the same program at the same time by each coach. The focus is on the individual player. Technique (skills) will be emphasized. Every player will receive a ball, as part of their uniform package, to work on their skills at home as well as at practice.

On game day, the Director will place players into teams for games. This way there are no weaker teams or stronger teams on a regular basis. Children who cannot make a game are no longer letting a team down. There will be no, or few, substitutes on the sidelines. As a former player, I never heard a player saying that they played too many minutes. However, I constantly heard them complain of playing too few minutes. Kids want to play, not sit and watch others have fun. The games will consist of six 6 minute periods of "Open Soccer". Open Soccer provides each player the opportunity to be successful.

The Academy Developmental League will provide soccer education and fun.

An Academy can be defined as a place of higher learning and a school for special training. The SPR Recreational Academy will try to be both. The players will meet once a week (day to be determined) for a one hour session of instruction and fun. The emphasis will be on the individual player. Each child will receive instruction on the basic soccer moves needed to become a successful player. The sessions will be run by qualified coaches and former collegiate players. All players will receive a ball, as part of their uniform package, so that they will be able to practice their skills at home as well as at practice.

Open soccer will be the game format used to help each player be successful. Open soccer uses no throw-ins, goalkicks, corner kicks or free kicks. These concepts are very hard for the young player. Instead, the Parent Facilitator will throw in a new ball for them to play with. The game consists of six 6 minute periods. Each team plays with 3 players, no substitutes. This allows the maximum amount of time for touches with the ball. More touches equates to improved skills. More touches with the ball, plus improved skills equates to more fun.

The Recreational Soccer Academy has proved successful in other parts of the country. Recreational Director of Coaching, Steve Jameson, believes that it is the best method of teaching the skills of the sport to the young player.