DCFC DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM
The Development Academy Training Program for U8 to U13 age groups is an integrated part of our overall Player Development Pathway. Nested between the DCFC Soccer School & the DCFC Academy, this training program gives players direct access to the Academy training style, along with its values and mission, to create a conscious learning environment for all participating players. This program is for players who excel at the club and soccer school level and desire an additional environment that is more competitive with advanced coaching.
The DCFC Development Academy is also a type of ‘Pre-Academy’ for U8 (2017) players, as we use this program to introduce the team training environment to younger players aspiring to be a part of the DCFC Academy U9 Age group next season.
This is an invite only program with limited spots available per age group. The selection process is held through open tryouts in the early Spring for the Spring/Summer Term and the late Summer for Fall/Winter.
We are also always watching players in our DCFC Soccer School Program for a potential invitation.
DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
We want players to grow their technical skills. This means we like to push players outside their comfort zone. Players are encouraged to use both feet while dribbling, passing and trapping. Each player is encouraged to showcase their creativity and skills through repetitive exercises which become progressively more challenging. Development Academy players are required to attend the DCFC Soccer School for further technique training.
GAME SITUATIONS
Players will experience various game situations including a structured approach to learning the principles and phases of football. We structure training periods which will focus on Attack, Transition (Attack to Defence), Defence and Transition (Defence to Attack). Starting with the basics with 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2 and 4v3 exercises, positional and possession games as well as free small sided games, we aim to teach the importance of learning football through a structured and principal driven methodology. Each Development Academy group will play games vs the DCFC Academy teams in their age group.
COMMUNICATION & CRITICAL THINKING
Our goal is to create an understanding that football is a team game, and teamwork requires trust, cooperation and working towards a collective goal. We encourage every player to repetitively "coach" one another in technical exercises as well as game situations. Often, this means breaking poor habits and building new constructive habits.
