The U14 Pre-Academy program targets the region’s most talented players from the 98, 97, and 96 pools. The program provides an environment that prepares selected players for the skills, expectations and demands needed for Academy level play. The program is the highest level of soccer a U14 player can participate in to advance his soccer skills and talents. We plan on continuing to follow last season’s PreAcademy model which included two practices per week December through February with an 8-12 game schedule.
During the Fall 2009 – Spring 2010 season, the Pre Academy pool of players participated in a U14 Pre Academy Showcase in Pennsylvania and friendly games in the month of January and February against Pre Academy teams from the following Academy Clubs - CASL (NC), Charlotte Soccer Academy (NC), North Meck Soccer Club (NC), South Carolina United (SC), VA Rush (VA) and Richmond Strikers (VA). In addition to the friendly matches, players in the PreAcademy pool were part of a comprehensive training program in the months of December, January and February. Finally, select U14 Pre-Academy players were invited by the US Soccer Academy Scouts to participate in several one day Market Training Centers (a one day training session for the best players from various U14 Pre Academy teams) to be further evaluated by the US Soccer Development Academy Technical Staff.
To be considered for the PreAcademy in 2010 a player must be an elite level player from either the Richmond Kickers or an outside club. Players selected to participate in the Richmond Kickers U14 Pre-Academy program will be automatically placed on a Richmond Kickers Elite team in their respective age group for the Fall 2010 – Spring 2011 seasonal year.
Players who fit the criteria are encouraged to try out for the Pre-Academy team on March 20th from 9 am to 11 am at UkropPark. Go to www.richmondkickers.com to sign up now. If you have any further questions please contact our US Soccer Academy Director, Jesse Myers; jmyers@richmondkickers.com or 804.644.5425 ext. 306.
