VAFC Xpress U8 Academy (U7 & U8)

VAFC Xpress’ U8 Academy has proven to be extremely successful at preparing players for Travel Soccer at the Premier level and beyond.

Our U8 Academy is for boys and girls who love soccer and wish to learn more about the game. Children will improve their technical skills through activities that are fun, age appropriate and related to the game. Valley AFC provides a safe, fun environment for the players to practice and play under the guidance of professional soccer coaches. The coaching staff follow a technical training curriculum set by our Assistant Director of Soccer, Dave Stuart.

The Valley AFC Academy uses ‘player pools’ instead of the old and antiquated team system. The ‘player pool’ method has been an outstanding success in developing creative, skillful players who have an enhanced love of the game and their club instead of just playing for a team.

The Valley AFC Academy focuses on the development of EVERY player, instead of teams at these young ages as recommended by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in their ‘Player Development Guidelines’. This focus is also strongly recommended in the coaching license courses run by the USSF and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

While other Academies may focus mainly on team development, we strive to enhance the technical abilities of each child. Individual technique must be developed to allow players to carry out the tactics needed to play at the next level. There are NO tactics without technique.

Individual ball skills, creativity and love of the game will create exciting soccer players who can play on successful teams. The Valley AFC Academy fosters the leadership, confidence, knowledge and technique to allow players to reach the next level of play.

Age Group	Born Between
U7	August 1, 2005 - July 31, 2006
U8	August 1, 2004 - July 31, 2005

Spring 2013

Registration Deadline: March 5th

Instruction: The instruction will be lead by our Xpress Staff and will be assisted by college and high school players.

What to wear: Wear shin guards and cleats

What to bring: Bring plenty of water and a soccer ball

Training Days:

Boys
- Tuesdays
  - Training Session 5:45 - 6:45 pm
  - Technical Session 7:00 - 7:30 pm
- Thursdays
  - Training Session: 5:45 - 6:45 pm
- Saturdays (check calendar on left for dates)
  - Pickup Games: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Girls
- Mondays
  - Training Session 5:45 - 6:45 pm
  - Technical Session 7:00 - 7:30 pm
- Wednesdays
  - Training Session: 5:45 - 6:45 pm
- Saturdays (check calendar on left for dates)
  - Pickup Games: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Location: Xpedx, 1885 Apperson Drive, Salem map>>

Season: Begins the week of March 11th

Orientation Day: Sunday, March 10th - 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Xpedx)

Cost: $85 (includes T-Shirt)

Questions? Contact Us>>

Southwest Virginia Elite Soccer Academy

All Xpress Academy are eligible to enroll in the Southwest Virginia Elite Soccer Academy.

Southwest Virginia Elite Soccer Academy is a coalition of 5 local soccer clubs (Valley AFC, New River United, CSC, Radford & Giles) who have joined together to give players in the New River Valley the opportunity to train with the best coaching, facility, and teammates this area has to offer. Open to all U8, U9 and u10 academy players (boys and girls) from all five clubs, this opportunity is for those players seeking more!

Training will take place on the Virginia Tech turf fields on Friday nights starting April 5^th and going until May 10^th being 6 sessions.

Each player will receive a SVSA Elite training t-shirt.

Cost: $60/player which covers t-shirt, field rental and coaching.

Coaching: Will be provided by all clubs but will include both Radford and VT staff members and players

Time:

Girls: 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Boys: 6:45 - 8:00 pm

Training sessions will be similar to current academy philosophy of all clubs with all coaches running similar practice plans. All players will be trained in a top level environment.

We are hopeful that this relationship between clubs will allow us all to continue to build to a top level soccer academy that provides an atmosphere for players of all levels!

Registration is open now and will close on March 29^th!

Registration Form>>