Our certified Youth Academy Program uses a defined curriculum and player-centered developmental focus to provide optimal playing environments for players registered as 10 years of age or under. The program focuses on the complete development of each player and provides an opportunity for boys and girls to learn through playing, emphasizing the process of both skill acquisition and tactical understanding.
The Youth Academy Program empowers clubs across South Texas to provide a variety of programming options for their players. Using our best practices recommendations, Member Associations and clubs can foster Youth Academy Programs of all sizes and shapes that can grow and flourish.
Program Goals
- To emphasize player development over team development
- To focus on the development of each child without the pressures of short-term wins, losses or results
- To develop ball skill and decision-making in the game with a fun and dynamic atmosphere for players
- To educate parents on the sport and their role as a supporter of their child’s long-term athletic development
- To prepare younger players for the transition into competitive select soccer
- To offer a program that follows recommendations and guidelines from U.S. Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation for small-sided play
- To help clubs reduce travel and lower the expense for younger players and their families
Application
Clubs looking to participate in the Youth Academy Program must complete an annual application. The application will be reviewed by the State Technical Director and shared with your local association to ensure that all clubs and coaches are in good standing and following program guidelines.
Apply to the Youth Academy Program
Academy Leagues
Once your club program is approved, you will be able to join an Academy League. A league is administered through your local Member Association. STX Youth Soccer works with all Association leads to provide oversight, resources, and flexible organizational models to ensure that all leagues are successful.
South Texas Youth Academy Guidelines
All Youth Academy members must follow these STX Youth Soccer Academy Player Guidelines:
- Use of the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiative Standards (U.S. Soccer PDIs)
- Adherence to the FIFA Modified Playing Rules
- Mandatory 50% playing time for all players
- Flexible rosters and player pools where players have the ability to participate in multiple games (maximum of two per day)
Benefits
All South Texas Youth Academy Clubs and Leagues receive support at multiple levels from our State Technical Department. The Youth Academy Program club and players must be registered with STX Youth Soccer in order to receive benefits, including:
- Organizational structure and models for league and program design
- Handbook on how to create and operate a successful Youth Academy Program
- Curriculum designed specifically for the age and ability of the youth players
- Sample training sessions
- Opportunities to attend State coaching clinics and courses
- Educational meetings/webinars for coaches, parents and players
- Informational material to distribute to parents and players
- Assistance with organizing Academy Festivals
Program FAQs
Download our FAQ document for more information.
Program Contact
For more information about our Academy Program, please contact Gareth Glick.