GSA Academy Program......
Professional training for soccer skill development
Registration for the Spring 2024 is Open!
We are now offering more choices for the GSA Academy program...
1 day per week - $275 - Players can come once a week to a weekday practice OR a Saturday game
2 days per week - $345 - Players can choose 2 sessions OR a session and a game on Saturdays
3 days per week - $415 - Players can attend 2 practices a week as well as the Saturday game
Girls Practices
Tuesdays 415-515pm @Havemeyer 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
Thursdays 415-515pm @Havemeyer 4/11, 4/18 canceled, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6
Boys Practices
Mondays 415-515pm @Havemeyer 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, no session 5/27, 6/3
Wednesdays 415-515pm @Havemeyer 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 canceled, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5
Scrimmage Games
Saturdays at Parkway Elementary School
4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, no game 5/25, 6/1, 6/8
Boys Scrimmage Games 12pm-1pm
Girls Scrimmage Games 12pm-1pm
Locations;
North Street School - 381 North Street, Greenwich
Havemeyer - 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich
Loughlin Avenue - 46 Loughlin Ave, Cos Cob
Parkway School - 141 Lower Cross Road, Greenwich
For more information on the GSA Academy please email Alan Marsh - [email protected]
The GSA Academy offers the opportunity for non travel soccer players to develop a love for the game of soccer whilst learning the skills required to play in a travel program in the future.
Our Philosophy
We strongly believe:
-Children develop quicker when they have a true passion for what they are doing
-Children enjoy being involved
-Small groups encourage children to be involved
-The more times a child touches a soccer ball the faster they develop
-Development requires commitment and dedication
-Children are more likely to be committed and dedicated if they enjoy what they are doing
-All children deserve quality, professional coaching
-Participation is more important than winning at this age
Who won? Who cares?
Young children are more interested in taking part than winning. Many players below the age of 10 don't even know what the score was when the walk off the field. They don't need to. All they need to know is that they had fun. SCORES WILL NEVER BE REFERRED TO IN THIS PROGRAM BY COACHES OR PARENTS. We believe that if you take away the emphasis on winning, you increase the focus on developing.
Practices
Practices are planned and organized by our coaches to involve 40-45 minutes of skills training and 15-20 minutes of small-sided games.
Scrimmages
Players in the GSA Academy will be placed on a small sided team. The teams come together each Saturday lunchtime to play 5v5 games. These games are a chance for the players to put in to practice what they have learned during the week. Coaches will oversee the games and give the players advice during games. We ask that parents do not give their child instructions during these games as it hinders the players development. The players need to learn to make the decisions in soccer and will not do so with someone telling them what to do every time they have the ball. We really want these games to be fun and encourage the kids to love the game.
Small-sided games
Academy players will usually not play on a team with more than 5 players.
Why?
-Less players=More touches on the soccer ball
-Less players=More opportunities to make in-game decisions
-Less players=More opportunity to be involved
-Less players=More opportunity to practice skills
-Less players=More FUN!
NO TRY-OUT POLICY
We believe that every player should have the opportunity to play at this level, we do not hold try-outs. All players will be placed in a practice group which is appropriate and challenging for their own ability.
Scholarships
We do offer scholarships. Please contact Stuart for the necessary form- [email protected]
Soccer in the Community
We are giving the opportunity to some of our more experienced soccer players in town to give something back to the sport from which they have gained so much. We have Greenwich High School players assisting our coaches as councilors during practices and Greenwich United Premier and Travel players refereeing the Saturday Scrimmages. These players are gaining valuable experience as referees and may one day officiate the academy players in travel soccer games. We expect all parents to be supportive and encouraging toward our referees.