Sparks Academy Program U5 – U8
Sparks Program is to identify, retain, and train potential competitive players in the U5-U8 divisions to provide them with the technical and tactical skills to play competitive soccer. Sparks Program will be holding two free clinics a year for players to come out for evaluation. Sparks Program is to identify and prepare players from recreational soccer to competitive Select Program.
Player Notification:
Players will be formally notified via an invitation letter that will inform them that they have been identified as a potential competitive player and that will provide information about the Sparks Academy Program. Trainers may contact the parents of potential Sparks Academy players before sending a formal invitation to determine the player’s level of interest. Heat FC staff may also call the parents of the players after the invitation letter is sent to answer any questions they might have about the program.
Trainers:
The Heat FC training staff, supplemented by Heat coaches as needed (contract trainers), will be responsible for the development and implementation of the curriculum of the Sparks Academy Program.
Age-Specific Technical Guide:
- Ball Manipulation: Cuts, Drag, Roll, Lift, Toe-Taps, and Foundation.
- Dribbling: Inside/outside of the foot, roll with sole, Single Scissor, Double Scissors, Hook Move, Step Over, Cruyff.
- Passing: Only small, short passes.
- Receiving: Inside of Foot, Outside of Foot, Laces, Sole.
- Finishing: Finishing on 1 v 1 by using moves and cuts above and by passed-finished.
- Heading: For fun, which will also help to lose their fear.
- Turning: Inside Hook, Outside Hook, Sole Hook, Drag Back, Stop and Turn, Cruyff, Step Over.
- Defending: 1 v 1, body shape and position
