DFW Tornados

	The structure of the Academy....

	The Academy’s emphasis is on the education and long-term development of the player, rather than on winning and losing games. It is highly interactive and is designed to help the individual reach their full potential in soccer. The most important and unique facet is, ‘having fun while learning.’ The Academy coaches are strong believers in ‘Positive Reinforcement’ as a teaching tool and strive to create an enjoyable atmosphere. We measure the success of the academy by the development and attitudes of the individual.

	Players will be under the guidance of top quality coaches who have the best understanding, knowledge and vision of the game. Players can develop at their own pace while training in an environment where the pressure does not come from the coach. Rather, it comes from the player’s own personal desire to improve and be the best they can be.

	The structure of the Academy is such that the players feel challenged, but the goals that are set are within reach to ensure that the player feels a sense of achievement as they progress. Our basic developmental guidelines per age are as follows:

	AGE 3-5 - The focus is on an introduction to soccer in a fun, positive environment. Players are taken through the learning process by the use of fun games, using all aspects of soccer and building confidence within the player.

	AGE 6-7 - The focus is on individual ball touches and skills, learning the different parts of the feet, general play with lots of short games that involve some thought, and competitions in small group formats of two to four players to enhance technical skills development, such as offensive fundamentals, defensive fundamentals, shooting, passing, heading, receiving and controlling.

	AGE 8-9 - The focus is on passing exercises for the purpose of technical development. We will continue to emphasize individual player development, such as dribbling games and 1v1 play. Individual defending techniques will be introduced, along with other individual skills. Tactical situations will be incorporated in training exercises, but the emphasis is still on the individual development. Again, small group training of two- to four-man teams will be the method utilized.

	AGE 10 - Individual development is continued with supporting players added, in order to introduce tactical decision-making. Initially, offensive and defensive two-man supporting tactics are developed against one opponent to allow the players to achieve more success in the early developmental stages. They will be taught how to attack and defend in groups, utilizing offensive and defensive shapes, as well as the transition between both. To enhance tactical decision-making, we will instill the proper behavior in the different thirds of the field, thus, preparing the player for a more advanced level of play.