In today’s youth soccer landscape, there is no shortage of games, but that can create problems when it comes to player development. With weekend tournaments and constant competition taking center stage, meaningful training opportunities are often left behind. To tackle this issue, New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) created The Academy to bring development back to the forefront.
“Today’s youth soccer landscape is saturated with games, games and more games,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “At a time when proper ‘training to game ratios’ are out of whack and essential learning opportunities are being squeezed out of player development protocols, the NYW Academy training regimen serves to balance that ratio and provide the opportunity to develop fundamentally sound players.”
A Strategic Approach to Player Development
The NYW Academy is a six-session training program focused on developing confident, technically sound and tactically aware players. Led by NYSWYSA’s nationally certified coaching staff, the program emphasizes ball skills and decision-making in a positive, high-quality learning environment. The Academy offers tools and coaching that emphasize player development, without the pressure of constant competition.
Who Can Participate?
The Academy is open to boys and girls born in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Originally developed for Olympic Development Program (ODP) players, The Academy opened its doors in 2015 to all eligible players across the region. No ODP affiliation is required, and the only requirement is a commitment to learning and a desire to grow.
When and Where?
Sessions take place on Sunday afternoons across six dates this fall: September 7, 14, 21 and October 12, 19, 26. To make the program more accessible, four convenient locations are available throughout Western New York, each led by a highly respected member of NYSWYSA’s coaching and ODP staff.
In Buffalo, sessions will be held at the Ken Dev Soccer Complex, directed by Dave Kreger, who serves as a Lead Educator for the NYSWYSA Coaching Education and ODP staff. Elmira’s sessions will take place at Eldridge Park under the guidance of Zach Sarno, a dedicated ODP coach with vast player development experience. Rochester participants will train at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Penfield, with NYW ODP coach Jim Gentile leading instruction. Finally, Syracuse sessions will be hosted at the CNY Family Sports Centre, led by Dean Foti, NYSWYSA’s Technical Director and Director of NYW ODP.
Registration Details
The standard fee for the Academy is $250, but an early bird rate of $225 is available for players who register by August 31. Spots are limited, and this program fills quickly every year. Take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your child’s spot today! Register now.
The NYW Academy is where growth happens. Give your child the chance to train with top-level coaches, build confidence with the ball and become a more assertive playmaker on the field.
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