ACADEMY

PROGRAM INFORMATION

about

Academy is one of two options offered at the 9U and 10U age groups. This age group is very important to the development of youth soccer players in Iowa and it is vital to create an appropriate developmental environment without making the environment too competitive or restrictive, resulting in players leaving the sport.

This will allow players to play with and against players of similar ability and at a level where they will experience the most success and have the most fun playing the sport.

There are no tryouts or selections at this level. All teams follow the Level 3 guidelines including 50% playing time in matches. However, the emphasis is placed on creating a playing environment that is more conducive to the individual’s development over the team’s development.

TRAINING LOCATION

All Apex Select Trainings will take place at either the Gregg Young Sports Campus, Sportsplex Norwalk, or McAninch Sports Complex

Coaching staff

Apex has professional staff that lead the 9U-10U program.

Our Academy coaches have experience playing and coaching soccer with coaching licenses offered through U.S. Soccer, United Soccer Coaches. All Apex coaches must pass risk management regulations as set forth by Iowa Soccer.

FEES INCLUDE

  • 6-8 League games

  • 3 Training sessions per week lead by our professional coaching staff

  • Specialized training for goalkeepers

  • 1 Tournament during the regular season

Uniforms

Capelli uniforms are not included in the initial registration fee. Uniform kits can be ordered for approximately $115.

Program Fees

Fall 2024 fee is $380. Payment plans are available.

FAQs

  • Registration for 9U-10U Academy for Fall 2024 will open May 1

    Registration is based on birth year.

    • 9U for Fall 2024 - players born in 2016

    • 10U for Fall 2024 - players born in 2015

  • To help parents decide which is most appropriate, below are the characteristics of typical players who would participate in an Academy program.  If your child displays a majority of them, they are probably more suited to that level of play.  However, it should be noted that during a player’s soccer development, they may move back and forth between Academy and Level 3 play.

    • Demonstrates sound technical skills (ball control, dribbling, shooting)

    • Physically stronger, athletically quicker than most players within their age group

    • High level of coordination and good agility

    • During games is aggressive in their attitude and approach to getting involved and tends to dominate play

    • Demonstrates high level of focus and concentration during practices and games

    • Started to narrow down the number of extra-curricular activities

    • Soccer is a high priority

    • Practices with a ball on own time outside scheduled games and practices

    • Player who will likely try out for the 11U competitive team in the future

  • Training sessions will be held 3 nights per week. We ask that each player make every sessions but understand that things may come up. Players are expected to make at least 2 session per week. We are designing our structure to have a ratio of 8-13 players per Academy coach. We may utilize some team coaches to assist our Academy coaches in training.

    Training and games will take place at the new Fareway Fields and Gregg Young Sports Campus in Norwalk and at McAninch sports complex in Norwalk.

    The curriculum is based on the recommendations from U.S. Soccer, U.S. Youth Soccer and incorporating elements from United Soccer Coaches, The Coaching Manual, TOVO Academy and other sources.

  • If you are in need of financial aid or scholarship assistance, please fill out the form (link below) with all necessary information. Financial Aid and Scholarships are awarded on case-by-case basis and we will get back to you promptly on all submissions.