9U-10U ACADEMY
9U-10U Academy program
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.
Professional coaches oversee and lead this program to ensure development and preparation for our competitive select pathway as they age into 11U and older.
TRAINING LOCATION
All Apex Academy and Select Training sessions will take place at either the Gregg Young Sports Campus, Sportsplex Norwalk, or McAninch Sports Complex in Norwalk, IA.
Coaching staff
Apex has professional staff that lead the 9U-10U program.
Our Academy coaches have experience playing and coaching soccer with coaching licenses and courses offered through U.S. Soccer, United Soccer Coaches, TOVO Academy. 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
1-2 Tournaments during the regular season
Uniforms
Apex uniforms are not included in the initial registration fee. Uniform kits details and order instructions will be shared with families after registration!
Program Fees
Fall 2025 fee is $380. Payment plans are available.
academy faqs
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Yes, Level 3 recreational soccer is offered by Norwalk Soccer Club and other nearby clubs: Carlisle Soccer Club, Indianola Soccer Tribe, and Winterset Area Soccer Club.
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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
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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.
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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.
Apex has parent volunteers that help coach as well. We strongly encourage them to take the 7v7 course offered by U.S. Soccer / Iowa Soccer.
Go to our Coaching Staff Page to learn more.
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Registration for 9U-10U Academy for Fall 2024 will open in May.
Registration is based on birth year.
9U for Fall 2024 - players born in 2016
10U for Fall 2024 - players born in 2015
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There are payment plans available when registering for the program.
If you are in need of financial aid or scholarship assistance, please fill out the Google form 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.
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9U-10U Academy is a separate league under Iowa Soccer.
In addition, our 9U-10U teams will be competing in the Iowa Developmental League for additional competition and more variety in opponents.
MORE PROGRAMMING
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For more information regarding out Winter programs and additional opportunities throughout the winter months please click the link below.
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For more information regarding out Summer programs and additional opportunities throughout the summer months please click the link below.
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For more information regarding out upcoming Summer & Winter leagues please click the link below.
