LAFC Youth Soccer Academy 

An Introduction to Academy Soccer

Academy soccer has long been a mainstay of youth development programs in the US and represents a training and playing environment that bridges the gap between recreational soccer that extends from the U4-U10 ages and competitive, select soccer, from U11 and above. 

The philosophy behind Soccer Academies is that beginning around the age of 9 or 10, motivated players desire a more competitive and rigorous training & playing program mentored by coaches who are more knowledgeable about the technical & tactical aspects of the game. Focus in Academy training revolves around the four pillars of soccer: 

• Technique
• Tactics
• Fitness
• Psychology.

Technical aspects include developing a players first touch with both feet, proper passing, dribbling, shooting and heading technique, and body mechanics when running with and without the ball.

Tactical aspects include developing a player's decision making skills in 1v1 and small group defense and attack situations, developing width and depth in the attack, and cover and balance in defense.

Fitness aspects are always functional and economic in that they are implemented in match situations where the ball is a central part of the activity. This improves levels of fitness while also improving a players comfort and touch with the ball.

Psychological aspects are critical in the development of youth players and must be incorporated in every training situation. At the end of each session, an Academy Player should feel a sense of accomplishment and joy. 

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The LAFC Academy Philosophy & Methodology

LAFC Academy employs a unique hybrid training system includes both team training and skills & development program (SDP) pool training, and allows for players to develop every aspect of their game. Player’s train within teams, but also participate in important SDP training sessions where the player to coach ratio is reduced, and players focus on developing their individual fundamental skills. The team training provides the players the opportunity to apply the individual techniques that are the focus of the SDP training in a game situation.

The hybrid training environment is progressive in nature and evolves with the understanding that at the youngest age group (U7 and U8) individual development is the focus, but that as players grow older, they must learn to work in groups and within a team. 

• As players move into the U9 and U10 age groups, they begin to train in groups according to ability, and the players are placed based on skill level, always with the opportunity to move up as they progress. LAFC Academy trains in the SDP pool throughout the week. However, teams will have the option in competing in Academy leagues or travel tournaments in the following way: Players will be placed according to skill level with the understanding that players develop at different rates. 
• At the youngest age groups (U7 and U8) the rosters of these teams will be fluid, with players moving in and out of teams freely based on what is optimal for their development at the time. As players move into the older age groups (U9 and U10), players of similar skill level begin to train together within the SDP pool, and rosters are made up of players of similar ability. Within the U9 and U10 SDP pool the formation of teams begin. These teams train together and the rosters remain relatively the same with adjustments being made to create teams of similarly skilled players.
• Player identification will be a collective effort between the Academy Director, Academy Coaches, and SDP Trainers. Just because a player is assigned to a particular team, does not mean that player will remain on that particular team throughout the season. The SDP pool structure allows the opportunity for players to move up teams and even age groups when appropriate.

LAFC Academy is not only for the development of players but is also geared to offer coaching education to recreational coaches. We strongly encourage your participation during SDP pool training.

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The LAFC Academy Program 

The Academy Program at LAFC is divided into two groups.

1. U9 & U10 TTU Red Raider-Affiliated LAFC Academy Program 

This program is designed for U9 and U10 boys and girls. Red Raider Academy players will be trained over 8 monday evenings in the Spring and Fall. For additional information and registration, go here.

• 1 training session per week with TTU Coaches and LAFC trainers at the TTU John Walker Soccer Complex;
• 1 Academy match per week (scheduled on sundays by LSA) over the 8 week Fall and 8 week Spring season;
• Academy teams will play other teams in Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, Odessa and Midland;
• Co-registration with an LSA Recreational Team (with Saturday matches & weekly training sessions).

2. U8 TTU Red Raider-Affiliated LAFC Academy Program

This program is designed for U8 boys and girls. Red Raider Academy players will be trained over 8 monday evenings in the Spring and Fall. For additional information and registration, go here.

• 1 training session per week with TTU Coaches and LAFC trainers at the TTU John Walker Soccer Complex;
• There will be no Academy League for the U8 players.

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Who Can Participate?

Any boy or girl who wishes to expand their appreciation of soccer may participate. All LAFC Academy Players may co-register with both the LSA-affiliated and US Club Soccer-affiliated associations. This enables each player to maximize his or her training and playing opportunities.

U8 Date of Birth: 1 August 2002 through 31 July 2003 - US Club REGISTERED ROSTER ONLY.
U9 Date of Birth: 1 August 2001 through 31 July 2002 - US Youth Soccer & US Club Soccer Roster
U8 Date of Birth: 1 August 2000 through 31 July 2001 - US Youth Soccer & US Club Soccer Roster 

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LAFC Academy Program Staff

Academy Director: Roger Reyna - email: rreyna@bentonconsultants.com
Academy Technical Director: Carlos Melgar

LAFC Academy Staff Trainers

Roger Beikmann (GK trainer)
Angel Cuevas - USSF National C License
Gibbs Keeton - USSF National C License
Noel Medrano - USSF D License
Roger Reyna - USSF D License
Luis Valdez - USSF D License
Aaron Yoshinobu - USSF National C License
Plus additional affiliated trainers

- updated 22 February 2011.