Over the spring season thirteen U8 players practiced one night over 7 weeks
with the SASA Technical Director to develop their skills as they set their sights on the switch to our Travel Division in the Fall.
The process of the Travel Academy started in the early months of '08.
Thirteen players were selected for their skill and desire. The concept of
the Academy is to identify players in the Fall season. The Technical Director and
the Travel Technical Director hand selected SASA's top talents.
The club is looking to hand select these players so they do not have to go through a tryout process.
The way they play on the field during their Classic or Recreation season is the key to what we are
looking for. The clubs philosophy is to identify the players and the coaches
early so the move to travel is a lot smoother.
Working constantly on technique, the Academy players their newfound skills to
Richmond the weekend of June 14 and 15 to participate in the Virginia Soccer
Festival hosted by Dynamo soccer club. The group was split into 2 teams
(blue and white) to play 4v4 in a U8 advanced division. Both teams played
some great soccer with technique and teamwork the focal point of the weekend.
The two teams had a great weekend and finished first and second in the advanced division.
Well done to all!
SASA looks to continue the success of the U8 academy by scouting the
next bunch of U8 players in the Fall. Once identified, the focus for the players will be
skill advancement conducted over the Winter and Spring '09 season.
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The SASA Academy training program is targeting a select group of U8 players (born between Aug. 1999-July 2000). Academy players will meet every week to emphasize skill development in a fun, competitive, and age-appropriate environment. These selected players will enjoy the opportunity to play with and against gifted players of similar motivation and ability.
The SASA Academy is a structured training program designed to challenge skilled players in an environment that encourages skill development through well planned drills and small sided fun games. The SASA Academy offers selected players, both boys and girls, an opportunity to develop their natural ability and develop team camaraderie.
The training program emphasizes hard work, commitment and teamwork while having fun in a structured training environment.
Nick Scarpinato
Travel Director
Tom Armstrong
Travel Technical Director
