Age-Appropriate v. False Graduation.  "Nature decrees that children should be children before they become adults. If we try to alter this natural order, we will reach adulthood prematurely but with neither substance nor strength."  Jean-Jacques Rousseau.  It can be very tempting to put eager young players into the 8v8 & 11v11 match-based environments that many programs offer as misguided attempts to accelerate learning and as marketing ploys aimed at parents/players fantasizing about early graduation.  These attempts only slow player development.  The subject matter in training and the formats of matches must fit the physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities of the players.  Age-Appropriate Formats.

Curriculum Based Training.  Most learning takes place in training sessions.  Matches are a venue to test what has been learned.  Lesson plans MUST be based on a curriculum, not on a coach's reaction to failings in a meaningless match.  Player Development v. Winning.

Soccer is a Dribbling Game.  From a player development perspective, soccer is first a dribbling game, and second a passing game.  True competence in 1v1 technical ability and 1v1 knowledge is the primary goal of GFC Academy.  It is only from this base that a truly competent player can grow.

Technical AND TACTICAL Lessons.  Many soccer programs base their lesson plans on the disastrous myth that young players should only learn technique.  Every action in soccer begins in the brain, not in the foot.  Decision-making (age-appropriate) must be the cornerstone of a player development program even from the youngest age.

A Complete Elementary School Experience.  GFC Academy offers training, and age-appropriate competition (3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6). 

• Our TRAINING sessions form the core of our program.  This is where the mass of learning take place, with a focus on critical fundamental technical (ball/body skill) and tactical (decision-making) competence, while receiving positive reinforcement in a fun environment. 

• Opportunities to participate in age-appropriate MATCHES are also provided.  For all Academy players, in the winter, futsal matches, and in the fall/spring, 3v3 jamborees are offered.  For more advanced u9 and u10 players, our teams program (see below) provides a venue for 6v6 matches in the fall/spring, and 5v5 futsal in the winter.

A Secondary School Experience.  In addition to the Academy programs, GFC offers TEAM PROGRAMS for boys and girls u9 and older.  Our team programs offer an even more complete package for player development, with weekly training, weekend league matches, street soccer, striker/goalkeeper clinics, speed/agility sessions, group fun runs, and other social activities. 

For more information about our programs and philosophy, visit About GFC