​SPARTANBURG UNITED

Junior Academy Program

Spartanburg United’s Junior Academy Program is designed for U7, U8, U9, U10, U11 and U12 players to support and guide them as they make the transition from recreational to competitive soccer. It is ideal for the young player who is taking particular interest in the sport of soccer and appears to be ready for a higher level of training as well as increased expectations. The Junior Academy Program focuses primarily on individual player development and an emphasis on winning remains secondary. 

• Players are trained by professional coaches
• Two 90 minute training sessions per week
• Additional Speed and Agility, Technical and Goalkeeper training sessions
• Players train as age group pools for better balance of abilities
• Games are small sided 7 v 7 or 9 v 9 to maximize each players touches on the ball
• Teams may participate in tournaments, clinics and other soccer events
• A season is a year of professional training and games from mid August to early May with a winter break from late November to mid January

The Junior Academy Program expects increased commitment from its players in time and effort and players are encouraged to practice their skills at home. 

All players must attend Evaluations in order to be placed on a team of the appropriate level to stimulate his/her development. This is not a “tryout” process resulting in a player being cut, but rather an opportunity for players, parents, and coaches to assess the suitability of the program to the player’s stage of development and determine proper placement.