North Alabama SC's Pre-Academy program is our 7U-8U program that prepares players for entry into the North Alabama SC Competitive Academy program. This one of a kind program in North Alabama is under the supervision of the Recreational Director and is coached by a professional licensed coach. This program is intended to help transition the kids from the 4v4 game to the 7v7 game at 9U by providing training in an Academy-like setting whiel working on an age appropriate curriculum. 

Players practice 2 times a week and play in-house/local friendly games on either on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (only one of those days). These players have the opportunity to attend 1-2 local tournaments each season.

Our Pre-Academy program is currently offered in Huntsville and Madison.

Goals/Objectives
The goal of the Pre-Academy is to provide a more structured training environment to players that are ready for a higher level of commitement at the 7U-8U age group and interested in preparing for the 9U Academy level.

The foundationa at this level remains the same as our Jr. Academy program - establish a strong technical base, develop athleticism and coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The difference is training will be structured in a way that not only maximizes each player’s development, but introduce them to concepts, skills, and tactics that will prepare them for the transition to the 9U Academy level.  

Curriculum/Plan
The age-appropriate curriculum follows the US Soccer Best Practices and is designed to develop technical skills that can be used in tactical situations. Players are trained in pools and as teams to allow maximum exposure to all the coaches and age group players within the system.

Pre-Academy focuses on the player development model through:

• Tactical Game Understanding: Developing game awareness, on-field problem solving/create independent soccer thinkers, possession and support concepts (building out of the back), and intoduction of shape.
• Technical: First touch, ball mastery concepts, technical movements with and without the ball, and skill devleopment. Focus is to building confidence on the ball to take players 1-on-1.
• Physical: Incorporating fitness and coordination concepts and exercises. Introducting game intensity and scenairos in practices to reinforce the tactical and technical skill development at game speed.
• Competitiveness: Develop commitment and competitiveness in players at an early age is key to to the total development of the player and creating and sustaining successful teams.

Players per Team
Players are trained as a pool. Players will be divided into teams of 7-10 players for gamedays and tournaments.

Cost/Value
Cost is $95 per season. The Pre-Academy program is subsidized through our fundraising efforts to keep fees low and affordable.

Uniforms
Uniforms will be ordered directly from our uniform partner site CapelliSport.com. Uniform ordering information will be provided by the Club's Uniform Coordinator after a player completes registration. 

The Uniform Kit consists of a white jersey, navy jersey, navy shorts, and navy socks. Estimated cost is $55.

Practices/Games/Tournaments
Players practice twice per week. in-house/local frienldy games are held on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (only one of these days). Players have the opportunity to attend 1-2 tournaments per season.

Fall 2022 Recreational Registration is Now OPEN!

Click the Register Now button below to register for fall!

Email your questions to our Recreational Director Chris Shumate at Chris@NorthAlabamaSC.org