CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY U16/U18 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 2015-2016 PROGRAM ...€¦ · • 1 USYSA...

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CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY U16/U18 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 2015-2016 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Transcript of CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY U16/U18 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 2015-2016 PROGRAM ...€¦ · • 1 USYSA...

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY U16/U18 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

2015-2016 PROGRAM INFORMATION

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

Dear Parents and Players of the 2015-2016 US Development Academy, On behalf of Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) I want to welcome all of you to the new season and I look forward to the opportunities this program will create for you. Players have been selected into this program because our staff believes they have the abilities, personality, desire and commitment to play at the highest level of soccer in the country. Our goal here at CSA is to make our club one of the top clubs in the country and our US Soccer Development Academy Program is the driving force behind our aspirations. In order for us to be the best program possible, we have researched other clubs, hired quality staff and implemented new programs over the past seven years to promote CSA as one of the elite Academy programs in the country. Our players have been recruited by the top collegiate programs in the country over the past five years and in that time, the Academy at CSA has progressed from attending the post season play offs to the National Finals Week in 2012. The coaching staff has a high level of expectation for this year and we are excited about the squads we have assembled. The following information packet is a guide on the program established for the 2015-2016 season. We are expecting a high level of professionalism from our players and staff and have included a series of important information in this book to provide you as much assistance as possible in the collegiate process. We have been very successful in the first seven years of the program placing players in college. We are looking forward to a great season and hope each and every player will embrace this opportunity and take full advantage of the experience the club and the program will offer them. If you ever have any questions, issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Regards, Steve Gummer US Soccer Development Academy Director Charlotte Soccer Academy

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS CSA Club and Program Information

• CSA Development Academy Structure • CSA Development Academy Coaching Staff • CSA Development Academy Contact Information • CSA Development Academy Alumni

Player Expectations • CSA Goals for this Program • The Charlotte Soccer Academy Way • CSA US Development Academy Player Expectations • Practice Schedule • Player Dress Code • Social Media Guidelines

Player Resources and Reference Information • Diet and Nutrition • Hydration • Recovery • College Check List • Helpful Hints • Sample Letter and Resume (college)

U15-U18 US Development Academy Player Costs 2015-2016 Player Commitment Form

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

CSA US DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY STRUCTURE

CSA Exceutive DirectorBrad Wylde

CSA Development Academy DirectorSteve Gummer

U14 Development Academy Head Coach - Brad Wylde

U16 Development Academy Head Coach - Steve Gummer

US Development Academy Assistant CoachesSteve Gummer Patrick DakaKevin Langan Ben Cook

Developmental Player SquadDevelopmental Players for U14,U16,U18 Academy Teams

Overseen by: Steve Gummer

U13 Premier/Classic Players

U14 Premier/Classic Players

U15 Premier/Classic Players

U16 Premier/ClassicPlayers

U17 Premier/Classic Players

U18 Premier/Classic Players

U18 Development Academy Head Coach - Joe Crump

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

2015-2016 ACADEMY COACHING STAFF CSA has established itself as one of the strongest soccer programs in the southeast region over the past five years. One of the strengths behind the program is the phenomenal staff here at the club. The following staff has been assembled for our US Soccer Development Academy program for the 2015-2016 season. Brad Wylde Executive Director, CSA Head Coach, U14 Development Academy Team

• Executive Director oversees the player development, guidance and coaching responsibilities for all children under the CSA soccer program.

• Has grown the SCSA/CSA organization from a 30-team club to over 175 teams in 8 years. • 2008 and 2009 won back to back US Youth Soccer Regional Championships. • Two appearances at the USYS National Championships 2008-2009. • Catawba College former associate head coach. • NSCAA Associate National Staff Instructor, 2008-present. • Former NC Olympic Development Program state team coach 2004-2008. • NSCAA All-American at Catawba College. • 4 year professional player with the Charlotte Eagles, SC Shamrocks, and Carolina Dynamo. • Fully Qualified with NSCAA. • UEFA B License. • UEFA A License.

Steve Gummer US Soccer Development Academy Director, CSA Head Coach, U16 Academy

• USL Super Y National ODP Staff Coach. • Georgia ODP Head Coach. • U. S. Club Id 2 Scout. • NSCAA Guest Clinician 2014 (National Convention). • 3 State Cup Champions. • 2 Region III Premier League Champions. • 1 USYSA Regional Finalists. • 3 USYSA Regional Semi-Finalists. • 2008- 2009 & 2009-2010 USYSA National League. • Dallas Cup Champions 2006. • 2 Former players represented U.S. U 17 National Team at U17 World Cups. • 3 Former players turned professional with Major League Soccer. • UEFA B License. • USSF A License.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

2015-2016 COACHING STAFF, CONTINUED Joe Crump Head Coach, U18 Academy

• Collegiate GK at UNC Greensboro. • Former University GK Coach at UNC, Elon, ECU and Cincinnati. • Former GK Director at Triangle United Soccer Association. • GK Director Charlotte Soccer Academy. • USSF A License.

Kevin Langan Assistant Coach U14, U16, U18 Academy

• Men’s Head Coach at UNC Charlotte. • Former boys’ head coach at Classics Elite Soccer Academy, San Antonio, TX. • Former player, University of the Incarnate Word, where he was named Regional Defensive Player

of the Year, Student Athlete of the Year and International Graduate Student of the Year. • 6-year professional player with Bristol City. • USSF A License.

Patrick Daka Technical Director, CSA

• Charlotte Soccer Academy Technical Director. • Former Zimbabwe National Team Player. • Former Zimbabwe Professional in Zimbabwe, Germany, Poland and USA. • USSF B License. • NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. • National Youth License. • Director of Coaching Diploma.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

2015-2016 COACHING STAFF, CONTINUED Alan Tyson Architech Sports Physical Therapy

• President of Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. • Physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist. • Certified athletic trainer. • Certified strength and conditioning specialist. • Consultant to Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), Carolina Panthers and

Charlotte Eagles. • Regional and national speaker on training topics about the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee

rehabilitation and developed two courses on the shoulder. • Authored three books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, baseball

pitcher, and football players getting ready for the NFL combines. • Associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. • Hosts weekly one-hour radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and

Dr. Russ Greenfield. Luke Williams Architech Sports – Speed and Agility Consultant

• Graduated from Westmont College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. • Former professional soccer player:

o Charlotte Eagles o Colorado Rapids o Chicago Fire in the MLS.

• Manages Architech Sports’ Athletic Development and Sports Performance programs. • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). • USA Weightlifting Coach (USAW).

CSA US DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY CONTACT INFORMATION 2015-2016

Brad Wylde Executive Director/U14 Head Coach [email protected] (704) 770-5882

Steve Gummer Academy Director/U16 Head Coach [email protected] (678) 362-6255

Joe Crump Goalkeeper Director/U18 Head Coach [email protected] (704) 280-1889

Patrick Daka Technical Director/Assistant Coach [email protected] (704) 582-2399

Kevin Langan Assistant Coach [email protected] (210) 878-6861

Alan Tyson Physical Therapy [email protected] (704) 900-8960

Luke Williams Speed and Agility Consultant [email protected] (440) 773-5035

Kerri Denner CSA Academy Administrator [email protected] (631) 807-6117

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

CSA DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY ALUMNI The following players from CSA’s US Development Academy advanced to playing collegiate and

professional soccer in the past three years.

CLASS OF 2015 PLAYER COLLEGE COMMITMENT Dylan Biggerstaff University of Cincinnati Samuel Butts Campbell University Remington Frost William and Mary Justin Kahl Stanford University Geoffrey Liskoff Virginia Tech Kevin Lynch Colorado School of Mines Aidan Peterson Davidson College

CLASS OF 2014 PLAYER COLLEGE COMMITMENT Klinton Parker Air Force Academy TK Abderahman College of Charleston Nathan Marder Davidson College Corey Michocki Loyola University Desi Toal Mercer University Tomas Hilliard-Arce Stanford University Nick Gardner University of Denver James Pyle UNC-Chapel Hill William Pyle UNC Greensboro Zhuvonte Wilson UNC Charlotte Jared Kent UNC Charlotte Jared Odenbeck Wake Forest University

CLASS OF 2013 PLAYER COLLEGE COMMITMENT Tucker Axhoj Air Force Academy Cameron Botes Lipscomb University Hans Honer UNC Charlotte Eddie Iturbide UNC Charlotte Roland Minogue NC State University Jared Odenbeck Georgetown University Ben Weathers Gardner Webb University Justen Shear Clemson University

Playing Professionally Donnie Smith New England Revolution Brandon Miller Rochester Rhinos Giuseppe Gentile Chicago Fire/Orlando City/FC Chiasso

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

GOALS FOR THIS PROGRAM The goal of the CSA US Development Academy Program is to continue to be one of the strongest programs in the country. Our role is to be the path for aspiring soccer players for quality practice, competition, college recruitment and National Team selection. We have created a first class competitive environment in every aspect of the player’s development. Roles of our Academy Staff:

• To improve players both technically and tactically to play in the highest youth league in the country.

• Each player will receive feedback and evaluations from our staff on an ongoing basis. • Assist in the college planning process for our Academy players. Coaches will assist in creating

player profiles and communicate with potential college coaches on watching players, official and unofficial visits. There will also be individual meetings with families and players throughout the year to assist in college planning process. (Families/players need to take responsibility on setting up appointments with our staff).

• Create an environment that is conducive to learning and educating.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

THE CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY WAY

• Desire to be the best

• Player centered approach

• Desire to win BUT no pressure on results

• Brave to pass the ball

• Players to earn everything they get

• Players given freedom to try things

• Coach who educates and understands the learning process

• Coach to build players’ confidence

• Coach to motivate and inspire players

• Engrained training habits-: tempo/ energy/ enthusiasm/ life/ sharp/ talk

Players Parents

US Soccer Coaches

Charlotte Soccer Academy

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS

TRAINING Players are to be at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each session so the session can begin on time. During training, players are required to wear their CSA issued attire. If you are unable to make a session, the PLAYER must communicate this with their respective coach.

GAMES Players are required to be at the fields 60 minutes prior to kick off. Warm up begins 30-45 minutes prior to kick off. All players are to be ready with their required warm up attire. If you are unable to make any games, the PLAYER must communicate with their coach with a minimum one week notice.

OFF THE FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES CSA will be requiring our Academy players to give something back to the club. CSA has a feeder program, the Charlotte Soccer Academy Recreation Association, which brings in 8 and 9 year old boys and girls to join the club’s Youth Academy. During the fall and spring season, CSA runs skills days for these players so the parents and children get a feel for the next step of their soccer career. During the fall and spring training sessions and events, the U14/U16/U18 US Academy players are required to participate and assist the CSA coaching staff with the skills being taught to our recreation players. CSA players are required to do a minimum of 10 hours community service. This can be though the club, their school, church etc. Players need to inform Steve Gummer upon completion of any outside volunteering.

ON THE FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES CSA has high expectations for on-field behavior. We encourage physical play and want our players to always give 100% in every situation. At that same time, we focus on professionalism on the field with respect to officials and our opponents. In the 2014-15 season, our Academy disciplinary record was perfect. This is a trend that we wish to continue. Any player who receives cards or ejections for dissent or foul play will be dealt with very seriously.

DRUGS, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL It is illegal to consume alcohol under the age of 21 in this country. It is illegal to purchase or consume tobacco products under the age of 18. Drugs are illegal. CSA’s policy on drugs, tobacco, and alcohol is simple. Any players who partake in the consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs or tobacco products in any way will be suspended or removed from the program.

DRESS CODE: ADIDAS APPAREL AND SHOES REQUIRED This program is the highest level in the country. With that in mind, professionalism is the key and our staff will be conducting the program as if we were a collegiate team. We will practice, travel and warm up together as a team and look like a team at all club run events. Training apparel from a previous club you may have played for or apparel from previous seasons with CSA is not to be worn to games or practices. Being a sponsored Adidas marketing club, all US Development Academy players are REQUIRED to wear Adidas apparel and shoes at all practices and games.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

2015-2016 PRACTICE STRUCTURE

The following is a layout of the anticipated practice schedule for the US Development Academy.

Preseason

Preseason Sports Performance Testing with Architect Sports

Regular practices scheduled to begin the week of August 10th.

Academy Teams Practice Curriculum and Session Structure:

The Academy team will be expected to practice a minimum of 4 times a week. All dependent on calendar (games, schedule, travel and recovery).

PLAYER DRESS CODE Practice Dress Code Mondays: Adidas black training shirt, black Adidas training shorts, black Adidas socks Tuesdays: Adidas white training shirt, white Adidas training shorts, white Adidas socks Wednesdays: Adidas blue training shirt, blue Adidas training shorts, blue Adidas socks Thursdays: Adidas black training shirt, black Adidas training shorts, black Adidas socks Travel Dress Code The following dress code will be strictly enforced when travelling to games, and during showcase events and meals with the team: Adidas warm--‐up pants, Adidas top, Adidas sweat top, Adidas travel shorts. Game Uniform Home Uniform: White Shorts, White Jersey, White Socks Away Uniform: Blue Shorts, Blue Jersey, Blue Socks Under Shirts/Shorts: Any undergarments that are partially visible must be royal blue or white to match uniform being worn. Shoes: All players are required to wear Adidas during games. Pre Game/Special Club Events (clinics, appearances, etc.) Dress Code All players will warm up with their Adidas training top (rain jacket if necessary) for games and special events (clinics, appearances).

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES Social media has become a huge part of our society in the past couple of years especially with the popularity of Twitter and Instagram. Now, with the likes of these mediums and Facebook, it is important that the CSA Academy has guidelines for our boys to follow when using any form of social media, especially Twitter. With these mediums being so fluent and unfiltered it is important that the boys think carefully about what can be viewed by literally millions of people including present academic institution leaders, college coaches and employers. While many of our players use social media sensibly these guidelines should assist everyone. Last season, after surveying the players, about 90% of our players have Twitter accounts. Our Staff has been monitoring Twitter on a consistent basis since last fall. We will continue to monitor all players’ accounts throughout the year. We suggest that parents also monitor their son’s account from time to time. If players do have a Twitter account, it must be under their true name and it must have a sensible identifying photo that accompanies the profile. Misuse of social media could lead to suspension from training, games, both or ultimately removal from the CSA Academy program. If players want to be part of the CSA Academy the following rules need to be followed:

• All CSA Academy players that have a Twitter and/or an Instagram account must sign up to follow the CSA Academy Twitter feed.

• All CSA Academy players that have a Twitter and/or an Instagram account must reveal that account to the staff.

• Nothing can be published that will embarrass or criticize CSA, the CSA Academy, CSA Academy players or teammates, coaches, staff or the US Development Academy itself.

• No information to be posted concerning team training or tactics. • No criticism of any referees or refereeing decisions. • No derogatory comments about opponents, their team or coaches. • No foul or crass language. • No racist, sexist or homophobic overtones. • Any photos that are put on social media must adhere to all the above. • No tweeting or use of Instagram after 9pm the night prior to a game. • No tweeting or use of Instagram on the day of game. • Some suggestions when using social media: • Parents should monitor their child’s account/s on a weekly basis. • Players should read or look at their tweet/post/photos at least twice before they press send. • Follow the right people. • Anything that you think might not be a good post probably is not.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

DIET AND NUTRITION Playing soccer, especially at a high level, demands energy and a healthy body. Good nutrition will enable players to maintain levels of performance and allow recovery between practice sessions and games. Good eating and drinking habits should be part of a young athlete’s general lifestyle. Fueling the Young Athlete Players should be encouraged to do the following:

• Large meals should be consumed at least three hours prior to a practice or a game. • Reduce the amount of fatty foods eaten. • Eat an abundance of complex carbohydrates. These should not be eaten within two hours of a

game or practice. • Simple carbohydrates should be eaten within two hours of a game or between games in

tournaments. • With simple carbohydrates the nutrition value is less but it also gives a quick source of energy. • Maintain high fluid intake by drinking before, during, and after activity. The key to staying

hydrated is to never become thirsty. It is recommended that sports drinks (Gatorade) be drank before and after (for energy) but only WATER during a practice or game.

• Refuel body with carbohydrates and protein within the first hour following a practice or game. This can start with a sports drink, fruit, etc. and then lead into more complex carbohydrates.

• Avoid carbonated drinks, including energy drinks (Red Bull) on the day before and the day of practices and games. These drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which is a diuretic, and can lead to dehydration.

What to Consume • Carbohydrate and fat are used for energy. Carbohydrates have limited storage levels in the body

but can be turned into energy very quickly and are used during intensive activity. Fats are used during less intensive periods. Given the nature and intensity of soccer it essential that the carbohydrate levels are high before participation in a practice or game.

• The players diet should contain approximately: • 60% Carbohydrates • 25% Fat • 15% Protein

High Carbohydrate foods include: • Complex Carbohydrates: Bread, Potatoes, Vegetables, Pasta, Rice, Baked Beans, Cereals,

Fresh Fruit, Nuts • Simple Carbohydrates: Sugar, Honey, Dried Fruit, Chocolate, Jelly, Sugar Candy • Note: Simple Carbohydrates are less nutritious and high in fat but are great for a quick

source of energy. However, too much can raise blood--‐glucose and fatigue can set in. Simple carbohydrates should only be eaten when there is a need for a quick source of energy.

• Pre-practice or pre-game meals (at least three hours before participation) should include carbohydrates that will not affect blood--‐glucose, such as, apples, pears, peanuts, yogurt, pasta, etc.

• Post‐practice or post‐game meals (within 90 minutes of participation) should include potatoes, bread, cornflakes, pineapple, watermelon, etc.

• The night before games and tournaments, the focus should be on eating a lot of complex carbohydrates (overloading) and then where possible eating three hours before game time with the above suggestions.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

HYDRATION

It is important that we help educate our players and parents about the importance of how hydrated the players should be prior to arriving for practice and games.

Did you know that you can lose as much as 1 to 2 quarts of fluid though perspiration during one hour of playing soccer in the heat? Your body requires water to function correctly while you are exercising. Our bodies are made mostly of water and every cell depends on water as the universal medium for carrying out all functions.

If you aren’t replenishing fluids lost through perspiration with water or a sports drink, (water is preferred over other fluids), your muscles will tire more quickly and you may experience muscle cramps. Your body may also have a hard time keeping its core temperature regulated, which can lead to serious health conditions, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has made the following recommendations regarding hydration and exercise:

• Before exercise Drink 10 to 15 ounces of fluid 2 to 3 hours before activity, and drink an additional 5 --‐ 10 ounces approximately 10 to 20 minutes prior to practice or playing.

• During exercise While practicing or playing, you should drink 7 to 10 ounces every 15 minutes. (This is when we as coaches need to speak with referees prior to kick off, and ask them for a 30 second water break during halves.

• After exercise Drink at least 20 ounces of fluid for every pound lost within 2 hours of finishing practice or playing.

Tips to protect yourself from dehydration while you are exercising

• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water, since thirst is a sign that you are already

dehydrated. • Weigh yourself before and after your workout to estimate your sweat loss and fluid intake needs.

If you gain weight during your exercise session you are drinking too much. If you lose weight you are not drinking enough.

• Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, such as ice tea and soda, before and during practice or playing, since they can actually promote dehydration.

• Keep a bottle of cold water or sports drink in your soccer bag so that you have easy access to fluids.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

RECOVERY

Each Monday following games, Alan Tyson of Architech Sports will hold an “Aches & Pains” evaluation at the clinic from 5:30pm--‐6:30pm by appointment. The evaluations are free of charge for Academy team members. Appointments can be made by contacting Architech Sports at 704--‐900--‐8960 or Alan Tyson at 704--‐677--‐9103.

At Tuesday practice sessions, Architech Sports Performance staff will coach sessions including:

• Dynamic warm up (increase the core temperature for injury prevention) • Power development (focusing on posterior chain development including the hamstrings &

hips) • Agility (working on change of direction, footwork & fluid movement patterns) • Stretching/Recovery (helping alleviate soreness & recover from weekend games)

Also during this period, each athlete will understand and focus their recovery/stretching on the particular areas the FMS identified, as the staff oversees and corrects minor problems with technique (key to an athlete developing awareness of recovery & prevention of fatigue/soreness in their body)

On Thursdays, Academy coaches will utilize the program provided by Architech Sports to further the athletes training using the some of the same drills and stretches as prescribed on Tuesday.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

COLLEGE CHECK LIST

9th Grade • Start an academic path that will satisfy NCAA rules and challenge you. • Get to know and meet with Guidance Counselor to discuss long term goals. • Participate in community service and other interests outside of school activities. • Do some research on schools you may be interested in, perhaps a visit to the campus.

10th Grade • Continue 9th grade points of emphasis. • Check for PSAT registration. • Identify 5--‐10+ colleges--‐ build/send cover letter and resume to college coaches. • Contact colleges--‐ admissions/financial aid offices to get on their mailing lists. • Keep in touch with coaches via email with occasional updates on personal, academic, and

soccer. (Especially your club games and events + high school soccer highlights) • Visit interested schools, watch college games, see facilities, and make sure college coach knows

you are in area before you stop by.

11th Grade • Register with NCAA Clearing House. www.ncaa.org • Check on SAT registration – take up to three times and have it sent to colleges. • Continue to write to college coaches updating them on where you will be playing and your

highlights. • Research colleges extensively and attend summer camps of your top choices. • Take AP courses if possible and evaluate your senior year classes, take the best and most

challenging options available. • Make unofficial visits to colleges or attend “Junior Day” events, meet with coaches, take the

campus tour and seek admission and financial aid information.

12th Grade • Complete applications, ideally in the fall, allowing for plenty of time to edit and perfect.

Finalize essays and recommendations for applications. • Research colleges extensively on web sites and guide books. • Take SAT again if needed. • Arrange college visits with the college coaches during the fall preferably (official visit vs.

unofficial visit). • Narrow your choices to top 3-5. • Go the distance with your classes especially in fall semester. • Send final official transcript to clearing house after graduation.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COLLEGE SELECTION

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT THE SOCCER PROGRAM AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT – ATHLETE

1. Write to the coach and request general information on the university, and specific information

on the soccer program. 2. Visit the universities, unofficially and officially per NCAA rules. You are allowed any number

of unofficial visits but only five official paid visits. 3. Watch prospective university teams play to determine the level and style of play. 4. Arrange to talk to the coach, current and former players, general student body, and to any

faculty or administrators. 5. Does the program have a tryout or must you be recruited to play on the team? 6. How many seniors will be graduating from the university’s team versus how many high school

seniors is the coach is recruiting? Also, how do you compare with the other players competing for your position?

7. How many players does the team carry? How many players play and how many red--‐shirt? 8. Financial support for the soccer program from the university, (i.e. budgets for travel,

equipment, scholarships). 9. Student body support of the soccer program. 10. Find out what type of off--‐season and spring--‐season requirements the coach has for the team.

Does this fit your lifestyle?

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

1. For those of you that have already determined an undergraduate major, make sure the universities and/or colleges in which you have interest offer that major, however, it is very normal to be undeclared and not to have chosen a major or area of study upon entering university.

2. Look into the admissions requirements and/or standards. Find out what GPA, SAT and/or ACT scores you will need to have in order to be competitive in the admissions process for the universities and/or colleges in which you are interested.

3. Size and location of the university and/or college. The faculty to student ratio. Quarter vs. Semester system. Public vs. Private.

4. The availability of academic assistance for the student athletes. The graduation rate for the athletic department, and specifically the soccer team.

5. Choose the appropriate competitive level (Division 1, 2, 3, NAIA, or Junior College) for your ability.

6. Find out what athletic/academic scholarships and/or financial aid assistance is available. Apply for financial aid/scholarships as soon as possible.

7. Will you be happy at the university if for some reason things don’t work out for you in the soccer program?

8. Many students end up living and working near the area where they went to college. 9. Apply to the NCAA clearinghouse to gain initial eligibility. Send official transcripts and test

scores to the NCAA and the schools that you are interested in.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

SAMPLE LETTER

The following letter is a good example of an introduction letter you would likely send to one of your college coaches accompanying your soccer resume.

October 1st 2015 Mr. John Smith Men’s Soccer Coach University of Pennsylvania 8000 University Drive Philadelphia PA 50034 Dear Coach Smith, I am a senior at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and interested in attending the University of Pennsylvania to study economics. I am very interested in playing soccer at the University of Pennsylvania. I have played predominantly right full back for the past six years for Charlotte Soccer Academy and am now a part of the U18 squad in the US Development Academy League. Enclosed you will find my athletic profile with a brief academic summary and the 2015---2016 US Development Academy schedule for the CSA U18 team. I have applied for clearance from the NCAA Clearing House and will make that information available to you. Thank you for your consideration. I hope you have an opportunity to see me play in the upcoming season. Sincerely, Robert Jones

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

SAMPLE RESUME The following resume is a great example of a solid player profile with all the necessary information that a collegiate coach is looking for.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

U15-U18 US DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY PLAYER COSTS 2015-2016

U15-U18 Academy Club Fee:

Total Cost: $3,550 Payments: $750 due upon commitment immediately following assessments in April/May 2015. $700 due August 1st $700 due October 1st $700 due December 1st $700 due February 1st

Club Fee Includes the Following: • CSA registration, league fee, regional/national showcases and registration fees. • A minimum of 4 training sessions for the duration of the season, fall and spring • Adidas Training uniforms (3 training t-shirts, 3 shorts, 3 pair socks) • Adidas Travel/Spirit wear.

o Adidas rain jacket o Adidas fleece top o Adidas warm-up suit o Adidas beanies o Adidas Duffle Bags

• Field usage (practice and games) of turf/grass facility at OrthoCarolina Sportsplex facility. • Hotel accommodations for Academy away league games outside of NC and SC. • Ground transportation (charter buses or mini buses) for all Academy away league games outside

of NC and SC for the fall and spring. • Airfare for three southern Florida league games and winter showcase. • Accommodations for National event in summer. • All Coaches’ travel costs and expenses for ALL Academy showcase events and conference games,

fall and spring.

Club Fee Do Not Include:

• Travel Expenses for National Showcase: Summer 2016 - Location TBD. Costs for travel, meals etc. are not included in the Club fee.

• Meals: Prior to each of the team trips for away Academy league games and fall showcases, additional fees for meals will be required. The cost for meals (lunch and/or dinner) will be communicated prior to each event.

CHARLOTTE SOCCER ACADEMY US SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY --- PARENT AND PLAYER HANDBOOK

PLAYER COMMITMENT FORM

Please sign and return to Steve Gummer

I_____________________________________________ agree to uphold the player expectations at CSA, including the drug, tobacco and alcohol policy and dress code detailed in the CSA Academy Handbook.

Playing for CSA in the US Development Academy is an honor and a privilege and it is a privilege to be a part of the National Pool for US Soccer and participating in the highest youth soccer league in the country.

Having read and understood the guidelines set forth in the handbook, I freely agree to honor and respect these conditions and pledge my total support to the CSA Academy Program.

Penalties for failure to comply with the above standards will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with penalties appropriate for the violation. Possible penalties include extra conditioning, suspension from practices and games or permanent dismissal from the CSA Academy Program with no refunds.

Sign: __________________________________________________

Date: ______/______/______