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Beginning Soccer Programs

The GSC Pre-Academy includes year-round Beginning Soccer programs that are well suited for children between the ages of 3 and 7. Each program caters to a specific age group, starting with an introductory game-play program, and continuing to a more skill-development oriented program. The goal of each program is to prepare the child for the next level up of competitive soccer, but more importantly to teach the child the core values of the Gryphons: team work, commitment, and responsibility. We have had many players successfully complete our Pre-Academy programs and graduate to our Team Academy. Check out photos of some of these talented players in action here.

Our Beginning Soccer programs have become very popular and have been appreciated by parents and league officials alike. Look here for a quote by Benjamin Ziemer, Norcal Premier League co-founder on our programs.

This year, train with the Gryphons and enjoy professional coaching based on the world renowned AC Fiorentina soccer development program for children. Our focus is on psycho-motor skills, agility and technical training. Each program is offered in five 7- to 8-week sessions.

  • Session 1: Week of Jan 3, 2010 to Week of Feb 21, 2010
  • Session 2: Week of Mar 7, 2010 to Week of May 2, 2010
  • Session 3: Week of May 9, 2010 to Week of Jun 27, 2010
  • Session 4: Week of Aug 29, 2010 to Week of Oct 10, 2010
  • Session 5: Week of Oct 17, 2010 to Week of Dec 5, 2010

See below for a description of these programs, and to sign up for an upcoming session. Please contact our Director of Programs if you have questions.


Grasshoppies Academy (ages 3-4)

The Grasshoppies Academy is the entry-level program for the Pre-Academy. Grasshoppies is perfect for young children between the ages of 3 and 4 who have more energy than their parents. Grasshoppies prepares players for easy transitions into the Crickets Academy, and subsequently, into competitive Gryphons teams.

Session 4: August 29 - October 10, Sundays from 9am to 10am
Location: Hillsdale High School turf (football) field

Cost: $78

Register now!

 

Crickets Academy (ages 4-7)

Since 2004, the Crickets Academy has been meeting once a week on Sundays.  The Crickets Academy is very popular with young players for whom there are no competitive leagues yet. Crickets Academy develops skills and prepares players for an easy transition into Gryphons Academy teams.

Session 4: August 29 - October 10, Sundays from 9am to 10.15am
Location: Hillsdale High School turf (football) field

Cost: $118

Register now!

 

Super-7s Academy (age 7)

Our aim is to prepare Super-7 pre-academy graduates to be ready for the technical and physical demands of our first year Academy teams (U8/U9). Super-7’s will be exposed to all of the technical and physical training our U8 players receive, with the exception of the tactical component needed for competitive games. The Super-7s curriculum incorporates the following aspects of our U8 curriculum:

  • Technical skills: juggling, passing and receiving, dribbling, long balls, shooting, dribbling against an opponent (1v1), heading, moves / fakes, tackling
  • Psychomotor Skills: basic motor skills, postural, sensory perception, acrobatic abilities
  • Coordination Ability: combined movements, spatial & temporal skills, differentiation, reaction, balance, adaptation & transformation, rhythm, anticipation, motor creativity
  • Athletic & Physical Ability: speed (perceptive, anticipative, decisional, reaction, cyclic motor, acyclic motor, action, intervention), proprioception, articular mobility

    • These four basic elements are essential in player development. Exposing young players to these skills before age 11 enables them to reach their maximum potential. Super-7 players will begin with the simplest of exercises to build confidence while still maintaining challenge for each individual.

    The Super 7s will practice twice each week: one week night with the U8 and U9 teams on the same field but in their own individual group and, one weekend practice. The program will be lead by our U8 & U9 Academy Age Group Head Coach Orhan Muratoglu with assistant coaches under his supervision.


    Session 4: August 29 - October 10, Sundays from 9am to 10.30am, and Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 7pm
    Location: Hillsdale High School turf (football) and grass fields

    Cost: $220

    Register now!