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Team Academy

Our Team Academy programs are geared towards players ages 8 and up. The academy is driven by the objective to develop skilled young athletes with a strong physical fitness routine focusing on speed, agility, and coordination. We also teach teamwork, and the mental, physical, and tactical aspects of the game. This combination gives our players the confidence to perform on the field, as individual players and as a team. For more information, email our Director of Coaching.

Overview

Although each age group differs in its training and games, our teams are generally considered year-round. The specific training plan for each team is determined by the Director of Coaching and the Head Team Coach to ensure age-appropriate training and competition. During the season, teams usually train 2 to 3 times a week. To learn more about our age groups and teams, click here.

Structure

  • U8 is the youngest age group for competitive soccer.
  • Teams typically have a roster size of 12 players for age groups up to U11, and 16 players for U12.
  • Players are registered in US Club Soccer, and train with a professional coach.
  • Games are 8v8 for all age groups up to U11, and 11v11 for U12.
  • Teams play in the Norcal Premier Spring and Fall League (in the Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions) and Norcal State Cup.
  • Throughout the year, teams participate in various Norcal playdates and tournaments.
  • Teams take a three to four week summer break (June/July) and winter break (December/January).
  • Training commences in the spring season and typically ends in November/December for U8, U9, and U10 with Norcal State Cup games. Note - U11 State Cup typically concludes later than the younger age groups.
  • Many Gryphons players participate in the GSC winter and summer soccer programs open to both Gryphons and non-Gryphons players, so they can stay in shape during the off-season.



2010 Spring Season Schedule

Below are rough timelines for the Spring season. Note - this is a guideline for when team practices will begin. Season games typically start a little later in the season.

  • U10 and U11: Week of Feb 14, 2010 to Week of May 30, 2010
  • U8 and U9: Week of Feb 28, 2010 to May 30, 2010


2010 Fall Season Schedule

Below are rough timelines for the Fall season. Note - this is guideline for when team practices will begin. Season games typically start a little later in the season.

  • U10 and U11: Week of Aug 1, 2010 to Week of Dec 5, 2010
  • U8 and U9: Week of Aug 15, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010


Additional Player Development Programs

The GSC offers the following supplementary programs to their Academy players at no additional cost to them.

  • Striker Training: Our striker training is open to all Gryphons Academy players. This clinic focuses on shooting technique as well as crossing and finishing with speed and accuracy, while improving composure in front of goal.

    During our 2010 spring season, this will be offered every Monday from 4pm to 5pm starting March 22, at Laurie Meadows, and alternate Fridays 6pm to 8pm starting April 9, at Hillsdale High School grass field. The training will run till June 4, 2010.

  • Goalkeeping Training: Our goalkeeping clinic is offered to Academy players by invitation only. This clinic covers the fundamentals of shot-stopping, positioning, footwork, handling, distributing, crosses, and breakaways. Tactics include situational play and communication.

    During our 2010 spring season, this will be offered twice a week, on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.15pm at the Hillsdale High School grass field, and Sundays from 9am to 10.15am at the Hillsdale High School turf field. The training will run till May 30, 2010.

  • Team Clinics: In addition to the regular weekly practice sessions, some of our coaches may conduct additional shooting, goalkeeping, or speed and agility clinics for their individual teams on a need-basis.