Training

The most important aspect of the Travel Development Academy will be the quality of the training provided and therefore great emphasis has been placed on recruiting the highest quality trainers to deliver this program. All training will be conducted by professional trainers under the direction of these Senior Program Directors who will be announced shortly.

Training will be based on the following general format:

• Professional group training for 6, 7 and some 8 year olds
• Separate programs for boys and girls
• Technical skills curriculum based on station approach
• Small-sided training environment (5v5 including GK)
• 10 weeks in Fall
• 10 weeks in Spring
• 2 x 75-minute or 90-minute training sessions per week
• Training on Mondays and Wednesdays

Games

Travel Development Academy players will also participate in small-sided games at the weekend, most likely on Saturday afternoons (some games may take place on Sunday afternoons). Game formats will be as follows:

• Game at the weekend – Saturday or Sunday afternoon
• Games are 5v5 including GK
• Teams are formed in each age/ gender group
• Teams are equal, not select. Roster size approx 8 players
• Fields are approx 40 x 20 yds
• GK box is small
• Games are 2 x 25 mins
• Goal frames will be sharpshooters (5’ x 10’

These games will be "home vs home" games. In other words, players will play in a team vs. other teams from the Travel Development Academy. However, there will also be an opportunity to participate in small-sided games vs. other local soccer clubs including Princeton, Montgomery and Yardley-Makefield Soccer Clubs.  These games will be in the form of "Festival Days."

Festival Days

Once a season, each participating Club will host at least one Festival Day with the following basic format.

• All teams come on the same day and play a series of games 2 x 12 mins (3 or 4 games per day). 
• Games have referees (either Grade 9 Recreational Referees or Big Brother/ Big Sister volunteers).
• Referees will take an instructional approach to game management (ie: explain the call).
• WWPSA would host at least one Festival Day each season.

 
Enrollment

Online registration will be opened shortly. All age-eligible players will be accepted in the program in the first year 2008-09. Families should determine if this is the appropriate program for their player or whether other programs offered by WWPSA (including Fall Rec Soccer) will be more appropriate. Please click here for a comparison of Travel Development Academy vs Fall Rec Soccer (comparison to be posted shortly).

The program is open to:

• U7 players (birthdays between August 1, 2001 and July 31, 2002)
• U8 players (birthdays between August 1, 2000 and July 31, 2001)
• U9 players (birthdays between August 1, 1999 and July 31, 2000) **

** U9 players may participate in the Academy or tryout for a U9 Travel Team to participate in the mid-New Jersey Travel League (8v8).

Administration

This program will be managed by WWPSA Travel Executive Committee.  A Travel Development Academy Coordinator will be selected and will assume primary responsibility for planning and administration.

Volunteers

All training and soccer instruction will be delivered by professional trainers.  However, we will seek volunteers to assist as weekend Team Supervisors.  Their role will be practical in nature (ie: bringing the team to the correct field location at the correct time and supervising the games).  Coaching will not be a function of this volunteer position.

Registration, "Carding" and Uniforms

Players would be registered members of WWPSA and would be carded under US Club for insurance and travel purposes. This will permit them to travel to other towns to participate in Festival Days.  Players will receive a basic WWPSA Travel uniform set (green and white shirts, shorts, socks)

Cost

The program cost is $295 per player for the Fall 2008 season.  The cost for players who return in the Spring 2009 season will be $200 (there will be a new registration for the Spring season).  The registration deadline is June 22nd, 2008.  After this date, there will be a $25 late fee.

Costs reflect the following:

• Ratio of approx 1 professional per 12 registered players
• Schedule of 10 weeks x 2 training sessions with anticipated loss of 1 or 2 weeks/ season for inclement weather
• 1 weekend game/week with referee (6 weeks) with anticipated loss of 1 or 2 weeks/ season
• 2 professional trainers in attendance at weekend games (10 weeks)
• 3 away Festival Days (travel costs not included)
• 1 home-hosted Festival Day (3 games/ team with referees)
• 1 uniform set
• US Club registration and carding (includes insurance)
• Facilities fees
• Administrative fees

Fall Season: $295 per player
Spring Season: $200 (returning player): $295 (new player)

Should you have additional questions, please check our Question & Answer section or contact the Director of Travel Soccer via travel@wwpsa.org.