The Sting Academy curriculum follows a progressive model based on key developmental needs that have been identified for each age group. Technical development is paramount at the Academy level. Our year-long programs provide all Academy players with a balanced approach here. Session topics are pre-determined to ensure appropriate weighting of focus throughout the year. Furthermore, with specific goals and objectives identified from the session topics, techniques are taught piece by piece in a much more manageable fashion - resulting in an enhanced capacity for learning and performance. Development on a physical and mental level is outlined and implemented as part of our curriculum. Tactical fundamentals are introduced also with a view to graduate into select soccer with all of the tools necessary to meet the demands of the game both on and off the field.

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The Sting Academy's unique hybrid training system includes both team training and pool training, and allows for players to develop every aspect of their game. Player’s train within teams, but also participate in important pool training sessions where the player to coach ratio is reduced, and players focus on developing their individual fundamental skills. The team training provides the players the opportunity to apply the individual techniques that are the focus of the pool training in a game situation.

The hybrid training environment is progressive in nature and evolves with the understanding that at the youngest age group (U7 and U8) individual development is the focus, but that as players grow older, they must learn to work in groups and within a team. As players move into the U9 and U10 age groups, they begin to train in groups according to ability, and the players are placed based on skill level, always with the opportunity to move up as they progress.

Each Academy trains as a pool throughout the week. However, teams will still compete in local Academy leagues in the following way:

• Players will be placed according to skill level with the understanding that players develop at different rates. At the youngest age groups (U7 and U8) the rosters of these teams will be fluid, with players moving in and out of teams freely based on what is optimal for their development at the time. As players move into the older age groups (U9 and U10), players of similar skill level begin to train together within the pool, and rosters are made up of players of similar ability. Within the U10 pool the formation of teams begin. These teams train together within the pool and the rosters remain relatively the same with adjustments being made to create teams within the pool of similarly skilled players.

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In the summer of 2012, The Sting Soccer Group presented and implemented a new club-wide curriculum for both Sting Soccer Club and Titans Soccer Club. Built through extensive research, a collaboration of highly experienced staff and thorough analysis of the soccer environment it provides a detailed long-term approach to the development of competent soccer players and people. Technical, Tactical, Psychosocial and Physical development remain as the core principles. However, advances in education, evaluation and action planning result in an environment that optimizes learning and performance on and off the field.
 
A holistic and reflective approach to learning, the curriculum ensures that every player at the club is prepared not only for the demands of the game at the youth level, but also for the demands at the next level (regional, national, college, professional etc.) Continued investment in research, our staff, our players and our parents demonstrates an on-going commitment to our mission of excellence.

With the Academy in mind, the curriculum provides the framework for practice that enables children to play, grow, and mature within an environment that is safe, developmentally appropriate, and fun. Through the creation of such an environment children are placed in situations that are within their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social reach. This does not mean a less challenging environment, but rather one that accurately reflects the developmental framework within which a player can truly grow. To build this framework we deem it essential to assess developmental needs; provide clear and concise goals specifically relevant to those needs; and subsequently provide an abundance of expertise and support to assist each player to achieving those goals. Technical development is paramount here, physical and mental development nurtured and tactical concepts are introduced. Designed with the goal of providing all of our Academy players with the tools necessary to succeed on and off the field at the select level of soccer.

If you are interested in learning more about how the curriculum functions within the club and could impact positively on you child’s development please contact Stuart Hilton, our Technical Director at stuarthilton@stingsoccer.com

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