Academy Program Overview

The PSC Academy Program is designed for children ages 8 to 9 (U9 and U10) looking for a more competitive and instructional environment than recreational soccer. For any child interested in playing select/competitive soccer at U11 and above, you cannot afford to miss having your child participate in the program.

The Academy Program focuses on preparing players for select soccer by developing fundamental skills and introducing more advanced tactics. The program is run under the direction of our Academy Director and coached by our Professional Coaching Staff. Players train twice a week August through early November in the fall, and mid-March through mid-June in the spring. 

What is Academy Level Soccer

Academy level soccer began as a state-led initiative started in 2008 by the Iowa Soccer Association (ISA) to improve the training environment and development of young players during the "Golden Age" of player development. The driving idea is to let more skillful and advanced U9 and U10 players to play with and against each other while requiring qualifying clubs to follow a number of player development guidelines.

A key feature of Academy soccer is the Eastern Iowa Youth Soccer League (EIYSL) Academy League. Only clubs capable of meeting the league's stringent guidelines are eligible to compete in the Academy League. The league offers the highest U9-U10 level of play in Eastern Iowa, and, currently, is the only inter-club league for U9s and U10s in Eastern Iowa. Every club must reapply for league acceptance each year and show it is able to meet the league's criteria for providing quality coaching to U9 and U10 girls and boys soccer players (each club in the league must have an Academy Director with a minimum US Soccer National C License).

Team Placement

There are no tryouts at this age group. Any child interested in potentially playing select/competitive soccer at U11 and above should play Academy soccer starting at U9. All interested children and parents are encouraged to attend one of our "Kick-Around" nights to practice with our professional coaches and learn more about the Academy Program.

If you missed or are not able to attend a Kick-Around you can register online for Academy. All players who register will be placed on our Academy teams.