The Columbia United FC Academy
The Columbia United FC Academy is designed to develop the young soccer player through the early stages of their soccer careers and to give them all of the tools necessary to build the foundation for their future success on and off the soccer field. The Academy offers teams for both boys and girls in the U9 through U12 age groups on the East and West sides of Columbia with practice and games being held at Polo Road Soccer Complex and Ballentine Soccer Complex respectively. All Academy teams are subject to change based upon the Directors' of Soccer discretion (i.e., an Academy player can be moved from one Academy team to another within his/her age group or to an older age group).
The Columbia United FC Academy was founded on the philosophy of total player development over all else, including winning. The Director of Academy and Staff believes that ultimately, success is tied to proper training and consistent performance over the long term rather then winning in the short term or the “win early and win often” approach and therefore are committed to long-term soccer and athletic development, incorporating all aspects of technical, tactical, physical and mental training and conditioning which is the only proven way to reach higher levels of play. The Academy Staff feel that rushing the development of players in favor of winning will more often then not result in shortcomings in players overall abilities.
Academy Format
U9 & U10
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These teams can roster up to 12 players with 10 per team being the ideal number.
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These age groups play 6v6, 5 field player and 1 goalkeeper on an average field size of 60 yds long x 45 yds wide.
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Teams will be equalized based on talent and will have all practices on their respective sides of town (either East at Polo Road, or West at Ballentine Park).
U11 & U12
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These teams can roster up to 14 players with 12 being the ideal number.
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These age groups play 8v8, 7 field players and 1 goalkeeper on an average field size of 80 yds long x 55 yds wide.
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Teams will be formed as A and B teams (based on evaluations) and will have all practices on their respective sides of town (either East at Polo Road, or West at Ballentine Park).
The Academy and league are formatted in this fashion because it allows:
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Our players to have more individual teaching time and more player – coach interaction.
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Our players to have more touches on the soccer ball which in turn allows them to grow in confidence when in possession of the ball.
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Our player to be more physically efficient and expressive on the field.
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Our players the ability to make more and less-complicated decisions during the run of play.
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Our players to be more involved in the game.
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Our players the opportunity to play many different positions during the course of a game.
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Our players the opportunity to score a goal.
Season, Practice & Games
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Fall season runs from late August to early November and the Spring season runs from early February to early May.
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All Academy teams practice twice a week either at Polo Road Soccer Complex for East teams or Ballentine Soccer Complex for West teams.
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All Academy teams play 1 or 2 games a weekend.
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Academy teams participate in either the Sandlapper League or the Palmetto League.
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Possible travel sites for Academy teams are Aiken, Augusta, Rock Hill, Florence as well as in the greater Columbia area. Other locations will be determined based upon teams playing in the league.
Academy Curriculum
The Columbia United FC Director of Academy and Staff have developed a curriculum that allows us to teach players to have confidence in their abilities which will allow the players to be successful and enjoy the game at which ever level they find themselves playing at once they leave the Academy.
The Academy Curriculum is rooted in the 4 major principals of soccer.
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Technical Training – includes dribbling, first touch, passing, shooting, heading and defending.
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Tactical Training- includes the principals and functions of defending and attacking as an individual and a team.
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Physical Training- includes the teaching of proper body mechanics for improvements in speed, agility and strength.
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Mental Training – includes goal setting, motivational and preparation techniques.
Academy Staff
Our diverse staff is composed of qualified coaches chosen for their teaching ability and their sincere passion for conveying their love of the game to others. The character of each staff member is equally considered to ensure they serve as an excellent role model on and off the field.
Academy Director
The Director of the Columbia United FC Academy is Gregory M. Vallee
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USSF “A” License
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Former Director of NECSA & CSC Academies
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6 years college coaching experience
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10 plus years of coaching youth soccer
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Semi-pro and professional playing experience
If any parents, players would like any additional information or have any questions please feel free to contact the Director of Academy at any time.
Greg Vallee
