SSA Academy
Purpose of SSA Academy
Welcome to the Shawnee Soccer Association and SSA Academy
The purpose of the SSA Academy Program is to develop young players’ character and skill to their utmost potential, and to provide them with the confidence and tools for success in order to enrich their lives and the game of soccer. SSA’s program will focus on the Aptitude, Character, Excellence, and Skill of each player to prepare them to play at the next level.
Technique -Improve the technical ability of every player across all facets of the game; dribbling, receiving, turning, trapping, passing, and shooting. Teach proper mechanics and use of every surface to include chest, head, thigh, and all surfaces of the foot. By improving their technical ability players grow in confidence and give themselves a greater capacity to process information, which is vital in the development of young soccer players. In addition, extra emphasis will be placed on the foot skills of the individual to optimize composure and comfort on the ball while instilling confidence to take on opponents.
Teamwork – Increase the passion for the game through interaction with teammates through small group activities that enhance skillful and imaginative play. Such activities include, (1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3, and 4v4 to goals or targets). At a young age, children play in a number of positions to improve their all-around understanding and knowledge of the game.
Playing with High Standards and Expectations
SSA Academy will be staffed with USSF (United States Soccer Federation) and USC (United Soccer Coaches) licensed, professional coaches - either state or nationally certified through these two organizations. With their experience and knowledge, the coaches will create the optimum learning environment for academy players, to inspire and motivate the players to achieve their highest potential. Expectations of attitude and effort will be high and players should exhibit the most respectful and honorable character for themselves and toward their coaches, fellow players, opponents, parents, and officials. These same values will be expected from the parents and/or guardians and Celtic East Academy staff.
AGE CHART for Academy 2022/2023
U8 (’15 player) Born in 2015
U9 (’14 player) Born in 2014
U10 (’13 player) Born in 2013
Registration
- Open to all recreational players of the specified age range
Each player will be responsible for registering for academy soccer. The registration fee is charged per player per year, not per season, and is $220 for the entire year. The registration can be paid in full or in two separate payments of $110 each (June and January).
*All Registration fees are non-refundable*
SSA uses these fees to pay for membership with US Club, insurance, complex maintenance, referees, background checks, etc. Registration will be complete when players have submitted all registration fees, and a US Club registration form. (Completed and signed in paper or online) Your coach or team manager will also need a recent picture, a copy of your original birth certificate, and a notarized medical release form.
Cost and Scholarship
Uniform fees - Approx. $75 (2 Game Jerseys, 1 pair of game shorts, and 1 pair of game socks) (Additional gear can be purchased: warm up, bag, and practice uniform)
Goalkeeper Training Fee – NONE
Tournament Fees – Approx. $35 per tournament (minimum 2)
Competitive Training Fees - $720 (for the year)
You can also choose to make a full or partial payment for the year in one of 3 ways. (Training fee payments are made on the schedule below and are not necessarily made during months training occurs. Training is July – May.
1. $720 X 1 (August)
2. $360 X 2 (July and January)
3. $72 X 10 (Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May)
Training Fee Schedule: Your first training fee will be due on July 15th. All training fees will be paid online. You may choose to pay partial or full payment up front. The fees are due on the 15th of each month and a late fee of $10 will be assessed after the 20th of each month. Non-payment can result in suspension of the player from participation with the team.
Players that are allowed to join for the Spring season each year will make the following commitment financially:
Registration Fee ($150)
Training Fees ($72 X 5) or 1 payment of $360
Scholarships – It is the goal of SSA to provide an opportunity for players of all levels to be able to compete at their skill level. SSA recognizes the significant financial commitment associated with competitive soccer and does not want that to be an impediment to a player’s ability to participate. SSA offers full and partial scholarships to players who qualify. If you are interested in a scholarship opportunity for your child, please fill out the form linked here: (Link will be provided at the beginning of registration period)
Player ID Camps/Placement and Registration
Player ID Camps– Player ID Camps are open to anyone who may be interested in Academy. Coaches will be available to answer questions and will go over the Academy Program. Attending a Player ID camp is not a commitment to participate. The camp will consist of coach led drills and a scrimmage. The Player ID Camp dates are as follows:
April 28, 2022
May 3, 2022
Players wishing to participate in the Academy Program must decide by June 3, 2022. Those players participating must register at the Selection Meeting and order uniform (to ensure timely delivery). General information, training schedules, and Q and A will be provided at the Selection Meeting as well. In the event, a player is unable to attend the Selection Meeting, he or she must complete the registration and uniform order via the respective online applications on or before June 3, 2022.
* Those players wishing to play only one season will be notified of selection on or before June 6, 2022 and will have until June 8, 2022 to register and order uniforms via the respective online applications.