Beginning in the fall 2005 season, AHFSH will offer players in the U-9 and U-10 age groups the opportunity to participate in the league's “Academy” (referred to in some other leagues as “Rec+” or "Rec Plus") program. Because this program is new to the league, we have prepared the following description of the program and answers to what we believe will be the most frequently asked questions.
What is The Academy?
Who can play in the Academy?
How often will Academy teams practice?
Who are the professional trainers that were approved by the league?
Against whom will the Academy teams play?
Where will the Academy teams practice and play?
How much playing time can players expect during the games?
How will teams be formed?
May I request to play with some of my friends?
May I request a specific coach?
Do players have to participate in the Academy to participate in the Fire Club?
Is there recreational soccer available for those who do not wish to play in the Academy?
What is the cost of participation in the Academy?
How do I register for the Academy?
May I choose to play recreational soccer after registering for the Academy?
Where may I obtain additional information regarding the Academy program?
The AHFSH Academy program has been created to allow those players who are not yet old enough to participate in the league's “competitive” or “select” soccer program, known as the Fire Club, the opportunity to receive professional training and play with and against players who also wish to play at a more competitive level of recreational soccer. Although the program is developed for those who desire a more intensive level of training and play, the goal of the program is to develop all players within the program, not to win games. Certainly, providing players with the training that they need to be successful is a goal of the program, but training and position assignment will be focused on developing the skills of each player, not achieving a winning record for the team. All teams in the AHFSH Academy program will play under the “Burn” name, just as all of the AHFSH Fire teams play under the “Fire” name.
The Academy program will be open to all players who are eligible to play in the U-9 and U-10 age groups in the fall 2005 season.
How often will Academy teams practice?
The Academy program players will train with the professional trainers approved by AHFSH and the volunteer coach selected for the team for one hour per practice, twice per week. Additional position-specific training, e.g ., goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker, will be offered as well, which training players are encouraged (but not required) to attend. Such position specific training is included within the cost of participation in the program.
Who are the professional trainers that were approved by the league?
AHFSH has approved of the use of professional trainers supplied by Challenger Sports a/k/a British Soccer. Challenger Sports is the largest soccer camp provider in North America , running camps in 48 states for approximately 60,000 children this year alone. Among the camps being run by Challenger Sports this year were those offered this summer by AHFSH. In addition to running soccer camps, Challenger Sports also provides its trainers to soccer associations across the country, including associations in Texas , to train players at all competitive levels. Challenger Sports has also been chosen to provide the professional trainers for the Fire Club. Additional information regarding Challenger Sports is available through their website, www.challengersports.com .
Against whom will the Academy teams play?
Our Academy teams will play against Academy teams from other soccer leagues in San Antonio and surrounding municipalities. As a result, games will not be limited to Fort Sam Houston, and players will be expected to travel to games in San Antonio and other local municipalities, e.g ., Bulverde. Additionally, Academy teams are encouraged to play in various tournaments during the course of the seasonal year.
Where will the Academy teams practice and play?
Academy teams will practice in the Alamo Heights/Fort Sam Houston area at places such as area schools and/or the Fort Sam Houston practice fields. Home games will be held at Fort Sam Houston. Away games will be played at the fields used by the associations against whom the games are scheduled.
How much playing time can players expect during the games?
Academy teams will observe the “half game” rule, which provides that each player should be permitted to play at least one-half of each game. Exceptions to this rule include player injury and disciplinary matters.
Players will be admitted to the Academy program based on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that enough players choose to participate in the program to form more than one team, the league's parent organization, AAYSA (which has formed the Academy league in which our teams will participate), requires that players be rostered to teams in such a way as to equally distribute players of various skill levels among the teams formed.
May I request to play with some of my friends?
Requests to play on the same team with another player may be considered where such request does not interfere with the goal of achieving parity among teams, but there is no guarantee that such requests will be met.
May I request a specific coach?
Coaches will be assigned to teams after they are formed as described previously. As a result, it is not possible to honor player requests for a specific coach.
Do players have to participate in the Academy to participate in the Fire Club?
No. The Academy is not related in any way to participation in the Fire Club, which is open to players beginning at U-11. Given the stated goal of the Academy program to develop player skills, however, those participating in the Academy program may be better qualified to participate in the Fire Club once they are eligible for such teams.
Is there recreational soccer available for those who do not wish to play in the Academy?
Yes. AHFSH is committed to offering our players the opportunity to play at the level that best suits their particular needs. As a result, we will continue to offer "traditional" recreational soccer for those playing in all age groups from U-5 through U-10.
What is the cost of participation in the Academy?
The total cost of participation (which includes registration fee, uniform fee and training fee) has been set at $285 per player for the fall 2006 season. This fee is subject to change in future seasons, at which time the applicable fee will be published during the registration process. Registration fees are charged on a per season basis, as opposed to a "seasonal year" basis; as a result, the applicable fee must be paid for the fall season, and the applicable fee must again be paid in the spring season.
How do I register for the Academy?
Players can register through the online registration system during open registration or by contacting the appropriate age-group commissioner following the close of registration if positions are available on a roster.
May I choose to play recreational soccer after registering for the Academy?
Once a player has registered for an Academy team and the season has begun, that player will not be permitted to play recreational soccer during that season. As a result, parents and players should carefully consider whether they are committed to the more rigorous training schedule and style of play, the additional expense and the increased travel associated with Academy play before registering.
Where may I obtain additional information regarding the Academy program?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the league President, Ray Bissmeyer (see Contacts page).
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P. O. Box 6776 San Antonio, Texas 78209 210/828-7071 www.ahfsh.org |
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