Youth Academy

MASF is excited to announce the launch of its McHenry Vipers Youth Academy in the Fall of this year!

The academy will focus purely on player development and will aim to develop a player’s skill, confidence and character.

McHenry Vipers Youth Academy FAQ

1. Who will be coaching the academy?

All training sessions and games will be coached by the MASF professional coaching staff. Kristian Rockall the MASF Director of Coaching will be the academy director. There will be no parent volunteer positions available in the academy program.

2. What type of player’s is the academy looking for?

The academy is seeking players who have a love for the game of soccer and who express a keen interest in learning new skills. Current skill level is not an important factor, but attitude is. Players must want to learn from the professional training staff and must be willing to work hard at practice. In return for hard work and willingness to learn, players will enjoy being part of a fun and exciting training environment where they will build great relationships with their coaches and academy team-mates.

3. Do I have to try-out for the academy?

No. The academy is an inclusive program that wants to give all level soccer players the opportunity to develop their skills. Again the only players that would be excluded would be those who are not willing to learn or work hard.

4. Which age levels is the academy for?

The academy is for U7 and U8 age level players and it is a co-ed program. You will be eligible for the upcoming 2009/2010 season if you are born between 8/01/01 and 7/31/03.

5. What are the time commitments?

The academy will run for three seasons: Fall; Winter; Spring.

Time commitments for the Fall and Spring seasons will be:

2 x 1 hour training sessions per week. - 2 x 30 minute games per week.

2 – 3 academy festivals per season (festivals will involve travelling to another club for a full day of games against other academy programs)

Time commitments for the Winter season will be:

1 x 1 hour training session per week - 1 x 40 minute game per week.

6. When will practices/ games be?

During the Fall and Spring seasons practices will be on weekday evenings and games will be on Saturday mornings. During winter practice will be on a weekday evening and games may be on either Sat or Sun (varied times) depending on which indoor league we play in.

7. Where will practices/ games take place?

In Fall and Spring seasons all practices and games will take place at Shamrock Farms Park in McHenry. (Festivals may require a drive of between 30-60 minutes)

In Winter practice will be at a McHenry school gym and games will be at an indoor facility (either Crystal Lake or Barrington).

8. Can I play for both a recreation team and the academy?

No. The academy will be instead of the recreation program. You will not be allowed to do both.

9. What happens once players graduate from the academy after the U8 age level?

The academy is designed as a feeder program for the McHenry Vipers competitive program. Any player who graduates from the academy at the end of the U8 season will then be offered a place on a U9 McHenry Vipers team.

10. How much does the academy program cost?

The academy costs $360 for one year.

11. What do I get for my investment?

Players will receive 3 seasons of professional training, and three seasons of games. In addition to this players will be invited to play in 4-6 ‘Academy Festivals’ against other academies. Each player will be insured through MASF. Each player will receive the following uniforms:

2 x academy t-shirts (Green & White) - 1 x academy shorts - 1 x academy socks

12. Why does it cost considerably more than the MASF recreation league?

Players will be trained and coached by professionals at every single practice and game throughout the year.

There is an additional season (Winter) that the recreation league does not have.

Also indoor training sessions and games during the winter season will incur a facility fee.

13. Can we pay the fees in installments?

Yes. There will be three payments of $120 due at staggered times throughout the year. The first payment will be due upon registration.

14. How can I register for the academy?

You will register at the same time as regular soccer sign-up (May/June), and you will follow the same online process as the regular registration. The only difference is that you will select the academy option instead of the recreation option.

15. Do I need to let MASF know if I’m interested?

YES PLEASE! Kristian Rockall the Academy Director is compiling a list of interested players. Please email kristianrockall@hotmail.com if you are interested or if you have any further questions. Once on the mailing list you will be updated with all info regarding the academy including dates for a parents meeting sometime in May.