2010 Fall SESSION #1

• General Information: Spring Season (sessions, cost, registration)
• Mission Statement of UFA
• Philosophy of UFA
• Keeping T.A.B.S. on players (Technique, Attitude, Balance, Speed)

Union Football Academy

The 'UFA' is a year round skill development program tied to the Union Football Club. We don't believe in limiting a players dedication and commitment to the sport which is why we like to start players as early as possible. Our world class coaches have coached at clubs such as Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League where players are taught important soccer specific skills before 9 years of age.

• Sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM
• Sessions are held at Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto
• Coaching ratio: between 8:1 and 12:1

Once players reach the age of 7 or 8 years, our UFA graduates are then given the opportunity to join a UFC U8 club team which competes locally on the San Francisco peninsula, making them fully fledged members of Union Football Club.

• If you wish to speak with the coach be sure to make an appointment and do not do so while in session. Contact Greg Bacchetti
• UFA is a member of UFC so we arent the only field user. A number of teams are using the same facility so its important that in the interest of the safety of the players and the smooth running of all sessions that parents view the practice from the neutral viewing area at the edge and not in between the soccer fields. Only players and coaches are allowed the field at all times.
• Please do not kick the ball with your children after UFA practice on the fields due to the fact that other teams are using the practice fields and in essence the fields are still 'live'.
• We understand the you as a parent are keen to get as close to the action as possible however we ask that you view the session from a suitable distance and in a safe area.

UFA enquiries contact: Greg Bacchetti  greg@unionfootballclub.com

All ambitious players at some point make the transition either directly from A.Y.S.O. (recreational) into US Club/Norcal & C.Y.S.A. Class 1 or 3 (competitive & select) or gradually, from recreational to Class 3 to Class 1 to US Club. In each case, the pathway for elite level soccer is often confusing. Many players have come to us in the past after working in what they perceived to be a high level coaching and playing environment, only to discover that higher levels exist. We provide the player with the right environment from the start, thus eliminating the need to continually move clubs, leagues or organizations. This is why we created The PSV Union Football Academy (UFA).

The UFA is a development program for players aged 4-7. The philosophy behind UFA is that kids can start with the club system right away and follow it through their entire involvement in youth soccer. They don’t need to join AYSO before becoming involved in CYSA, ‘select’ or ‘club’ soccer. By doing this, kids can avoid the disorganization and recreational attitude of other organizations while being placed in an environment that emphasizes player development and helps kids learn and enjoy the game without pressure to win. A lot of the material being taught will be focused on technical/skill aspects of the game and working on becoming comfortable with the ball.

Some parents may hesitate, thinking that 4-7 years of age is too young. However, some of the world’s leading clubs, such as Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan and Liverpool FC invite players as young as 4 years of age to participate in their programs. It is important to note that this environment is focused on soccer, but is carefully managed to avoid putting undue pressure on the kids to over-train, get results or win.

To provide an environment for the younger age groups that emphasizes learning and training more than AYSO or recreational leagues, while teaching kids how to enjoy soccer without the pressure of winning. Essentially, trying to bridge the gap that is created when a player moves from AYSO to CYSA/select soccer.

• To create an environment that nurtures a young player’s love for the game and encourages them to play and learn as much as possible
• To provide top-level and professional instruction to young players as part of a developmental program to help them understand the game and prepare them to play at competitive levels
• To introduce young players to professionals and high-level players at older age groups in order to encourage and inspire their interest in reaching a higher level

TECHNIQUE: Too many players are never taught even the most rudimentary techniques and are allowed to achieve moderate success through shortcuts such as physical prowess. This prevents them from reaching the highest level their potential allows.

ATTITUDE: A young player’s attitude towards learning and improvement and towards the competitive game as a whole is essential in ensuring their success as a student of the game. Attitude will help the player achieve their goals. Similarly, a poor attitude will prevent or work against this progress.

BALANCE:Many players are focussed too much on the physical or technical aspects of the game. This all round education allows players to enhance, develop and exploit their natural qualities, yet also develop other aspects. For example a player who is simply fast and athletic will need to develop their technical speed.

SPEED: We don’t just mean physical speed. Technical speed on and off the ball and speed of decision-making and reading the game are the most important attributes.