Jr. Academy- FAQ

 

 

 

 

 

Q. Where will the Junior Academy Program take place?

A. Typically Junior Academy is held at Cherry Bend Community Park, Traverse City, MI.


Q. How do I get my child's uniform?

A. All uniforms will be distributed to parents at our first parent meeting. If you are unable to attend or if they are unavailable to be distributed at the meeting we will bring the uniforms to the first Junior Academy sessions.

Q. What are the objectives of the Junior Academy Program?

A. The Junior Academy Program is designed to have our players learn from professional coaches from the outset of their playing 'The beautiful game.' Our goal is to teach our players correct habits from the first time they set foot on the organized soccer playing field. We also want them to understand the playing field and its boundaries and get a start with some of the laws of the game. The program is run by Paul McGuinness (Boys Director) and Darrell Rogers (Girls Director). We will also introduce several of our current senior players who have a great ability to demonstrate and work with young children. We feel that the skill that it takes to play soccer is a long term goal. It will not come overnight or even in one entire season. It takes continuous practice, and patience.

Q. What happens after the Junior Academy Program?


A. The Junior Academy Program is in place to develop all our youngsters into the stars of the future. NorthStar wants to be responsible for each players' individual development. Players that complete our Junior Academy Program should have the necessary tools to progress into our Academy Program. The Academy Program is the next step for all our young aspiring players.

Q. How many coaches will be present at the sessions?

A. The Head Coach and assistant coach (senior players) are working with all our players. The head coaches will be overseeing the entire Junior Academy sessions and, making sure that things are running smoothly at all times. They will demonstrate all of the skills, and they will pull players aside who need a bit of extra help. Our assistants (senior players) are very capable with young children. You will see them at times working with a child individually – for instance, placing their hand on the child's cleat to show which part of the foot they should be using. We are very confident that the coaches will make this not only a learning experience, but also an enjoyable one.

Q. What are my general responsibilities as a parent?

A. As with anything we do in life, the more we do it, the better we become. The Junior Academy sessions are available at request (contact Director) for parents (registered Junior Academy members) who would like to use them as homework for your child. If further explanation is needed, just email one of the Directors. We also want to make sure that all of our players arrive a bit early for each session so they are ready to go on time.  Please allow 10 minutes between your arrival and start time of the session.

Your child should have adequate rest the night before. It is best that they come to each session with suitable footwear (cleats/sneakers), a size 3 ball and water. Cleats are not mandatory, but recommended, especially on days when the grass is wet or moist. Shin Guards are mandatory so all players need to come to the field wearing Shin Guards. First aid kits will be at the field in case of any minor injury.

While at the practice sessions, parents are encouraged to cheer on their child, but not coach. We also encourage parents who might be interested in coaching to enroll in a coaching course. For info on such courses, please speak to one of the head coaches..


Q. How do we celebrate the end of the season?

A. All Junior Academy players will receive a certificate from the Head Coaches to commemorate their completion of the program.

Q. What is the tuition?

A. All Junior Academy players can sign up for either one season (Spring or Fall) or two seasons (Fall & Spring). The tuition for one season is $100. The tuition for two seasons is $190. All players will receive a jersey and shorts as part of the tuition.

Q. How do I register?

A. All registrations are to be processed online. Please see the registration page within the Junior Academy section of our site.

Q. What happens if we have bad weather?

A. Check the NorthStar website (www.northstarsoccer.org). We will attempt to have acancellation notice posted by 1:00pm on Friday afternoons.