NAAS AFC – Junior Soccer Academy 

One of the most enjoyable and successful ventures for all involved at NAAS AFC. 

When is it on?

Who can join in?

Girls and Boys, from 5years to 9 years, whether already on Teams, or just looking to learn, practice, and play.

Where is it on?

NAAS AFC - Naas Sports Centre – Caragh Road

It is run on the all weather Astro Pitches.

What do I wear?

Runners, astro boots, or football boots (NO metal studs).  Shinpads are required.

Once players are registered they receive NAAS AFC Academy Shorts, Shirt and Socks.

Please bring a drink. (water bottle)

Focus:

The Academy focuses on the FUN in the Fundemental Stage of Football coaching for the younger age group. 

Our Aim:

From the 1^st day, NAAS AFC Academy set itself the goal of providing EVERY player with a Ball, and a Bib. In the last 2 years the number of players registered with the Academy has increased from approx. 60 to the current 192.     

Progression: 

The younger players will get used to playing with a ball at their feet, the basic controlling and passing skills, and enjoying games and small matches with their friends.  

Progression then takes the players on to learn more about ball control, using both feet, and spatial awareness.  All players are encouraged to think about ‘fair play’. 

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Once players reach the age of 8, they get a chance to join a team and enter into the Leagues. after which they are encouraged to continue at the Academy for additional coaching until they are 9. 

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The Academy also caters for those who don’t start playing at the age of 5 or 6, and they are encouraged to use the Academy to develop their skills until they are comfortable enough to join a Team.  Coaches:

The Academy draws it’s coaches from existing Team Coaches, Junior Academy Coaches from U16 and U17 Squads, dedicated Academy Coaches, some of which were plucked from the sidelines. 

All the Academy Coaches have been through the FAI’s KickStart I/II coaching courses, which covers coaching players from 6 – 12 years.

Additionally we have Club Coaches who have attained Youth Cert, and Uefa B licences

We offer the parents the opportunity to participate in FAI KickStart I/II coaching courses which the club funds.  It is through this continual recruiting that the club can maintain the number of Teams it has.        

Our Success:

Apart from seeing the number of players who turn up each Saturday, and the enjoyment they get, the real testament as to the benefit of the Junior Soccer Academy at NAAS AFC was realised this season.

  In September 2008 we entered 3 teams at U8 in the DDSL (Dublin District Schoolboys League) directly from our Academy.

  In May 2009, ALL 3 Teams WON their Leagues!

This is a Club 1^st, for all Teams in 1 age group to win titles, the DDSL are also checking to see if it has been achieved before.    

Academy Events throughout the Year –  

Christmas:

We always have a special visitor to the Academy on the final night in December.  Santa is now a regular visitor, and has promised that he will practice his skills for this year. 

Easter Parade:

The Academy squads make up a large part of the NAAS AFC Team that turns out in the Easter Parade.  It’s great to see the smaller players, walk side by side with the older players, and the U16 and U17 squads assisting. 

Family Fun Day:

At the end of the season, usually the June Bank Holiday weekend, the Academy holds its Family Fun Day up on the grass pitches at the Caragh Road. 

Mini World Cup games are organised for all the Academy age groups.

Bouncy Castles were a new addition in 2009, to keep the smaller brothers and sisters amused.

The parents get a chance to fight it out in the Penalty Shoot-out challenge.

Refreshments are provided for the players, but each family is encouraged to bring along sandwiches, cakes, fruit etc to share, and make it a real family day out.  

Sometimes the coaches have been known to break out in a sweat as they challenge each other in a match. 

Interested?

If you would like to come along and see what it’s like to play soccer in a fun environment, or you have that budding striker, or keeper, drop down to us one Saturday afternoon, with no obligations. 
 

For further details and information on Academy registration fees, please contact: 086 604 4900