Academy

Academy Overview

FC Pride's Academy is an elite youth soccer program based in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It provides the first step on the Pride Pathway for U8-U12 boys and girls.
At the heart of the Academy is growing the players' love for the game and their passion to develop both as a player and a person.

Culture

FC Pride's professional coaches create and sustain an inclusive, positive, and player-first learning environment.

Vital to the Academy culture is competitive play.Players compete at the highest possible level that is appropriate for their ability.

The Academy's culture is the result of holding true to FC Pride's values:

  • Friendly
  • Committed
  • Passionate
  • Resilient
  • Improving
  • Determined
  • Elite

 

MISSION

For U8-U12 boys and girls to develop their ability and reach their potential. Our professional staff create an inclusive, positive, and player-first environment. Players are able to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. 

In order to maintain high standards and achieve sustained success in its mission, FC Pride Academy learning is curriculum based. Centered on the 'Brilliant Basics' the FC Pride curriculum covers technical, physical, and social development.
Because of this focus, an FC Pride player's character, conduct and sportsmanship is just as important as technique and tactical understanding.
BRILLIANT BASICS
  • Receiving skills
  • Ball striking
  • Ball mastery

 

game play
  • Perceptual - decision making based on playing experience
  • Problem solving - confidence in finding solutions in the game
  • Tactical - learning concepts and understanding situations in the game
  • Combination - playing with teammates both in and out of possession

 

physical development
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Speed
  • Agility

ACADEMY FAQ

For the 2023-2024 season:
  • U8 born in 2016
  • U9 born in 2015
  • U10 born in 2014
  • U11 born in 2013
  • U12 born in 2012
 
Fall season is August to October
Winter training is Nov to February
Spring season is March to May
U8-U10 players train twice per week in Fall and Spring and once a week over winter
 
U11-U12 players train three times per week in Fall and Spring and twice per over winter
  • U8 play 4v4 and 7v7
  • U9 play 7v7
  • U10 play 7v7 and 9v9
  • U11 play 9v9
  • U12 play 9v9 and 11v11
The U8-U12 age groups have unlimited substitutions in games.  
This depends on the age group and competitiveness of the team. 
 
Overall, U8 and U9 players compete locally- in and around Indianapolis.  U10, U11, and U12 combine local competition with games and tournaments in Fort Wayne, Ohio, and Kentucky.  
Consideration will be given based on what is best for the individual player's development and the team.
 
In line with the Academy culture and mission, the best performing players will have the opportunity to train 'up' with the more competitive team in the age group, or in the older age group.
All players, parents, and coaches sign the FC Pride Code of Conduct at the beginning of the season. Parents are also asked to volunteer their time to help the club especially during home tournament weekends.