Sporting Oklahoma

Program Information

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Academy Program is offered as an alternative to the Recreational Program and provides an opportunity for advanced development of players ages U7 through U10. The program focuses on developing advanced technical and tactical skills in a competitive training and playing environment. This program is designed for the player with a high level of commitment to their soccer development and requires a greater commitment of time and financial resources than the Recreational Program. Academy teams are coached by staff coaches working within a club-wide curriculum developed by the Director of Player Development and Academy Director.

TRAINING FORMAT

Academy Program participants ages U7-U10 will attend two training sessions per week. At no additional cost, Academy players will have access to an optional third weekly session through the Skills Clinics Program designed for players who wish to further develop their existing skill set through an age-appropriate progressive model of training focused on ball mastery, control, passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting and juggling.

FEE STRUCUTURE

The Academy Program fee structure requires players to pay monthly training dues separate of their proportionate share of any costs incurred by their team, such as tournament fees or coach travel expenses for matches outside of the Oklahoma City Metro Area. Players will pay a registration fee after accepting a spot in the Academy Program with the remaining balance payable in annual, bi-annual or monthly installments.

The annual player fee outlined above includes participation in the Academy Program, Goalkeeping Program and Skills Clinics Program. The annual player fee does not include the cost of player kits, accessories or player travel costs.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

In an effort to fully realize its Mission as a benefit corporation, Sporting Oklahoma has created a scholarship program for families in need of financial assistance. For additional information, please visit the Scholarship Information & Application page located under the Registration menu tab.

TEAM FORMATION

It is the desire of Sporting Oklahoma to place participants of its programs in the most developmentally appropriate level of play available in order to maximize the growth of the participant. To help facilitate this desire, the club has developed a unique policy for team formation intended to reduce the anxiety, stress, and other complications associated with more traditional team formation methods.

Player Placement (U7 & U8)

Players participating in the U7 and U8 age divisions of the Academy Program will not be assigned to a specific team for the entirety of the season; instead, participants will train in a large group setting, with a low player-to-coach ratio and participate in festival-style intraclub small-sided play, as well as other local events or leagues. Exact dates and times for all aspects of the U7 and U8 age divisions of the Academy Program will be posted on the website and social media platforms of the club.

Player Placement (U9 & U10)

Teams competing in the U9 and U10 age divisions of the Academy Program will be formed annually, in the summer proceeding the season in which participants will be competing. Exact dates and times for all aspects of the team formation procedure for the U9 and U10 age divisions will be posted on the website and social media platforms of the club. Players participating in the U9 and U10 age divisions of the Academy Program will participate in a series of player identification training sessions to begin each season. The purpose of these training sessions will be to assist staff coaches, as well as the Academy Program Director, in assigning players to a training group and team. Player identification training sessions are not a club-wide tryout for participants, returning players will be evaluated throughout the prior season, and only those participants new to the program will be evaluated during the player identification training sessions. Coaches, as well as the Academy Program Director and other Sporting Oklahoma staff members will evaluate specific qualities in each participant to ensure they are placed at the appropriate level of play.

Returning Players

Players returning to participate in the Academy Program will be evaluated and placed at the appropriate level of play based on the technical, tactical and physical skill development displayed throughout the prior season. Training sessions, games, player evaluation/development meetings and observation by the Director of Coaching or Competitive Program Director will be used to assist in the assessment and placement of returning players.

UNIFORM POLICY

Adidas is the exclusive provider of official apparel for Sporting Oklahoma, including “Academy Player Kits” which consist of the following:

Home Uniform (Jersey, Shorts and Socks)

Away Uniform (Jersey, Shorts and Socks)

Backpack (Optional)

The cost of Academy Player Kits are the responsibility of the player. Academy Player Kits must be purchased in advance of the season and utilized on a two (2) year cycle. Academy players are not required to have a distinct jersey number and may choose from any number one (1) through ninety-nine (99), regardless of any duplication.

Academy Players Kits will have only the Sporting Oklahoma logo and name, player number or other addition as designated by the club. Players are not permitted to modify, decorate or otherwise personalize any item of their Academy Player Kit. Any uniform with unapproved alterations will be replaced at the cost of the individual, prior to the individual being allowed to participate in club-sponsored activities.

Any compression, insulated, or other type of undergarment worn beneath the jersey of a uniform must match, or closely resemble, the primary color of the jersey worn over the top of the undergarment. Any compression, insulated, or other type of undergarment worn beneath the shorts of a uniform must match the primary color of the shorts worn over the top of the undergarment.

2023-24 BOYS & GIRLS ACADEMY PROGRAM KITS