The VSA academy model seeks to improve individual player development, player retention and satisfaction by building a better atmosphere for the player with less focus on winning and more emphasis in the development of their technical skills.

With the academy format, VSA has implemented a new training system for player development. The boys and girls teams in the recreational level will develop players for those teams in our club competing in WAGS, NCSL and ODSL. This is done with the selection of an A and B developmental format.

One day per week the academy teams train together to give a chance for players to work in a fun yet structured atmosphere and have a chance to share what they have learned with all their teammates. The second day of practice the academy teams train with their coaches to better prepare for match play.

VSA has created the academy format so players will be more relaxed, we will have higher retention rates, the players will be more creative and we will have a higher participation rate. Youth players need freedom of expression and need to be praised to try skills without fear of failure.

By working together, both teams will develop faster and transition to 11 V 11 knowing each other and learning to play under the same system.  We also recommend that coaches move around teams every two years to break monotonous behavior and conformity among academy team players.

This system creates a better environment where players learn from each other before assuming leadership roles.  This system of training develops the individual foot skills, dribbling and shooting technique, we also start developing the mental aspect of the game which will in the long run produce a more confident player able to assume a leadership role in any situation.

With the high demand of field space in the area, the academy system also brings a more efficient use of space and a more efficient use of time for the players and coaches.

We believe the youth academy model is the best approach to organizing any youth soccer program, as well as training their coaches to become better students of the game.  Taken together, this approach will create a solid foundation in the formation of not only talented players but also great role models, one of the principles that we consider being important if involved with soccer at VSA.

With the academy system we strongly believe that it will help to develop talented teams, maintain a positive image due to our dedication to develop excellent players on and off of the field.