U11 North hot-line: tbd

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This page was updated on June 02, 2009.  Content changes frequently; use your "Refresh" feature to display the most current information.

News:

U11 tryouts: (May 30)  We thank all the families who brought their daughters out to our tryout sessions, and we congratulate the girls for their effort and desire. Link: tryout results

• Missed tryouts?  We've added an extra tryout night on Wednesday, June 3rd, 5:30 - 7:00 PM at United Quest Park field 5. This is aimed at players who had schedule conflicts with tryouts, but is also open to any players who may be interested in joining the NASA Academy U11 Girls program, including girls who would like to join the Academy program at NASA's Metro North Park.

AC Milan Junior Camp: (June 1)  NASA has partnered with storied Italian club AC Milan to host the AC Milan Junior Camp this summer. The camp will take place at Metro North Park the week of June 29 - July 3. Registration is open to all NASA players, Academy age and older. (This is an optional camp, not included in Academy fees.) Link: more details

Friendship Cup tournament - May 23-24: (May 19)  We've entered two teams in the NASA Friendship Cup tournament. Link: tourney details

Academy tryouts for 2009-10: (May 23)  Tryouts for next year's U12 Academy program take place Tuesday, May 26th and Wednesday, May 27th. Link: tryout details

• Register in advance for tryouts:  All returning and prospective NASA Academy should register in advance for tryouts, even if they are unable to attend. (Returning players: the tryout registration system does not currently provide a way to transfer last year's tryout data, so you'll need to register.) Link: tryout registration

• Next year's coaches:  The U12 coaching staff for the 2009-10 year includes Grant Kevins (age group lead coach, e-mail: Gkevins15(at)yahoo(dot)com), Joe Aron, Dawn Bristol, Lauren Horne and Sarah May.

Women's Professional Soccer returns! (March 24)  The WPS league kicks off on Sunday, March 29th. Link: WPS TV schedule

Practice starts Monday, February 2nd: (January 14)  We start regular training sessions on Monday, February 2nd. Days, locations and times are listed below. The U10 and U12 girls are on the same schedule as us, so that expands car-pool options.

Day	Location	Time
Monday	Noonday Park field 11	5:30 - 6:45 PM
Wednesday	Noonday Park field 11	5:30 - 6:45 PM
Friday	Noonday Park field 2	5:30 - 6:45 PM

U11 Academy coaching staff (2008-09):

• Ron Apollon
• Alpha Dwyer
• Lauren Horne

We’ll also occasionally have older Athena-level players join us as guest trainers. This will allow your daughter an opportunity to see the technical skills that higher-level players must possess.

Highlights of the Academy program:

• Training three times a week (currently Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• Weekly friendly matches against other clubs' Academy teams
• Flexibility to move players freely between teams
• Athena Academy camp

The pool of players for the Academy includes graduates of our U10 Academy, players from the NASA recreational program, and other players who want to be part of the NASA Academy program. We identify players in three phases:

• Academy staff evaluates players during training sessions and games with their recreational teams during their league seasons
• We make further evaluations during informal scrimmages in May
• We complete evaluations through structured tryouts after the spring season

Players who are identified as strong candidates will be offered admission into the Academy. There is no obligation to join, however. If the level of commitment isn't right for your daughter or family, the NASA recreational program will still be available as an option.

Links:

• Frequently asked questions
• Information for Academy prospects

Academy Goals:

• Create an atmosphere where young players are exposed to the game with an emphasis on skill development more than team development.

• Create an environment where players are allowed to flourish in a competitive arena in which the focus of quality soccer is more important than short-term success of winning versus losing.

• Educate our players and parents in the development process and club values.

• We'll measure learning and fun, not scores and standings.