Junior Academy

Junior Academy

Taking it to the next level

Recreational players looking for more training and/or the next level of soccer are encouraged to try out for Junior Academy. The curriculum of this program focuses on four key areas: first touch on the ball, dribbling, ball manipulation and tactical awareness.

U7 (2017) - U8 (2016)

Junior Academy players are identified by ASA staff coaches and invited to participate in the program. Children selected for this program have the opportunity to practice once or twice per week with ASA professional coaches, as well as play games in the Metro Community League (MCL) against Junior Academy teams from other clubs. All games will be hosted by ASA. Kids often play on a Rec League team AND participate in Junior Academy. 

The Junior Academy training curriculum focuses on dribbling skills, passing and receiving, game awareness, tactical spacing and the importance of giving 100% effort. Additionally, coaches emphasize and teach children to be respectful of teammates, opponents, referees and coaches.

Junior Academy is a yearly commitment (kids join in the fall) and participants train fall and spring. Participation in the Junior Academy does not guarantee a roster spot in the Academy (travel) program.

Questions? Email Junior Academy Director, Grigor Boychev at [email protected] or call the office, 703-684-5425.

2023-2024 Season | ID Days

Boys & Girls ID Schedule
DateDayTimeLocation
February 3Saturday11:00-12:15pmJefferson Houston Elementary
DateDayTimeLocation
February 3Saturday11:00-12:15pmJefferson Houston Elementary

After the identification days you will be contacted by the Junior Academy Director with information about your child’s placement. If your child is selected to join the Junior Academy program you will determine whether your child will attend one or two practices per week (see further information below) and complete the registration online. Kids who are not quite ready for this level of play may be encouraged to participate in a Ball Mastery program.

ID Day

Junior Academy
$ 0 per player
  • ID Day
  •  

23-24 Practice & Competition Schedule

Practice Schedule

Season DatesDay/sTimeLocation
Fall 2023August 22 - October 26Tuesdays and/or Thursdays4:30-5:30pm — Boys
5:40-6:40 — Girls
Simpson Field
Winter Optional Sessions
(included in the price)
FebruaryMondays5:00-6:00pm — Boys & GirlsWitter
Spring 2024
March 12 - May 16 (off the week of ACPS spring break)Tuesdays and/or Thursdays4:30-5:30pm — Boys
5:40-6:40pm — Girls
Simpson Field

League Schedule (Metro Development League)

SeasonDatesDayTimeLocation
Fall 2023September 9 - October 28
(no game October 7)
SaturdayBetween 1:30-6:00pm
(games are 1 hour)
Simpson Field
Spring 2024April 6 - May 18 SaturdayBetween 1:30-6:00pm
(games are 1 hour)
Simpson Field

Tournament Schedule

All games (league and tournament) will take place in Alexandria versus internal and external competition. Please note that one game and one practice may be cancelled due to weather. If more than one of either is cancelled we will make every attempt to make up the practice/game.

Program Summary & Cost

Tuition covers one full year of Junior Academy (fall 2023 through spring 2024). Practices are on Tuesdays & Thursdays. If your child opts to attend one practice per week you can select which day to attend. We do have kids join in the Spring for just one season.

Kids will be assigned to a team that they will train and play with during league games. This team will be coached by an ASA professional coach. We make every effort to pair friends together upon request. 

Program includes:

  • ASA age-appropriate curriculum and philosophy taught from day one
  • Saturday afternoon games in a local crossover league in the fall and spring
  • Training on premium grass and turf fields
  • Potential opportunities to guest play with our 9U Academy (travel) groups in other events/tournaments
  • One or two practices per week

Pro-rated spring pricing is available for kids who join for the spring season!

  • Option 1: $437
  • Option 2: $510

Tuition can be broken into multiple payments throughout the year. Scholarships are available to families who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program at school.

Training Items

Junior Academy participants are required to wear a gray training t-shirt to all practices and games. These can be purchased in the ASA office for $10. Each child must bring his or her own soccer ball to training sessions. Balls are available for purchase in the office or can be bought elsewhere.

Yearly Calendar

Fall

Weekly training sessions, league games on select Saturdays

Winter

Optional winter training sessions (weather dependent)

Spring

Weekly training sessions, league games on select Saturdays​

Summer

Additional training opportunities (not included in price): Camps, Futsal Ball Mastery