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 (2019) - U8 (2018)
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.
2025-2026 Season | ID Days
Boys & Girls ID Schedule
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 | Tuesday | 5:00-6:00pm | Simpson Field |
| May 22 | Thursday | 5:00-6:00pm | Simpson Field |
| June 1 | Sunday | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Simpson Field |
| August 16 | Saturday | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Jefferson Houston |
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 | Tuesday | 5:00-6:00pm | Simpson Field |
| May 22 | Thursday | 5:00-6:00pm | Simpson Field |
| June 1 | Sunday | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Simpson Field |
| August 16 | Saturday | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Jefferson Houston |
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.
25-26 Projected Practice & Competition Schedule
This schedule will be finalized was field permits and schedule are approved.
Practice Schedule
| Season | Dates | Day/s | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | August 26 - October 23 | Tuesdays and/or Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm — Boys 5:40-6:40 — Girls | Simpson Field |
| Winter Optional Sessions (included in the price) | February | Wednesdays | 4:30-5:30pm — Boys & Girls | Witter |
| Spring 2026 | March 10 - May 14 (off the week of ACPS spring break) | Tuesdays and/or Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm — Boys 5:40-6:40pm — Girls | Simpson Field |
League Schedule (Metro Development League)
| Season | Dates | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | September 6 - October 25 | Saturday | Between 1:30-6:00pm (games are 1 hour) | Simpson Field |
| Spring 2025 | March 28 - May 16 | Saturday | Between 1:30-6:00pm (games are 1 hour) | Simpson Field |
Tournament Schedule (Projected)
- Fall Tournament | October 25, 2025
- Spring Tournament | May 16, 2025
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
Tuition
- Option 1: One practice / week + game: $900
- Option 2: Two Practices / week + games: $1200
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.
Thank you to steampunk for their generous sponsorship of Junior Academy!
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