Spring 2010 In-House Academy Home Page

The Thunder Rolls After an impressive 7-1-2 season, the GU12-1A Thunder make it to the semi-finals of MTOC read more

Not sure if the Academy is right for your child? Six out of the ten players rostered on the GU12-1A Thunder team were trained in the In-House Academy from U9 through U11. They're the 2010 BAYS GU12-1 Champions and a 2010 MTOC D1 Semi-Finalist

What is the Academy program? Whenever possible, two (possibly three) teams (with coaches) train together as a group under the guidance of a "lead" coach. Training schedules with coach contact information will be published on the FYSA website. All training sessions will be available to anyone who would like to attend them as long as a reasonable team/"lead" ratio of 3:1 is maintained. Visiting players (players not scheduled to train) will be accepted each week on a first come, first serve basis.


The emphasis is on technical development. The one thing that holds players back in the US compared to other countries is their lack of creativity and technical ability. All of the kids enrolled in In-House are between the ages of 9 & 12 and the one thing all of them need to succeed, above all else, is foot skills. Along with finding as many coaches with "mad" skills as possible, In-House has created two programs that involve HS soccer players. First there's the "Mentorship" community service initiative and second there's the "Friendship" community service initiative. Both introduce soccer in an informal and fun way.


Finding a balance. As you may well imagine, alot of thought has gone into improving an already strong In-House program. Consequently, there should be more individual skill, greater competition and every player should benefit. So, whether your child is one of the many who'd like to play competitvely or one of the many who'd like to play recreationally, he/she should find what they're looking for.


How are teams formed? Typically, three divisions are created based on age and gender. However to accommodate registration mix, divisions can be further divided. Within each division are leagues. League names are borrowed from some of the premier international soccer leagues in existence today and randomly assigned to a division. Within each league are teams. Team names are borrowed from teams that play in the corresponding international soccer league. Great effort is taken to create balanced teams within the various leagues. The typical three divisions are:
  1. Master Coed - U13 and U14 players combined, playing 8v8 (with an offside rule)
  2. Senior Coed - U11 and U12 players combined, playing 6v6
  3. Junior Boys - BU9 and BU10 players combined, playing 5v5
  4. Junior Girls - GU9 and GU10 players combined, playing 5v5

What is a visiting player and am I one? Quite simply, a visiting player is any player not scheduled to attend a particular training session. Anyone who signs up for In-House automatically becomes one. Whether or not you take advantage of the resources that it affords you is entirely up to you.  
 

Is there required equipment? Yes, for both game and training plan on bringing:
Yes, for both game and training plan on bringing:
  1. Soccer uniform (blue/yellow reversible jersey, royal blue shorts and royal blue socks)
  2. Size 4 soccer ball
  3. Soccer cleats
  4. Soccer shin guards (worn under the socks)
  5. Plenty of water
  6. Mouthguard (optional, but recommended)  

Is there a cancellation policy for game day? Yes. Because mother nature doesn't always cooperate, here's what to do on game day: 
Yes. Because mother nature doesn't always cooperate, here's what to do on game day: 
  1. Check the website. Cancellations should be posted by 7:30 AM
  2. Decide for yourself. You know your child better than anyone else. Do what you think is right. If it's cold or raining and your child doesn't want to go, don't force the issue. There's always next week. It's supposed to be fun!

What is the Training Ground? The "Training Ground" is an area designated in the middle of the field on Saturdays. Managed by Franklin High student/athletes, players will be engaged in fun, soccer activities from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Central to the "Training Ground" is the MYSA Skills Patch Award Program where players work on simple basic soccer skills in a fun environment. Each level asks for something a little different and gives players a goal to strive for.


Are there advantages to open practices? In addition to attending your own team's training sessions, you may also attend the training sessions of any other In-House coach. An advantage is that it gives you more touches on the ball and more touches on the ball means more time spent developing your technical skills. Another advantage is that it allows you to meet players who are your own age that you may not otherwise get to know. And last but not least, you get to play more soccer! However, before attending any other coach's training session, you must first contact the coach to ensure a reasonable team/"lead" ratio of 3:1. Visting players are accepted each week on a first come, first serve basis.


Nothing's more important than safety. The safety of the players is the number one priority. Players wearing equipment which is dangerous to other players or to themselves shall not be eligible to participate in any game. The Referee at the field has the final say on what may be dangerous equipment. If a player wants to get their ears pierced, please have them do so in the off-season at least 6 weeks before the next season starts. Players must be able to remove their earrings for games and practices; if they cannot be removed, then the child will not be allowed to play. The following is a summary of prohibited items, per rules from the Massachusetts State Referee:
  1. Any rigid or semi-rigid cast or splint, regardless of padding. Note that joint braces or supports are generally acceptable; however if they have exposed hinges, buckles, buttons, zippers, etc. they may be considered dangerous and unacceptable by the referee
  2. Hair control devices of any material other than soft pliable plastic or rubber
  3. Earrings of any kind, including post earrings, regardless of coverings
  4. Jewelry of any sort
  5. Hats or other headgear

We have a Zero Tolerance Policy and we enforce it. Not only is In-House a place to develop young players, it's also a place to train young Referees. For many of them it will be their first experience running a game and they will make mistakes. However, it is important that the players learn to abide by the Referee’s decisions and it is our job as adults to demonstrate good sportsmanship for our children.

The In-House Division has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding interaction between coaches/spectators and the Referees. Any violations of this policy will result in immediate ejection from the playing fields, and may result in further disciplinary action pending review by the FYSA Board of Directors. The terms of the Zero Tolerance Policy are as follows:
  1. No one, except the players, is to speak to the Referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the Referee if addressed
  2. Absolutely no disputing calls during or after the game, and no remarks to the Referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. No yelling at the Referee ever, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game
  3. If Coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a Referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a Referee, they should do so through the Referee Coordinator or Division Director

Is there a cancellation policy for training? No. The cancellation of training is left in the hands of the individual coach(es). But here's a guideline for you to consider: 
  1. Check your voice mail.
  2. Check your email.
  3. Once again, decide for yourself.