What is the Thunder Academy of Excellence?

The Thunder Academy of Excellence (A.O.E) is designed to enhance the player development of both boys and girls at the Thunder Soccer Club through professional coaching at the ages of 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Who can participate?

Boys and Girls whose birthdates fall within the specified time periods are eligible to play U9, U10, U11, and U12 AOE soccer.

When do the kids play?

The AOE season is a twelve week season. The spring season begins the first week of March and ends in the middle of May. The fall season starts the weekend after Labor Day in September and continues through the middle of November. The teams practice during the week and play games Saturday mornings.

Where do the kids play?

They practice at Mount Carmel Park or the Soccer Complex and play their home games at the Soccer Complex in McDonough or North Mount Carmel Park in Hampton. Away games are within an hour and a half of the Soccer Complex.

How much does it cost to participate?

See Fee Schedule, click Fee Schedule on left menu

How do I sign up to play?

You need to attend evaluations, which are held each Spring, in late May / early June. If you would like to be evaluated for the Academy of Excellence, please contact Ricky Wolff at doc@hcsa.org.

Highlights of the Academy of Excellence:

You have the option of training more than 2 times a week:
AOE C.A.S.E , Mommertz , AOE Goalkeeping , Juggling Club , & 4v4 League

Playing other clubs

Flexibility to move players freely between teams

Academy of Excellence Goals:

Create a non-stress atmosphere where Under 9 thru Under 12 players are exposed to the game with an emphasis on skill development.

Create an environment where players are allowed to flourish in a competitive arena in which winning is not a determinant of success, where the repetition of quality is more important than short-term success.

Educate the Thunder players and parents in the development process and club values.

Create the needed flexibility in the program rules in which teaching takes precedence over game administration. The only outcome measured are learning and fun and not scores and standings.

Identify players for the Select Program (Under 13 and Up)

Academy of Excellence Rules:

All players will be registered through the state.

All players will be evaluated for the purpose of placing them in the appropriate developmental program.

Training will be conducted by nationally and state licensed coaches and have a curriculum approved by the state Director of Coaching.

Scheduling of games will be conducted through the Director of Coaching and travel will be minimized.

Players will receive a written evaluation once a season charting their progress and individual development plans will be provided to the parents. Player Evaluation Form

Teams may travel and participate in tournaments

Conduct of coaches and players will be held to the standards specified by GYSA.

Clubs participating will provide a minimum of two teams and have a Director of Coaching responsible for organization through the state