Our Junior Academy is for promising and talented 8, 9 and 10 year old girls and boys.  It is designed as a "bridge" program between recreational and competitive soccer with the prime focus to provide an enjoyable learning environment where participants can develop  basic and intermediate techniques and tactics correctly.

For promising young players to have every chance of reaching their potential they must:

1: Have consistent access to qualified and experienced coaching.

2: Have the ability to learn from, train with, and play against players of similar talent and promise.

3: Develop individual focus, commitment, motivation and talent.

Seasonal programs are conducted in the Fall (September - October),  Winter (December - March),  Spring (April - May) and Summer (June-August) and participants may register for any number of seasons per year.

In addition to training with experienced coaches,  our JA will provide League play for members in the Fall and Spring,  Summer tournament opportunities,  Winter indoor league participation,  Interclub game days and FCW Tournament Days.  

Academy Training Practices

The primary structure of our Junior Academy revolves around the Academy Training practice. Practices are separated into Curriculum Levels.  At each practice participants follow a sequential and progressive series of themes and topics to aid rapid but full development.  Participants are tested each week on covered themes/topics and at the end of the season must have reached a minimum standard in order to register for the next curriculum level.  Participants not reaching the minimum standard may participate in a review of the previous level during the following season.  Click here to view our JA Curriculum.

Academy Training practices are held once a week during each JA season (Fall,  Winter, Spring, and Summer).  These sessions are conducted by qualified FCW Staff Coaches.  (An additional practice session will be held with your volunteer team coach during Fall and Spring League play).  Please browse to our  Schedules Page for complete dates and times of our current Junior Academy season.

Fall and Spring League Participation

Teams will be formed to allow our JA members to participate in 8 vs. 8 league play during the Fall (Sept.-Oct.) and Spring (Mar.-Apr) seasons.  Players on teams formed for league play will attend one academy training session per week and one team session with their team's volunteer coach. 

Volunteer coaches are instructed to focus on participant's producing the technical and tactical skills learned in practice rather than winning.

Fall & Spring League  Practices

During Fall and Spring League play,  a team practice will be held with the team's volunteer coach (in addition to the scheduled Academy Training practice.   Please check with your team coach to confirm team practice schedules.  

Summer Tournaments

Junior academy members will be invited to participate in several in-state tournaments scheduled throughout the summer.  Tournaments will be coached by FCW JA Staff and team volunteer coaches.  Teams  for Summer Tournament play are formed on an impromptu,  first-come-first-served basis.  If you wish to play in a specific tournament or play in a league game,  simply sign up and FCW will enter the team, provide uniforms, etc.  Click here for a current JA Summer tournament schedule and Sign-Up Form.  The cost of tournament participation is divided among those who choose to play and typically ranges from $20 - $30 per participant. FCW will enter the team, provide uniforms, etc.

Winter Indoor League

Junior academy members will be invited to participate with other JA members in Winter indoor league play which takes place at Kick City (Springfield) or Corvallis Sports Park (Corvallis).  Teams are formed based on demand and on a first-come-first served basis.  Coaching at the indoor games will be limited to allow players to experiment and develop self-directed game strategies.

For further information on what makes the FCW  Junior Academy Special please click here !

@ Per season