A major part of what makes our players and teams successful is our Academy program.  The Academy is divided into three programs.  The Junior Academy is for ages 8-10 and sessions are run through Jan-May.  During the summer months (Mid-June to early August) we conduct our summer Pre-Classic and Premier academies.  All our academy programs are designed primarily to help each individual participant develop their technical and tactical abilities.   The Premier Academy also functions to maintain and improve individual fitness throughout the summer.  It is excellent preparation for Fall High School players and Fall Classic and Premier League participants.

Academy Features

Junior  Academy

Our Junior Academy is for promising and talented U8 , U9 and U10 Boys and Girls and is designed to introduce participants to the basic techniques and individual tactics in an enjoyable  learning environment.  Please visit our Junior Academy page for further information.

 

Pre-Classic Summer Academy

Our Pre-Classic Academy is for promising and talented U9 , U10 and U11 Boys and Girls who are interested in future participation in classic or premier (competitive) level soccer. The Pre-Classic program is designed to introduce basic and intermediate-level techniques and medium-group tactics and to develop a commitment to focused training and development.  Two 12-session academies are scheduled during the months of June, July and early August.  For further information and registration form please download our Pre-Classic Academy Information and Registration Brochure.

 

Premier Summer Academy  (for U11 to U18 Boys and Girls)

Our Premier Academy is primarily for FC Willamette's Premier level U-11 to U-19 boys and girls teams.   Individual participants who are not part of an FC Willamette team may participate with the Technical Director's consent.  Please contact Tom Rowney at rowneyt@fcwillamette.org if you wish to be considered for a place in one of our training groups.  

 

The Premier Academy provides an intensive and focused training environment that is suitable for players who have made a positive commitment to improving their performance to the highest level.    At least 24 sessions are scheduled during the months of June, July and early August.  Sessions are scheduled in the morning for the Corvallis Premier Academy and in the late afternoon or evenings in Eugene.  Training days are usually Mondays,  Wednesdays and Fridays.  For further information and registration please download our Premier Summer  Academy Information and Registration Brochure.

Why talented soccer players choose FC Willamette Academy?

We realize there are a number of soccer training opportunities for soccer players throughout the summer including live-in camps, day camps, and team camps. However, we feel that the our Academy program offers significantly better, more cost effective training and learning benefits for the following reasons:

A More Challenging Training Environment

Because academy participants are evaluated prior to being accepted as members (at regular camps participants are taken on a first come, first-served basis) we make a serious attempt to maintain the competitive quality of our training groups which provides as challenging an environment as possible.

Quality Coaching

Our Academy coaching staff includes international, qualified coaches which gives participants access to coaching they may not ordinarily get chance to work with during the rest of the year. Our coaches also understand and know how to implement a developmental philosophy.

A More Extensive Curriculum

Because the academy (premier) runs for at least 24 sessions, we are able to cover many more themes and topics than participants at a live-in or day camp. Furthermore, our coaching staff has the opportunity to observe individual performance over an extended period of time allowing them to provide greater attention to individual improvement.

A Logical & Progressive Curriculum

Academy participants learn quickly because our curriculum is structured so that themes are presented in a logical and progressive sequence so that the learning of one aspect follows naturally into the next aspect. This also allows for greater crossover learning effects.

 

Greater Consistency of Training

Most summer soccer camps last one week. Academy training goes throughout summer which provides for significantly better preparation for the following club or high school season in the Fall.

 

Rest Periods Between Sessions

Players who have attended a live-in camp know that by the 3rd or 4th session of the week they are tired, "stiff" and therefore, not able to get the most out of the experience. At our Academy, sessions take place on alternate days which allows participants recover between sessions. This means they are mentally ready to assimilate the information presented by our coaching staff and are physically able to compete in each of the sessions.

More Cost Effective Training

The average number of training sessions at a live-in camp is 9. Since the average cost of a live-in camp (without transport to the live-in site) is $450 this translates to a per-session cost of $ 50.00 ! At the our Premier Summer Academy we offer at least 24 sessions at an average cost of $ 14.00 per session. Academy training is therefore, far more cost effective.

Academy Training Uniform

Each Academy member receives a training uniform consisting of sweat shirt, t-shirt, shorts, and socks. The uniform is included in the cost of participation but more importantly provides our members with a sense of group-belonging and a responsibility to focus on correct preparation for practice. Participants at most other summer soccer camps typically receive only a camp t-shirt!