What is Academy Soccer?
This is the next stage of the GEA Development Pathway and is led by professional coaches under the guidance of our Academy Director. It builds on the foundations laid in the Junior Academy environment with more of a team structure introduced. Game play is 5 v 5 or 7 v 7 (U8) and 7 v 7 or 9 v 9 (U9-U10) and teams are formed through no cut Academy Clinics. Players are placed on teams, with a professional, licensed coach and register for the entire year (August 2022-May 2023) after Academy Clinics which are held the first week of June.
Expectations of Academy teams:
- 2 practices a week in Fall and Spring seasons
- 1 practice a week in Winter inside the Gretna Sports Complex until outdoor fields are open
- PRE ECNL team players will be provided additional training sessions throughout the winter season until outdoor fields open
- Participation in Nebraska Youth Soccer League in Fall & Spring seasons
- Participation in two local tournaments in the Fall and Spring seasons (not included in registration fee)
- Participation in Futsal during the Winter season (not included in registration fee)
Why Academy Soccer?
GEA Academy soccer is the beginning of the “me and my partner” stage of the development pathway. There is still a high 1 v 1 technical skill focus but we begin to introduce and work on using team mates to combine.
With our PRE-ECNL teams we will build on the above as well as introducing our five pillars of the PRE-ECNL program as the foundation for our player pathway:
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ELITE TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
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TECHNICAL SUPERIORITY
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SPATIAL AWARENESS
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TRUST
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WILL TO WIN
The focus is on individual player development and not on wins/losses. Our goal is to have every player feel comfortable with the ball at their feet. We encourage creativity by creating an environment where players feel safe to make mistakes.
COST
U8/2017 $725 (plus team fees)
U9/2016 $850 (plus team fees)
U10/2015 $850 (plus team fees)
U8-U10 PRE-ECNL $1,175 (plus team fees)
* TEAM FEES CAN INCLUDE TOURNAMENT FEES, ANY ADDITIONAL TRAINING & WINTER FUTSAL LEAGUE (u8-u10 teams gets one indoor session included throughout the winter period November 1 - March 1)
If you are interested in our Academy teams please email our Academy Director Raphael Martinez at martinez@gretnaeliteacademy.com
2024 ACADEMY CLINICS (2017, 2016 & 2015 Players)
The Clinic is free for all players in these age groups who are interested in playing in the GEA Academy Program (U8-U10).
All players will receive a free jersey and will need to register online. Registration for the Academy Clinics will open on March 1, 2024.
Players must register online prior to attending.
All sessions will be held at the Gretna Sports Complex located at 10550 S. 222nd St., Gretna, NE 68028.
Dates/Times
Girls sessions will take place Monday, June 3rd & Wednesday, June 5th from 5:30-6:30pm.
Boys sessions will take place Monday, June 3rd & Wednesday, June 5th from 7-8pm.
We ask that players attend both sessions if possible.