Mission statement
To promote successful children and their families through their involvement in a comprehensive soccer program focused on player development, sportsmanship, family support, and personal discipline.
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Program Overview
Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
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The Academy Program at Louisiana Fire Juniors aims to prepare players at 7-10 years of age for taking the next step into competitive soccer in a positive, educational, and fun soccer experience.
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The program emphasizes the importance of technical development to the growth of the youth player by providing two training sessions per week with our professional coaching staff and weekend games as the opportunity to explore newly learned or refined technical skills without the pressure and concern of wins and losses.
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Our changes to the program in 2019 featured more pool training and games as well as groups of players being trained and coached by the entire Academy coaching staff. Hearing the same messages and technical lessons from different voices ensures each player will be afforded the opportunity to make a meaningful connection with the staff.
Louisiana Fire Soccer Club offers Academy at 3 main campuses: Audubon Park, City Park, and Lafreniere Park,
Academy Directors
Program Director: Jason Dormady - USSF National "D" License, Louisiana Fire Competitive Staff Coach, Jesuit High School Junior Varsity Soccer Head Coach, Varsity Staff Coach.
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Technical Director: Bobby Velasquez - USSF National "D" License, Louisiana Fire Competitive Staff Coach and U11-19 Girls Competitive Director, St. Martin's Episcopal School Director of Soccer and Varsity Head Coach
Staff Coaching
For the 2021-22 season, the Academy will be returning many of its coaches. The group has a vast amount of playing and coaching experience, which include former high school and college players. The majority of our coaches also coach high school soccer throughout the city of New Orleans and its neighboring parishes.
Coaches are qualified through either the National Soccer Coaching Associational of America (NSCAA) or the United State Soccer Federation (USSF). Some will also have international coaching licenses or badges. The Club conducts coaching education sessions throughout the year.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
​Mentoring Program
Young Academy coaches continue their coaches' education through the Louisiana Fire Mentoring Program while pursuing higher coaching licenses. Young coaches are paired with experienced coaches at the club to help guide them down the path to becoming a top coach.
Training and Games
Season Begins August 2021
Academy teams will train twice a week with their assigned coach for the cycle week.
City Park – Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
Metairie – Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
Audubon – Monday and Wednesday OR Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
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*****Practice times are subject to change depending on coach availability and daylight savings****
Game schedule each week is set by age groups and genders.
Academy Girls usually play Friday evenings.
Academy Boys play Saturday mid-morning to just past 12pm.
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Game Format
Games will be 7v7/9v9 (including goalkeepers) in accordance with USYSA and LSA guidelines. All games will consist of two 25-minutes halves. Each game will have a qualified referee provided by the club.
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Playing Time Rules
It is club policy for all players to play at least 50% of each game. Players will also play in multiple positions throughout the YDP season.
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Program fees
Required fees cover the rental, maintenance, and lighting of the fields, referees, insurance coverage, and professional coaching. They also cover preseason camp, winter clinics, and player evaluations.
Academy yearly fee: $575
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What equipment do players need?
All players must wear soccer cleats and shin guards to all practices and games. A soccer ball is required for all practices. A good supply of water is definitely recommended to keep the player hydrated during all practices and games.
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Players are REQUIRED to wear the practice uniform (NAVY Fire T-shirt, navy shorts, and navy socks) to all training sessions.
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Game Uniforms (White jersey, red jersey, red shorts, red socks) are REQUIRED for all weekend games.
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ALL UNIFORM pieces are exclusively available from:
THIRD COAST SOCCER
2311 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Metairie, La 70002
(504) 838-1590
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What size soccer ball does my player need?
Size 4 soccer ball.
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