ACADEMY PROGRAMS & DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
Pelada Football Academy offers playing opportunities for every skill level and our programming is based around a four season structure, allowing players to participate in multiple sports or activities and families to focus on soccer during the parts of the year that fit their schedules best. For those who love to play soccer all the time, we have opportunities for both training and competition all year round! Full program summaries by season are available below.
Summer Programs
CAMPS & CLINICS (U8-U19)
Tailored to specific ages and elements of youth soccer development. Clinics are open to any player, PFA member or otherwise. They are one week long (Mon-Thu) with daily sessions ranging from 3-5 hours. Topics include goal scoring, goalkeeping, defending, attacking, and fall pre-season team training camp. Cost range: $135-$175 per camp
PROGRAM DETAILS
SUMMER SKILL BUILDING (U9-U20)
Players train twice a week with a PFA staff coach in a small group setting (4-8 players). Coaches provide curriculum-led training and individualized progress assessment for each participant. Those participating in summer tournaments will train in a team envronment instead of small groups leading up to tournament weekends. The program will run from late June through mid August (total of 12-16 sessions, exact schedule will vary by group).
NOTE: This is a training only program with no game schedule. Players wanting competition should contact Joey Garah (director@peladafa.org) to inquire about tournament options.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: June 21 - August 12
Locations: TBD
Sessions: Two sessions per week, 60-75 minutes each
Times: Evenings between 5pm and 8pm
Cost: $125
TOURNAMENT TEAMS (U9-U20)
Various tournaments in June/July/August for teams age U10-U20. Tournaments are single weekend events, usually Friday-Sunday, and particiation includes 2-3 weeks of training leading up to the tournament weekend. Most events offer a 3-4 game guarantee. Possible locations include Salem, Bend, and the larger Portland area. Cost: $125 per tournament.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Match Formats: 7 v 7 (U9-U12) / 9 v 9 (U11-U12) / 11 v 11 (U13+)
Training Format: Train twice per week for 2-3 weeks leading up to tournament weekends
Training Location: TBD
Uniform: UA Squad Full Kit
Cost: $125 per tournament
SUMMER FOUNDATIONS ACADEMY (U5-U8)
For U5-U8 players (2014-2017 birth years), the Foundations U8 Academy offers skill building for players age 4-7. The emphasis is on teaching fundamentals of movement, coordination, and technique through fun and engaging exercises and small-sided games. Training is held once a week in a small group setting (4-6 players) led by a PFA staff coach and members of our youth Coach Development Academy. Each session begins and ends with scrimmages in a 2v2 or 3v3 format and uses a combination of fun, competitive training games and one-on-one instruction to teach technical fundamentals and basic decision making during the middle portion. Includes three jamboree-style game days. Runs for seven weeks from early July through late August (total of seven practices and three game days).
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Jul 7 - Aug 20
Location: TBD
Times: 4:30-5:30pm
Training: One 60 minute session per week on Wednesdays
Games: 2nd, 5th, and 7th Fridays (7/16, 8/6, and 8/20); jamborees consisting of 3-4 ten minute games between Foundations Academy groups (3 v 3 or 4 v 4 format)
Cost: $50
Fall Programs
U11-U15 TEAMS
For U11-U15 players, typically entering or enrolled in grades 4-8. The curriculum is designed to produce technically proficient, intelligent, well-rounded players with a good understanding of the game. Training is weighted toward technical development at the lower age groups, and shifts toward an increased tactical emphasis as players approach and enter high school. Teams will compete in Division 1 or 2 of the Timbers & Thorns League (Sep-Oct) and play in either the Presidents or Founders Cup tournaments (early-mid Nov).
PROGRAM DETAILS
Competition: Timbers & Thorns Fall League + Post-Season Cup
Match Formats: 9 v 9 (U11-U12) / 11 v 11 (U13-U15)
Dates: Aug 31 - Nov 21
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Location: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane)
Uniform: UA Squad Full Kit
Cost: $450 (register by 6/26) / $475 (register after 6/26)
U9-U10 TEAMS
For U9-U10 players, typically entering or enrolled in grades 2-4. A high coach-to-player ratio ensures that every player gets personal attention and the curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game through fun, engaging field exercises and small-sided competition. Teams will compete in the Valley Academy U10 Developmental League with four play dates in Eugene, Albany, Bend, and Corvallis (two games on each day) for a total of eight games in September and October.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Competition: Valley Academy League
Match Formats: 7 v 7 (U9-U10)
Dates: Aug 31 - Nov 5
Training Sessions per week: 2
Training Location: TBD
Uniform: UA Squad Half Kit
Cost: $275 (register by 6/26) / $300 (register after 6/26)
Winter Programs
U15+ TEAMS
For U15-U19 players, typically entering or enrolled in grades 8-12. League and cup play take place in the winter and spring to avoid overlap with fall high school programs. The curriculum is designed to increase players' tactical knowledge, improve their competitive qualities, and prepare them for the rigors of their high school programs as well as soccer beyond high school. Teams will compete in the Timbers & Thorns League U15-U19 divisions (Jan-Mar) and play in either the State, Presidents, or Founders Cup spring tournament (April)
PROGRAM DETAILS
Competition: Timbers & Thorns Winter League + Post-Season Cup
Match Formats: 11 v 11 (U15-U19)
Dates: Nov 29 - May 1
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Location: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane)
Uniform: UA Squad Full Kit
Cost: $750 (Winter + Spring)
FUTSAL SKILLS TRAINING (U9-U14)
For U9-U14 players. Runs from approximately the first week of December through early February. Players train twice a week with a PFA staff coach in a small group setting (4-8 players). Coaches provide curriculum-led training and individualized progress assessment for each participant. Sessions are indoor, usually at Willamalane’s Bob Keefer Center (adjacent to Les Schwab Sports Park).
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Nov 29 - Feb 4 (no training during winter break, 12/18-1/2)
Location: Bob Keefer Center (Willamalane)
Sessions: Two sessions per week, 60-75 minutes each
Times: Evenings between 5pm and 8pm
Uniform: None required
Cost: $150
WINTER INDOOR TEAMS (U9-U14)
For 2nd-8th grade players (U9-U14). Teams are usually based around our fall squads, but we can also accept new players. Indoor teams play in Kick City Sports Park's Winter 1 Session (Nov-Jan) indoor league.
NOTE: this includes games only. Players wanting a training option should consider the Futsal Skills Training program.
PROGRAM DETAILS
League Format: Eight game season; games on weeknights and/or weekends
Game Format: 7 v 7 (10 & Under, 12 & Under) / 6 v 6 (14 & Under, 15 & Over)
Dates: Early November - late January (approximate)
Location: Kick City Sports Park
Uniform: White/blue/red shirts (official kit not required)
Cost: $75
WINTER FOUNDATIONS ACADEMY (U5-U8)
For U5-U8 players (2014-2017 birth years), the Foundations U8 Academy offers skill building for players age 4-7. The emphasis is on teaching fundamentals of movement, coordination, and technique through fun and engaging exercises and small-sided games. Training is held once a week in a small group setting (4-6 players) led by a PFA staff coach and members of our youth Coach Development Academy. Each session begins and ends with scrimmages in a 2v2 or 3v3 format and uses a combination of fun, competitive training games and one-on-one instruction to teach technical fundamentals and basic decision making during the middle portion. Includes three jamboree-style game days. Runs for seven weeks from early July through late August (total of seven practices and three game days). All sessions are held indoors on court or artificial turf surfaces.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Jan 5 - Feb 18 (seven weeks)
Location: TBD
Times: TBD
Training: One 60 minute session per week
Games: Jamborees consisting of 3-4 ten minute games between Foundations Academy groups (3 v 3 or 4 v 4 format); dates TBD
Cost: $75
Spring Programs
U11-U14 TEAMS
For U11-U14 players, typically enrolled in grades 4-8. The curriculum is designed to produce technically proficient, intelligent, well-rounded players with a good understanding of the game. Training is weighted toward technical development at the lower age groups, and shifts toward an increased tactical emphasis as players approach and enter high school. Teams train 2-3 times per week and compete in Division 1 or 2 of the Timbers & Thorns League.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Competition: Timbers & Thorns Spring League
Match Formats: 9 v 9 (U11-U12) / 11 v 11 (U13-U15)
Dates: Feb 14 - May 1
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Location: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane)
Uniform: UA Squad Full Kit
Cost: $375 (Spring)
U9-U10 TEAMS
For U9-U10 players, typically enrolled in grades 2-4. A high coach-to-player ratio ensures that every player gets personal attention and the curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game through fun, engaging field exercises and small-sided competition. Teams will compete in the Valley Academy Developmental League with four play dates in Eugene, Albany, Bend, and Corvallis (two games on each day) for a total of eight games between late March and early May.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Competition: Valley Academy League
Match Formats: 7 v 7 (U9-U10)
Dates: Mar 7 - May 15
Training Sessions per week: 2
Training Location: TBD
Uniform: UA Squad Half Kit
Cost: $275 (Spring)
Coach Development Academy
COACH DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
The CDA provides PFA members age 10 and older with the chance to be trained as coaches and work alongside senior Academy staff as mentors to younger players. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following qualities:
• Leadership, maturity, and accountability within team environments.
• Desire for and dedication to learning.
• Commitment to and love for the game.
• Caring and respect for coaches and peers.
The goal of the Coach Development Academy is to offer ongoing education and support for youth players who show interest in coaching, leadership, and mentoring. It delivers specific, age appropriate curriculum to help young coaches learn and progress. CDA training sessions are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Youth coaches will also have the opportunity to assist senior coaching staff with academy training sessions and/or summer clinics. There is no fee for participation.
Log in to your Sports Connect account to enroll your player.
Player Development Pathway
DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
U5-U8: Help players acquire balance, coordination, physical awareness, and socialization skills along with a basic set of techniques and a love of soccer.
U9-U10: Build the foundations of soccer technique and team play while establishing good habits in the areas of learning, work ethic, deliberate practice, and group cooperation.
U11-U12: Intense focus on achieving technical proficiency across skill sets while introducing fundamental tactical themes and terminology.
U13-U14: Build game reading skills and tactical understanding while seeking an increased range of technical ability.
U15-U16: Cement tactical understanding and create team leaders while improving decision making and seeking consistency in execution of technique.
U17-U19: Cement a style of play that takes full advantage of individual skill sets while pursuing advanced tactical understanding, game reading ability, and competitive player impact.