ACADEMY PROGRAMS
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 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.
Birth Year / Age Group Program Reference
AGE GROUP REFERENCE & DEVELOPMENTAL GOALS
Our seasonal year runs from June through May. Age groups are based on birth year and players age up to the next a age group after the end of the spring season. Summer tournaments are the start of the new seasonal year and are played at the new age level.
| Player's birth year | Age group | Grade | Game format | Core Competitive Seasons | Available programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018/17/16 | U5 | Pre-K/K/1st | 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 (Informal) | n/a | Foundations Academy |
| 2015 | U8 | 1st/2nd | 4v4 or 7v7 | Fall + Spring Leagues (U8 participants on our fall/spring teams will be playing against older U9 & U10 players) | Foundations Academy U9-10 Fall & Spring Teams Summer Tournaments Futsal Academy Indoor Teams |
| 2014 | U9 | 2nd/3rd | 7v7 | Fall + Spring Leagues | U9-10 Fall & Spring Teams Summer Tournaments Futsal Academy Indoor Teams |
| 2013 | U10 | 3rd/4th | 7v7 | Fall + Spring Leagues | |
| 2012* | U11 | 4th/5th | 9v9 | Fall (League + Cup) Spring (League) | U11-15 Fall Teams U11-14 Spring Teams Summer Tournaments Futsal Academy Indoor Teams |
| 2011 | U12 | 5th/6th | 9v9 | Fall (League + Cup) Spring (League) |
|
| 2010** | U13 | 6th/7th | 11v11 | Fall (League + Cup) Spring (League) |
|
| 2009 | U14 | 7th/8th | 11v11 | Fall (League + Cup) Spring (League) |
|
| 2008*** | U15 | 8th/9th | 11v11 | Fall (League + Cup) Winter (League + Cup) | U11-15 Fall Teams U15+ Winter Teams Summer Tournaments |
| 2007 | U16 | 9th/10th | 11v11 | Winter (League + Cup) | U15+ Winter Teams Summer Tournaments |
| 2006 | U17 | 10th/11th | 11v11 | Winter (League + Cup) | |
| 2005 | U18 | 11th/12th | 11v11 | Winter (League + Cup) | |
| 2004 | U19 | 12th | 11v11 | Winter (League + Cup) | |
| *At U11 players age up from the Valley Academy League to the Timbers & Thorns Leagues and transition to a 9v9 game format. **At U13 players transition from the 9v9 to the 11v11 game format. ***U15 players (born in 2008) can choose between fall league and cup and winter/spring league and cup programs. Players wanting to participate year round can do both. |
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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.
2022 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: $145-$185 per camp.
PROGRAM DETAILS
TOURNAMENT TEAMS (U8-U20)
Various tournaments in June/July/August for teams age U10-U20. This year we are focussing primarily on the Capital Cup (Salem) in June and the Mt. Hood Challenge (Portland) in August. Tournaments are single weekend events, usually Friday-Sunday, typically including four games. Teams train for three weeks leading up to the tournament weekend. Possible locations include Salem, Bend, and the larger Portland area. Cost: $150 per tournament.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Capital Cup Dates: June 17-19 (U13+) / June 24-26 (U8-10)
Mt Hood Challenge Dates: August 5-7 (U8-19)
Match Format: Four game gaurantee for most events
Training Format: Train 2-3/week for three weeks leading up to each tournament
Cost: $150 per tournament
TRAINING ONLY SKILLS ACADEMY (U9-U20)
Players who are looking for training opportunities in the summer but are not available for tournament weekends can participate in team training sessions leading up to the Capital Cup and Mt. Hood Challenge. The program will run in two segments of three weeks each, the first in June and the second from mid July to early August.
NOTE: This is a training only program with no game schedule. Players wanting competition should choose the Capital Cup and/or Mt. Hood Challenge tournament options.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: June 1-23 + July 18-August 4
Sessions: 2-3 sessions per week, 75-90 minutes each
Times: Evenings between 5pm and 8pm
Locations: TBD
Cost: $150
SUMMER FOUNDATIONS ACADEMY (U5-U8)
For U5-U8 players (2015-2018 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 (4-8 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 six weeks from early July through late August (total of six practices and three game days).
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Jul 11 - Aug 19 (exact days TBD)
Times: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: TBD
Training: One 60 minute session per week
Games: 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of program; jamborees consisting of 3-4 mini games between Foundations Academy groups (2v2, 3v3 or 4v4 format)
Cost: $50
2022 Fall Programs
U11-U15 TEAMS (2012-2008 BIRTH YEARS)
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 29 - Nov 20
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Location: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane)
Cost: $500 (register by 7/25) / $525 (register after 7/25)
U9-U10 TEAMS (2015-2013 BIRTH YEARS)
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 29 - Nov 2
Training Sessions per week: 2
Training Location: TBD
Cost: $300 (register by 8/1) / $315 (register after 8/1)
2022-23 Winter Programs
U15+ TEAMS (2008-2004 BIRTH YEARS)
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 7
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Location: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane)
Cost: $750 (Winter League + Spring Cup) / $625 (Winter League Only)
FUTSAL SKILLS ACADEMY (U8-U14)
For U8-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. Second session of the week is typically used for game play. Sessions are indoor, usually at Willamalane’s Bob Keefer Center (adjacent to Les Schwab Sports Park) or at the Sheldon Community Center.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Nov 28 - Feb 10 (no training during winter break, 12/17-1/1)
Location: Bob Keefer Center or Sheldon Community Center
Sessions: Two sessions per week, 60 minutes each
Times: Evenings between 4pm and 8:30pm
Cost: $200
WINTER INDOOR TEAMS (U8-U14)
For 2nd-8th grade players (U8-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: $90
WINTER FOUNDATIONS ACADEMY (U5-U8)
For U5-U8 players (2015-2018 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. Runs for eight weeks in January and February (total of eight practices). All sessions are held indoors on court or artificial turf surfaces.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: Jan 2 - Feb 24 (eight weeks)
Location: Sheldon Community or Bob Keefer Center
Times: TBD
Training: One 45-60 minute session per week
Cost: $50
2023 Spring Programs
U11-U14 TEAMS (2012-2008 BIRTH YEARS)
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-U14)
Dates: Feb 20 - May 7
Training Sessions per week: 2-3
Training Locations: Les Schwab Sport Park (Willamalane), Maurie Jacobs Park, Marist HS
Cost: $400
U9-U10 TEAMS (2015-2013 BIRTH YEARS)
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: Feb 27 - May 5
Training Sessions per week: 2
Training Location: Les Schwab Sports Park
Cost: $300 (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 partipation comprises dedicated training sessions in which candidates are educated as coaches coupled with regular opportunities to work alongside senior coaching staff to train and mentor younger players in our U8 and U10 academy programs. There is no fee for participation.
To date, more than thirty youth coaches have graduated from our Coach Development Academy to join our paid coaching staff. Log in to your Sports Connect account to enroll your player.
COACH DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 22-23 CALENDAR
| Theme | Description | Dates | Time | Location | Attendance Requirements* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDA Candidate Training - Intro & Foundations Academy Prep | CDA Candidates receive training in mentoring U5-U8 players in preparation for the summer Foundations Academy | Thursday, July 7 | 5:00-7:00pm | Maurie Jacobs Park | Miss only if unavoidable |
| Summer Coaching - Foundations Academy | Assist with U8 academy sessions in July and August | Thursdays 7/14, 7/21, 7/28 8/4, 8/11, 8/18 | 4:45-6:30pm | Maurie Jacobs Park | Absences are allowed as needed to accommodate vacation plans, etc. |
| CDA Candidate Training - Fall Preseason | CDA Candidates receive training in mentoring U8-U10 players in preparation for assisting with fall teams | Friday, August 26 | 5:00-7:00pm | Maurie Jacobs Park | Miss only if unavoidable |
| Fall Coaching - PFA U10 Teams | Assist with U10 academy team trainings in September and October | Season dates: August 29 - Oct 30 Training dates: TBD (usually M/W) | 5:00-6:15pm &/or 6:15-7:30pm | TBD | Participate in a minimum of two U10 sessions per month. Games optional. |
| CDA Candidate Training - Fall Recap & Futsal Academy Prep | CDA Candidates review fall coaching experiences and receive training in preparation for the winter Futsal Academy | Tuesday, November 22 | TBD | TBD | Miss only if unavoidable |
| Winter Coaching - Futsal Academy | Assist with Futsal Academy trainings in December, January, and February | Season dates: November 28 - February 24 Training dates: TBD | TBD | Bob Keefer Center &/or Sheldon Community Center | Participate in a minimum of two sessions per month. |
| CDA Candidate Training - Winter Recap & Spring Preseason | CDA Candidates review winter coaching experiences and receive training in preparation for assisting with spring teams | Friday, February 17 | 5:00-7:00pm | TBD | Miss only if unavoidable |
| Spring Coaching - PFA U10 Teams | Assist with U10 academy team trainings in March and April | Season dates: February 27 - May 7 Training dates: TBD (usually M/W) | 5:00-6:15pm &/or 6:15-7:30pm | TBD | Participate in a minimum of two U10 sessions per month. Games optional. |
| CDA Candidate Training | TBD | Tuesday, May 9 | 5:00-7:00pm | TBD | Miss only if unavoidable |
| CDA Candidate Training | TBD | Tuesday, May 16 | 5:00-7:00pm | TBD | Miss only if unavoidable |
| CDA 22-23 Year End Recap | Review coaching experiences from the 22-23 season and look ahead to 23-24 | Tuesday, May 23 | 5:00-7:00pm | TBD | Miss only if unavoidable |
| *CDA Candidates are expected to do their best to attend as often as possible, but conflicting family plans and players' own team training sessions and games will take precedence over CDA responsibilities. Please communicate with instructors ahead of time whenever you are unable to attend. | |||||