U11 Boys - Jr Phoenix

U11/U12 Junior Phoenix Outline

For Who?  
U11 male and female players born 2009 

U12 male and female players born 2008

About Junior Phoenix 

An age and stage related beginning to our Performance Player Pathway, with focus on the development of young players and coaches. With a player centred approach, we are better able to address the needs of young players with greater efficiency and effectiveness. We provide a Long-Term Player Development inspired program that will include a holistic curriculum and plan with purposeful training and growth opportunities for the passionate player and coach.

Program Entry 

All players interested in playing with the Junior Phoenix U11 & U12 program will participate in an assessment process. The Assessment process encompasses sessions allowing players to showcase their talent and passion through small sided games. Additionally, in-season assessments as well as in season coach's reports will be key criteria in the placement process.  Those players who are not asked to commit to the program after the assessment are placed in the SPDSA community program.  The SPDSA Technical Department offers Academy programs (additional fees applicable) for players interested in developing their technical abilities and physical literacy.

Team Formation Philosophy - U11 / U12 

At this age, the SPDSA Technical Staff will be looking at creating two balanced teams (2 - U11 and 2 - U12 in each gender) with a minimum of 12 players per team. From time to time the number of teams and players may be altered based on circumstances that are out of the SPDSA's control. Examples would be, but not limited to the following:

• Not enough players to create 2 teams based on registrations and/or players at the appropriate level 

• The disparity of current ability between players at assessments is too significant to create 2 balanced teams, which would allow the SPDSA to place players in an environment that will allow them to succeed. 

If either of the above is observed the technical staff may alter team formation to one of the following: 

• Create one team 
• Create two teams, where players of similar current ability are placed together. The teams will be placed in a league that the technical staff determines would be appropriate for the development of the players. 
• Create two teams and one developmental team. The teams will be placed in a league that the technical staff determines would be appropriate for the development of the players. 

Coaching 
Qualified Technical Leads are appointed to deliver, manage, and lead the program assisted and supported by volunteer development coaches. 

A full seasonal plan and curriculum guides all coaches through the program supported by the SPDSA Technical Department staff. 

The best qualities of a coach for this stage of player are: 

• Enthusiastic and encouraging 
• Looks and acts the part 

• Has standards 
• Knows the subject and the players 
• Demonstrates 
• Stimulates ideas and makes it fun 

*Coaching scenario subject to adjustment 

The Season 

Throughout the season players and coaches commit to training and playing Four times a week. Two sessions are led by the SPDSA technical staff involving team coaches. One Team Session lead by the coach.  The Technical Leads will also be involved with one game per week.  Playing days will be determined as per EIYSA or EMSA. 

Season Length - 16 weeks starting early April ending late July or early August. 

Approximately 4.5 - 5 hours of soccer per week 

Technical practices will be 75 - 90 minutes long   

A Strength & Conditioning component will be introduced to the curriculum. For the U11 to U12 age groups, this will be more Physical Literacy oriented.? There will be approx. 6 sessions that will be scheduled throughout the Outdoor Season which are included in the fees. Sessions will take place in addition to the technical and team sessions at Firstline. Teams that wish to have more than the 6 sessions, can book them directly with Firstline for an additional cost.

Game and Tournament Play 

Teams will be placed in appropriate league play. All players will play based upon equal play principles throughout the season and be exposed to multiple roles. Our philosophy is to provide players the best opportunity to develop with age and stage appropriate competition that enhances game understanding and passion for play with the focus on individual player development. Coaches are supported by the Technical Department and are provided ongoing coaching development opportunities.

Days of Play - To be determined by competition organization 

Games Format 8 v 8 (7 v 7 plus goalkeepers) with offside in effect and unlimited substitutions 

Limited Tournament play is possible at the discretion of the team with approval of Technical Lead /Department? 

Registration and Fees 
Fee $675 (includes League Fees & Tryout Fee) 

The SPDSA has extended the payment dates for our Phoenix programs.  When you register for the Package that includes the $20.00 tryout fee, the payments will be as follows:  

Initial Payment: $225.00 Collected at time of Registration 

Second Payment: $225.00 March 31st, 2020 

Third Payment: $225.00 April 15th, 2020 

Fee $695 - Tryout Only

When you register for the Package that does not include the $20.00 tryout fee, the payments will be as follows:  

Initial Payment: $20.00 Collected at time of Registration 

Second Payment: $225.00 March 25th, 2020 

Third Payment: $225.00 April 1st, 2020 

Final Payment: $225.00 April 15th, 2020 

Jerseys are provided with deposit. Players are required to provide their own shin pads and soccer shoes. Each player will be required to have a pair of Phoenix shorts and socks, which can be purchased at Sluggos Free Kick. 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY - YOU MUST REGISTER ONLINE PRIOR TO ASSESSMENTS. WALK UP REGISTRATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. 

For further information on the Phoenix Fee structure, please go to the Phoenix Information page by clicking here