Pre-Travel Soccer Academy

The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy is a special program designed specifically for 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade boys and girls (U8, U9, and U10) who show a strong interest and ability in soccer, excel on their current teams, and are ready for a more competitive and challenging environment.

The focus is on introducing young players to professional coaching and technical development and providing some exposure to what travel soccer is like. The training environment is perfect for U8, U9, and U10 boys and girls who love the game of soccer and are motivated to learn new skills under the guidance of our professional travel coaches – All of whom hold U.S. Soccer coaching licenses.


The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy is our club’s bridge program between recreational and travel soccer for U8-U10 boys and girls. It prepares young players for the transition into the pathway to travel soccer by offering a higher level of training and competition while keeping the focus on fun and development.



Coaching

The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy is run by professional NPSC coaches. Their training sessions follow an age-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes technical skill development and introduces simple tactical concepts. The goal is to deliver the highest-quality training environment for young athletes interested in preparing to join travel soccer.

Program Details

Northern Piedmont Sports Club rec soccer schedule

Program Mission

The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy prioritizes player development, aiming to cultivate athletes capable of excelling at the travel level and beyond. Our commitment lies in fostering comprehensive growth, encompassing both on-the-field skills and personal development. We strive to enhance technical skill, game sense, instill a strong work ethic, and ignite a deep, lifelong passion for the sport. We believe in cultivating a supportive club culture, where each player feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Curriculum

The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy curriculum emphasizes individual skills, challenging players to become more comfortable, confident, and creative with their skills. Activities and games will follow the best practices of US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and United Soccer Coaches. Each week of training will feature a specific theme, which will build off the themes from previous weeks. Curriculum will cover:


  • Fast food work
  • Ball mastery
  • Dribbling
  • Passing
  • Receiving
  • Shooting
  • 1 v 1, 2 v 1, 2 v 2, etc small-sided skills and tactics



Program Goals

 

  • Develop technical skills: dribbling, 1v1s, passing, receiving, ball-striking, and goalscoring


  • Create smarter players: improving perception and decision-making on and off the ball


  • Enhance motor skills & fitness: coordination, balance, agility, and speed


  • Foster love for the game: building passion, confidence, and joy in playing


  • Prepare for travel soccer: equipping players for a smooth and confident transition


Pre-Travel Academy Program Fees

Children playing soccer for Northern Piedmont Sports Club

The NPSC Pre-Travel Academy is a stand-alone program that is open to all U8, U9, and U10 boys and girls, from anywhere, whether or not they are currently registered in one of NPSC’s soccer programs.


  • Current registrant in NPSC recreational soccer - $100 per season

  • Not currently registered in NPSC recreational soccer - $150 per season

  • Boys and girls currently registered in a recreational program with another club are eligible



For more information on the Pre-Travel Soccer Academy, contact Technical Director-Soccer Doug Orr at TD_Soccer@npscunited.org.