We took a good look into the SPDC soccer education program that is basically based on the highest national and international standards of youth education for boys and girls to prepare players for top-level soccer. They offer (from what we can see) a solid program which includes both technical and tactical elements of the game for both field players and goalkeepers.
The training programs look to be designed very well to improve the total athlete on the field, so that they can gain an advantage over the competition at the competitive travel and academy level. I like how they underline the fact that they offer players a comprehensive view of the game and, with their versatility, help ensure that players enjoy training and learning to understand the game and positions. They firmly support field players and goalkeepers in realizing and achieving their full potential by maintaining and promoting high soccer-specific standards in a supportive, players orientated environment.
With the experience, knowledge, extensive and successful history in professional soccer at highest level as players, coaches and managers, they know what it takes to become a successful soccer player.
The SPDC Academy is affiliated with the Bundasliga soccer club VfB Stuttgart sharing the same pattern of player development!
Their professional training is an important addition to any players regular club training.
The practice sessions are one, two or three times per week in the mornings or afternoons and on weekends. So there is a lot of flexibility depending if your child is homeschooled or not.
The training times will be agreed with the parents so that the training schedule will not get in conflict with your club training or school.
The curriculum is designed around the boys and girls after evaluating them first and the players will be divided in different age groups based on experience and skillset. The players receive enough time to train and perfect technical, and later tactical requirements, after an introduction. In addition to the technical, tactical and conditional training modules, the SPDC coaches also focus on creativity and willingness to make decisions. This has a special role, as it can be an increasingly important factor for a successful transition from youth players to adult soccer and we agree with SPDC that this is crucial for a soccer players pathway to professionalism or to be ready at a college level. Creativity and strong decision making are complex that is made up of the aforementioned training modules modules of technology, tactics and stamina. What we did like more than anything is that they train close to the game action and high number of repetitions.
Basic practice up till under 13 years of age
Training of the basic technical skills, a lot of ball and footwork, no clear positions ( train regardless of position), training of the individual processes in defensive and offensive play, tactical group work to understand the basics of the game.
Advanced training from 13 – 16 years of age
Tactical behavior will be added as well as position training.
Stabilization and improvement of learned technical skills, learn to play under time and pressure.
Center of excellence 16 – 18 years
Players must be ready to compete a top level.
These are discussed with the players as needed, but at least after each training semester.
The most important aspect, outside the training units and the personal development, in conveying the joy and fun of the game because we can only achieve goals together if we have a positive attitude.
THE SPDC RESIDENTIAL ACADEMY – Starting in fall 2024
Domestic and international players program
The goal is guiding US and international players, grades 9-12, on a journey that starts with their high school education and is completed with
- signing a professional contract or
- their ultimate acceptance into many of the top universities and colleges around the United States.
Advantages of our soccer residential program
Next to the high quality of coaching and the intensive training you´ll build a consistent routine and a structured schedule.
- The excellent combination between professional soccer training and school is the launch pad for a professional soccer career either if you start in College or turn direct to be a pro player after High School.
- Valuable experience: The residential school students experience intensive cooperation in the group, at the same time they learn to compete and measure themselves against others.
- Optimum support in competitive sports, simultaneous development of a school-professional perspective.
- Tutoring, homework help to reconcile school and sporting challenges in the best possible way.
- A consistent, competitive attitude leads to strong personalities.
- The graduates leave the school as established personalities. They know how to transfer what they have learned in soccer to their professional career.
Accommodation
The students live either with host families or in or own dorms, this is for parents and players to decide.
They openly meet their guest students with a lot of warmth and joy that they have a lot to offer their “guest child”. The “guest children” are fully integrated into everyday family life and thus get to know the “American way of life. The families are selected, checked and prepared by the trained homestay coordinators in the St. Augustine (Florida) school district. The homestay coordinators are also the supervisors for the students and help with questions and problems.
PATHWAY TO COLLEGE
Many players have the goal to receive a scholarship at one of the many colleges around the US. As a SPDC academy player, they will know you very well on the pitch and can assess your performance.
George Duangmanee, CEO of College Recruiting Service, is the expert at SPDC and a professional at recruiting young athletes to colleges. He is dedicated to making many young soccer players dreams come true. George has the best and most trusted college connections and always strives to find you the “right fit college”.
Overall, it is great to see that someone is taking soccer training very seriously in the area of St. Augustine and we think they’ll soon be a leader in soccer very soon here in central-north Florida. We will be visiting very often SPDC and update our article with new information as they start their operations.
The very best of luck to SPDC coaches and staff… Even if they wont need it 🙂