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The NDFC Pre-Development Academy is likely to be a player’s early experiences of soccer. We strive to focus on helping those motivated young players build a secure and confident connection with the ball – one that allows experimentation, creativity and exploration. At this stage it is about the FUNdamentals of the game of soccer and we want to ensure the kids develop that love of the game.

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This Pre-Development Academy does this by:

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1. Exploring different ways to master the ball (moves to beat players)

2. Encouraging creativity during games

3. Developing a love for dribbling and running with the ball

4. Building confidence through fun games

5. Focusing on ABC's and fundamental movements (agility, balance and coordination)

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In addition, this program will be used to further identify players for our Development Program for Fall/Winter League 2023. Please note, any player that is currently registered for the Fall/Winter League program or will register for the Spring League program will also be assessed throughout the season.

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The Development Program is our more competitive level and requires a higher level of commitment and skill level than our club program.  Players are assessed and invited to be a part of the program.  This program starts at the U8 age group and carries on until U18.   The number of teams and training groups formed each year and age group may vary based on the pool of players and their skill level.  Commitment to this program is essential, and attendance and punctuality to games and training are extremely important.

The Development Program consists of two components for the U8 age group are as follows: 

• Development Teams – Players who are invited to play on a development team will have two training sessions per week and one game per week and possible tournaments throughout the season.

• Training Groups – Players who are invited to the Training Group will have two training sessions per week:  one training session in the Academy Program with like-minded players, one training session with the Club Team, one game per week with the Club Team

The target of the training group is to continue developing selected players to a more competitive environment in preparation for a possible move into a Development Team.  Players selected for a Training Group will continue to train and play with their Club Teams but will also be training in the Academy Program once a week.

In this program, there is the potential for player movement if necessary, at the discretion of the Technical Staff and Team Coaches to ensure players are positioned in the best playing environment for their skill level.  Throughout the season, there will be ongoing assessments of players and player movement.  Every effort will be made to ensure that players are placed in their correct environment.

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The technical staff will be meeting in late May/early June, and invites will be sent via email.  Once invitations are sent out, players will have 7 days to accept and pay the registration fees to secure a spot in the program.

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