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WHAT IS TOTAL SOCCER ACADEMY
We hope to develop the most elite players Utah has to offer & provide players with collegiate and professional pathways and playing opportunities.
Research in youth sports outlines three levels of sporting participation:
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Recreation - players participate for pure enjoyment
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Competition - players participate to progress to higher levels of performance
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Elite - players exude the highest levels of dedication in an attempt to reach the highest levels of the sport (i.e., college, professional)
Total Soccer Academy is an elite organization.
We do not play in the local competition league (i.e., UYSA).
Rather, we train, play friendly matches, and attend top tournaments around the country, exposing our players to the highest level of competition possible, as well as higher-level opportunities for continuation within the sport.
HOW WE DEVELOP OUR PLAYERS
We take a holistic and individual-focused approach to player development. This means we recognize at least four aspects that affect individual player performance development:
Technical
the ability of a player to control and manipulate the ball in order to achieve certain outcomes during a game.
Tactical
refers to knowledge of the game itself, which affects the the types and timing of our in-game decisions.
Physical
the player’s ability to physically carry out tasks during a game, such as sprinting, changing direction, jumping, etc.
Mental
refers to the cognitive and psychosocial factors underlying each action during a game.
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE
We help our players develop skills and abilities in each of these four areas, as well as to build the connections between them, by providing the following training experiences.
Team Training Sessions
We provide high level coaching in a professional environment 3-4 times a week. At least 2-3 coaches will attend each session.
Tactical Film Sessions
We run periodic online meetings highlighting tactical aspects from past academy games or from professional examples.
Speed & Agility Sessions
These weekly sessions with a dedicated strength and conditioning coach focus solely on improving physical performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Mental Toughness Sessions
Players attend bi-weekly sessions covering various topics within sport and performance psychology.
