The U9 through U12 Academy Program is an alternative to the traditional recreational and select (traveling) team programs. It offers the opportunity for the advanced development of young soccer players. This program is a league for boys and girls ages 9-12 years old. Players participate and development in a fund rewarding, and competitive arena, while emphasizing proper skills and training techniques.

The Academy follows a training curriculum that is fun while allowing for optimal player development. The ultimate goal of this program is youth player development. This program follows the guidelines and recommendations of Missouri Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation. All teams are trained by professional Club coaches to provide the players with the best possible foundation of skills and knowledge of the game.

The players will be selected through an evaluation process then placed on a team with players of similar ability. Throughout the season, games will be played against other Pride Academy teams and against other local clubs’ Academy teams. Players within the teams may be rotated and exchanged from team to team throughout the season.

Team training occurs biweekly with games on weekends. Additional training opportunities, along with speed and agility training, will be available and encouraged. Academy teams will have the option to participate in tournaments during the year.

Academy soccer emphasizes maximum development of individual skills, and provides the opportunity to apply those skills in competitive environments; including intramurals, league play and tournament competition. Young players with commitment, skills and a positive attitude will find Academy soccer to be a good introduction to U13-U18 competition. Acceptance to the Columbia Soccer Club Academy program is based on player evaluations throughout the year and during tryouts in June.