U9 Development Academy Team

NGS is pleased to offer a U9 Development Academy Team for select second graders. The Academy Program is a part of NGS and combines the best aspects of professionally-coached club soccer with the unique strengths and conveniences of Newton Girls Soccer. We currently field competitive and development teams for Grades 3 – 8. The U9 Development Team introduces our Academy program to NGS 2nd graders.

Learn more about the Newton Academy Program.

Participating in this 2nd grade program does not guarantee players a spot for the 3rd Grade Academy Program and beyond. Each year, the highest skilled players are invited to join the Academy Program based on coach evaluations and Travel assessments. 

The U9 Development Academy Team focuses on developing fundamental technical skills in preparation for 3rd grade NGS Travel and Academy soccer.  There are no tryouts for this age group.  However, parents should carefully consider their child’s readiness before registering, as the program falls on the more competitive side of the NGS Spectrum of Play.  

Note: If the U9 Development Academy Team does not seem to fit your daughter’s level of skill and interest, NGS also offers a Skills Development Program. This program is also professionally coached but is suitable for all levels of NGS players. The focus is on player development and enjoyment of the game!

U9 Development Academy Team Candidate Qualifications

  • Planning to register for NGS Juniors Grade 2 soccer for Fall 2023 – Spring 2024
  • Highly motivated and seeking an increased challenge
  • Have the drive and time to commit to additional training beyond a weekly practice and game with their NGS parent-led Juniors team 
  • On-track to play NGS Travel soccer in 3rd grade 
  • Desires to play soccer with like-minded, competitive peers
  • A player CANNOT concurrently play for both a private club team and a Newton Academy or Development Academy team. This is a conflict of interest and not allowed by any league.

Commitment

  • Participants will commit to three seasons: fall, winter, and spring 2023 – 2024.
  • Players will be on two teams
    • U9 Development Academy professionally coached team (training only)
    • 2nd grade Juniors program parent-led team (must participate to be eligible for the U9 Development Academy)

2023 – 2024 Program Details

ParticipantsNGS 2nd graders, who are highly motivated and seeking an increased challenge before starting travel soccer in 3rd grade.
Pre-requisitePlayers must participate in the 2nd grade Juniors parent-led team (weekly training and games) to be eligible for the U9 Development Academy.
SelectionThere are no tryouts. All interested, qualified players may register for the program until it is full.
CoachesThe team work with professional NGS staff coaches.
CurriculumThe focus is on fundamental technical skills such as ball mastery, dribbling, striking technique and 1v1 beat the defenders moves.
Season DatesSeptember 2023 - June 2024
PracticesPlayers train throughout the fall and spring on Tuesday nights for 60 minutes.

Winter training is scheduled once per week on a weeknight or Saturday TBD.

All practices are coordinated with both programs (Juniors City and U9 Development Academy) to minimize schedule conflicts.
UniformPlayers wear a navy-blue practice jersey, purchased for $36 through the NGS Store.
Fee$725.

Installment plans are available.
Refund PolicyCancellations made by October 31 are eligible for a partial refund. $305 is nonrefundable. If fees were paid in full, $420 will be refunded. Players on an installment plan will have their $420 balance voided.

After October 31, there are no refunds unless the program is canceled or the player has a season-ending injury. If a player has a season-ending injury or illness, she may receive a prorated refund. A note from a doctor must be submitted within two weeks of the injury.
Registration DatesMid May - Late June.

Registration is first-come, first-served and accepted until the program is full. Last year, the program was filled within days of registration opening.

Late registrants may join the waitlist.