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 will introduce 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 will focus 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 2022 – Spring 2023
  • 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 Juniors team 
  • On-track to play NGS Travel soccer in 3rd grade 
  • Desires to play soccer with like-minded, competitive peers

Commitment

  • Participants will commit to three seasons: fall, winter, and spring 2022 – 2023.
  • 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)

2022 – 2023 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 will work directly with NGS DOC Shaun McBrien, as well as other professional coaches on staff.
CurriculumThe focus will be on fundamental technical skills such as ball mastery, dribbling, striking technique and 1v1 beat the defenders moves.
Season DatesSeptember 2022 - June 2023
PracticesPlayers will train in the fall and spring on Tuesday nights 5:00 - 6:00 pm. The Winter practice session time is TBD. All practices will be coordinated with both programs (Juniors City and U9 Development Academy) to minimize schedule conflicts.
UniformPlayers will wear a navy-blue practice jersey, purchased for an additional fee through the NGS Store.
Fee$725. May be paid in full or in three installments: $305 due at registration. $210 due November 15. $210 due January 15.
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 DatesMay 15 - June 30, 2022. After June 30, late registrations will be accepted only if there is still space available. Registration is first-come, first-served. Last year, the program was filled within days of registration opening.