NGS Academy Key Elements and Details

Key Elements and Philosophy of the Program

NGS Academy combines the best aspects of professionally coached club soccer with the unique strengths of Newton Girls Soccer, including:

  • Highly qualified, experienced coaches to lead all practices and coach all games
  • An aim to strike a healthy balance for our young multi-talented athletes and actively address issues such as burnout and overuse injuries
  • Practices and home games in Newton
  • Focus on four pillars of player development: Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychological with the aim to maximize a player’s full potential
  • Emphasis on girl-centric and positive coaching
  • Academy Teams follow the ‘Play the NGS Way’ club style of play along with specific age group curriculum to create a positive and competitive playing environment
  • Practices coordinated with NGS Travel team practice schedules to minimize conflicts
  • Supplemental specialized skills clinics enhance and challenge our players’ development
  • Comprehensive player evaluations allow coaches and players to set goals and improve player progress
  • Professional goalkeeper training offered for those interested in playing in the goalie position
  • Monthly Newsletter and our Academy Instagram to celebrate our Academy teams and share pertinent program information

2023 – 2024 Coaching Assignments Coming Soon

2023 – 2024 Program Details

U10 - U15 Academy TeamsU10 Development TeamsU09 Development Teams
OverviewAcademy Teams offer our highest skilled players professional training as well as an opportunity to play competitive club games on Sundays. We provide three-season training, scrimmages, supplemental skills sessions, futsal, tournaments, access to the NECSL and more.U10 Development Teams primarily offer a “training only” experience for some of our highest skilled players. We provide three-seasons of professional training, scrimmages, supplemental skills sessions, futsal, and more.U9 Development Teams offer three seasons of professional training to 2nd graders who want to train with like-minded, competitive peers to improve fundamental technical skills.
AgeU10 - U15 (3rd - 8th grades)

We offer one or two Academy teams per age group. The number of teams that we form varies depending on the number of applicants in each age group and their skill level.

Teams are created using player birth year, grade, or a combination of both. With this hybrid approach, we create the most competitive teams possible that can play at the highest appropriate level.
U10 (3rd grade)

We offer one or two 3rd grade development teams. The number of teams offered varies depending on the number of interested 3rd graders and their skill level.

Development teams are grade based.
U09 (2nd grade)

We offer one or two 2nd grade development teams. The number of teams offered varies depending on the number of interested 2nd graders.

Development teams are grade based.
Eligibility / SelectionThese are our highest skilled players. They perform at the top of their age level, usually with a division 1 or 2 travel team. Interested players are ranked and invited to participate based on NGS Travel Assessment results, along with evaluations by professional coaching staff. There are no separate tryouts for this program.


Must also be on a NGS travel team.

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.
This program is ideal for highly skilled players who aren’t yet ready for the commitment or competition level of an Academy team. Players are invited to join based on NGS Travel Assessment results, along with evaluations by professional coaching staff. There are no separate tryouts for this program.

Must also be on a NGS travel team.

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.
Highly motivated players who are seeking an increased challenge and are on-track to play NGS Travel soccer in 3rd grade are invited to register.

We offer our limited spots on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no tryouts for this age group.

Must also be on a NGS 2nd grade Juniors parent-led team.

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.
CommitmentThis program caters to players who are highly committed to making soccer a priority for fall, winter, and spring seasons. Participants must attend a minimum of 75% of team activities in addition to their NGS Travel or Juniors team commitments. Depending on the team, activities may include practices, games, and / or tournaments, including Memorial Day weekend.

Our Academy spots are in high demand and our coaches stress player dedication to maximize player development and build a successful team experience. If you are not able to make a practice or game, you are expected to communicate this to the coach in a timely manner.

By committing to this team, our players agree that they will not train or play games with another club without permission from NGS and the Academy Program. As a policy, we discourage our players from participating in outside private club soccer or futsal training sessions, games, or events. In some instances, participation in nonconflicting events may be allowed, but each family must seek permission from the player's Academy coach BEFORE doing so.

Per NECSL league regulations, players are permitted to play for only one Club in the league. No player may be registered on two NECSL Member Clubs at the same time.
Practices: Fall / Spring11v11 teams: 60-minute technical training session on Mondays and 90-minute team practice on Wednesdays.

9v9 teams: 60-minute technical training session on Mondays and 80-minute team practice on Wednesdays.

7v7 teams: 80-minute team practice on Wednesdays.
80-minute training session every week on Wednesdays.60-minute training session every week on Tuesdays.
Practices: Winter11v11 teams: One indoor, 90-minute team practice per week. Weeknight TBD.

9v9 teams: One indoor, 60- or 75-minute team practice per week. Weeknight TBD.

7v7 teams: One indoor, 60- or 75-minute team practice per week. Weeknight TBD.
One indoor, 60-minute practice per week. Weeknight TBD. One indoor, 60-minute practice per week. Weeknight or Saturday TBD.
GamesTeams participate in NECSL in the fall and spring. Games are on Sundays and are usually under an hour away.

In the winter, teams scrimmage in futsal and soccer at nearby indoor locations on several Saturdays.
No games spring or fall. U10 Development teams are “training only” for fall and spring.

In the winter, teams scrimmage in futsal and soccer at nearby indoor locations on several Saturdays.
No games. U9 development teams are “training only”.
TournamentsTeams will participate in one - two tournaments, including the NEFC March Showcase and a Memorial Day Weekend tournament.May participate in a Memorial Day tournament depending on interest.No tournaments are planned at this time.
UniformsUniforms are not included in the program fee.

A NEFC / Newton Academy uniform kit is required for games. The bundle with home and away uniforms costs $155 (after NEFC discount) and is purchased through WeGotSoccer.

Practice uniform consists of a navy jersey, shorts, and sky-blue socks. The practice bundle costs $74 and is purchased through the NGS Store.

Training suits and soccer bags are optional.
Uniforms are not included in the program fee.

Practice uniform consists of a navy jersey, shorts, and sky-blue socks. The practice bundle costs $74 and is purchased through the NGS Store.

Training suits and soccer bags are optional.
Uniforms are not included in the program fee.

Players wear a navy-blue practice jersey. The jersey costs $36 and is purchased through the NGS Store.
Program Fee$2030*$780*$725
Fee includes 3 seasons (fall, winter, spring) and covers all costs associated with the program features described above. Installment plans are available.

*Fees have increased modestly since last season due to program improvements, inflation, and loss of NPS gym space requiring us to rent private facilities.
Registration Time FrameLate April - Early June

- Respond to our survey to express interest in the program.

- Register for the travel program and assessments in SportsConnect ($460)

- Register for the academy program in SportsConnect ($0)

- Participate in travel assessments

- Invitations are extended over a period of several weeks. Academy rosters are filled before invitations are made for Development teams.

- Invited players have 48 hours to accept the roster spot and make a payment.
Mid May - Late June

Registrations are accepted until the program is full, then players are added to the waitlist. Last year, the program was filled within days of registration opening.
RefundsRegistrants of the Academy and U10 Development Academy are NOT eligible for refunds. Only register if you are 100% committed. There are two exceptions to our refund policy:

- Registrants may receive a pro-rated refund of applicable registration fees if a season is entirely canceled due to league cancellations, school closures or other unforeseen circumstances. NGS Academy is a three-season program: fall, winter, and spring. Each season is valued at approximately 1/3 of the annual registration fee. Refunds will be reviewed and approved by the NGS Board of Directors and will be set at a level appropriate to the circumstances.


- If a player has a season-ending injury, she may receive a prorated refund. You must notify your coach and submit a note from a doctor to the registrar within two weeks of the injury.
Cancellations 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.
Financial AidWe offer limited, need-based financial assistance for the Academy program. NGS uses the HUD Section 8 Income Limits for our region as a benchmark for scholarship eligibility. After you receive the invitation to join the academy, email the registrar to accept your invitation and request financial aid. Then, complete an application form. If financial assistance is approved, we will send you registration instructions via email. We are also able to set up extended payment plans.