Academy and Select Programs
Academy Program
for U8 and Up
The Academy Program is designed for players who are developing foundational soccer skills and preparing for future competitive opportunities.
- Training 3x/week for 11 weeks in the fall and 10 weeks in the spring.
- 16 Weeks of Indoor Winter Training with training 3x/week.
- More Than 200 Hours of Coaching.
- Northwoods League match participation (day-travel to Escanaba, Ironwood, Marquette, and Houghton).
- May be considered for tournament opportunities based on player readiness, team needs, roster availability, and coach recommendation. Tournament participation is not guaranteed.
Select (Tournament) Program
for U11 and Up
The Select Program is designed for players who are ready for additional competitive opportunities while continuing to focus on long-term development.
- Training 3x/week for 11 weeks in the fall and 10 weeks in the spring.
- 16 Weeks of Indoor Winter Training with training 3x/week.
- More Than 200 Hours of Coaching.
- Northwoods League match participation (day-travel to Escanaba, Ironwood, Marquette, and Houghton).
- Tournament participation, typically two tournaments in the fall and three tournaments in the spring.
- Demonstrate a commitment to attending team training sessions, league matches, and tournament events, as consistent participation supports both individual development and team success.
U8 Academy
All U8 players participate in the Academy Program.
At this stage, the focus is on skill development, enjoyment of the game, and building a strong soccer foundation.
U8 players do not participate in tournament play but may participate in Northwoods League matches when age-appropriate opportunities are available.
U9-U10 Academy
U9-U10 players participate in the Academy Program and may have opportunities for tournament participation as they develop.
Tournament participation is evaluated throughout the year based on player development, team readiness, roster composition, and interest. U9–U10 teams may attend tournaments listed on the club schedule when there is coach approval and enough players interested (a minimum of 9 players are needed). Tournament participation is not guaranteed and may vary from year to year.
If a U9–U10 team participates in tournaments, we encourage families to remember that while these events provide a competitive experience, the primary focus at this age is player development and enjoyment of the game. We ask parents to support this philosophy by emphasizing effort, growth, and sportsmanship, while helping create a positive environment that supports each child’s confidence, well-being, and long-term love of soccer.
Additional tournament fees will apply for U9-U10 Academy players participating in tournament events.
U11-U16 Academy and Select
U11–U16 players may participate in either the Academy Program or a Select (Tournament) Team.
The club’s goal is to form at least one Select Team in each age group whenever sufficient player numbers, evaluations, and roster needs support it. Placement on a Select Team is determined by player evaluations, developmental readiness, roster availability, and team needs.
Players who are not selected for a Select Team, or who choose not to pursue tournament competition, will participate in the Academy Program. Families may also elect Academy-only participation during registration.
Additional Select Teams and Academy opportunities may be created when player registration numbers and club resources allow. Academy and Select Team rosters may operate separately or include a combination of players, depending on the needs of the age group and the structure established by the club.