U8 Developmental Academy
OBGC is delighted to announce that registration is now open for our newly restructured developmental soccer program – the “U8 Developmental Academy.” This new program is open to all 1st and 2nd grade children and will be in place for the upcoming spring 2021 season and beyond.
What is the
U8 Developmental Academy?
The U8 Developmental Academy will be led by Alan Pringle and other OBGC Select Academy coaches. This is the first time players at the 1st and 2nd grade levels will get exposure to fully licensed, qualified, experienced coaches on both Tuesday night practices and Saturday game days.
Players will be assigned to a specific team (12-14 players/team). Each team will be assigned a Select Academy coach, assisted by a parent volunteer, who will work with the team throughout the season. Many of you will be familiar with some coaches from past seasons and we all look forward to kicking off the season ahead. Please check out our U8 Developmental Academy staff highlighted on our team coaches pages.
We are super excited to get the children back outside this spring! All county and state COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions will be followed. The U8 Developmental Academy’s professional staff will create a warm, welcoming, confidence building environment in which all young players are sure to have a blast!
Open to All
1st and 2nd Grade Children
Our U8 Developmental Academy is the next progression for players graduating from our OBGC Instructional Program, as well as the perfect first experience for those new to the sport! The academy will provide young players with the ideal atmosphere to build their love for the game.
Under the guidance of experienced, qualified coaches, participants will learn both individual skills and basic team concepts using small-sided developmental games/scrimmages within a positive, play-oriented environment. The ultimate goal is to empower every player to continue their soccer experience either in the OBGC House or Select Soccer programs.
Key Program Details
Practices
One practice each week beginning Tuesday, April 13th.
Tuesday Practices (OBGC Field 4):
Girls 5:30-6:30pm
Boys 6:30-7:30pm
Games
One game each week beginning Saturday, April 17th. 50 minute, 4v4 format. No preseason or postseason play.
Saturday games (OBGC Field 3):
Boys 9:00-10:00am
Girls 10:15-11:15am
Cost
$175
Equipment
Each player must wear shin guards and bring either a size 3 or 4 soccer ball and water to each practice and game.
Soccer cleats are not mandatory but are recommended.
If you have questions regarding OBGC's Developmental Program, please contact our Developmental Academy Program Coordinator, Alan Pringle.
Covid Protocols
OBGC will adhere to all county and state COVID guidelines and restrictions. With the situation often changing from week to week, we will provide updates along the way. At this point in time, all coaches and players are required to wear masks. Parents are encouraged to drop players off at the field and then return to cars for the duration of practices and games. We will send out more detailed information regarding COVID procedures prior to the start of the program on Tuesday April 13th.
Parent Volunteer Assistant Coaches
We are always looking for parent volunteer coaches! If you enjoy working with children and would like to be involved with the program, please consider volunteering. Parent volunteer coaches will assist Select Academy coaches at both practices and games. There will be occasional Saturday games in which the volunteer coach will take the lead.
We thank you very much for offering your time and we know for sure that all the players and families will have a blast!!
A Note about Registration
Due to a rapidly growing program and a limited number of fields and volunteer coaches, OBGC is forced to limit the number of players in each league and on each team. Please register as early as possible.
