The LUSC Skills Academy (LSA) is a sign-up based program (per season: fall, winter, spring) for our 3rd – 5th graders. Although all players train on the same field, players are segmented by LUSC staff into training groups, based on ability. Curriculum is tailored to the different levels. Players are closely monitored by staff and may be moved up or down during the course of the season based on performance. Boys and girls train separately.
The LSA is a training program where 3rd-5th grade players receive an extra training session per week throughout the year to create a 3 practice/1 game ratio that is consistent with youth academies around the world in limiting the amount of competitive games kids should be playing in at this age. The LUSC Skills Academy is 100% professionally coached.
Spring 2023 Information
| Dates: | Thursdays, Apr 13 – Jun 1, 2023 (8 weeks) |
| Time: | 4:00 – 5:15 |
| Cost: | $190 per child |
| Location: | Harrington Field |
| Capacity: | 25 boys, 25 girls |
| Registration Deadline: | Apr 11 |
Late fee applies after deadline and placement not guaranteed.
Skills Academy Staff, Spring 2023
Brendan Donahue, LUSC Director of Coaching, Girls 2012 LPDA Coach, Girls 2009 LPDA Coach, Former Region 1 Olympic Development Staff, Former DI-III Collegiate Coach (1995-2005), USSF A license, NSCAA Premier Diploma, US Youth Soccer National Youth, Coerver Youth Diploma
Boys Director Tom Heimreid, LUSC Assistant Director of Coaching, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, NSCAA Premier Diploma, NFF 2, Boys 2012 LPDA Head Coach, Boys 2009 LPDA Head Coach
Girls Director Joe Dincecco, Boys 2011 LPDA Head Coach and Girls 2011 LPDA Head Coach, USSF “B” License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, 10+ years of NCAA Collegiate Coaching
Hagop Kouchakdjian, Boys 2007 LPDA Blue Co-Coach, 2016 LHS State Championship Team Captain (2x captain), Named to the MA 2016 All-State Team, 4-year letter winner at Hamilton College
Why a Skills Academy?
- To provide LUSC children with a yearlong technical development plan under weekly professional supervision for committed and interested LUSC U9-11 players.
- The professional staff that oversee the skills academy will make technical training, including demonstration of proper technique, their number one priority.
- Offer Lexington families a high quality local alternative to “club” soccer during the U9-11 developmental years. These are vital years in terms of developing proper coordination and good habits.
LUSC Skills Academy Goals
- Improve Players Perception
- Decision Making
- Execution
The player on the ball has 3 Phases he/she must process and execute each time he/she is in possession:
- Perception- What is happening? Your eyes need to observe everything.
- Decision Making- What to do? Plan, judge, decide.
- Execution- How to do it? (Technical ability becomes important)
Instill a passion and love for the game through a Ball Mastery curriculum
Develop Game Intelligence through 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3 exercises
The LUSC Skills Academy is sign-up based, not a tryout-selected academy.
Why?
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.”
John F. Kennedy
