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Home Of The

Sault United Football Academy

Latest update - May 8th, 2013

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Parents - There is a survey on the "Parent Info" page.
Please fill it out. This will help us move forward.

A testimonial from one of our parents "Kevin Hodson".
Stanley Cup Winner - Proud "Soccer Dad"

Why an Academy?

As a former "Professional" athlete, Kevin understands what it takes to get to the top. He knows the requirements to play at the top level and this is why he has placed his son in the Academy program for the past few years. His son has benefitted and has gone on to train with the Brsyt Academy in Toronto and a professional Academy in Florida.


What is more important than trophies, points and league standings, is a young players growth and development in the game. Top coaching and a methodical approach to learning are more important to the long term development of a player. The Canadian Soccer Association and now the Provincial Associations have adopted this philosophy, aimed an getting Canada competitive in the world again.


The Academy system in Canada is leading the way and is being used as the model now by clubs across the country. SUFA is the FIRST Professional Academy in the north and is working closely with Bryst Academy in Toronto to provide the best opportunities for our players. Partnering with Bryst and Algoma University have been major steps forward to provide opportunities for local soccer players.

Highlights


Here are a few of the significant changes taking place. There will be more over the coming months.

 - Incorporation as a Non-profit business
 - Affiliation agreement with Bryst International Academy of Toronto.
 - Membership in SAAC (Soccer Academy Alliance Canada)
 - Working agreement with Algoma University (Jr. Thunderbirds program)

Check out the new "Algoma University" page in our "Partner Programs"

"Junior Thunderbirds" Program

Message to Parents


Soccer in this country is changing from a competition based format, to a player development based format. I invite you to look over the new LTPDM page, for more specific information. The goal is to develop good players, with a high degree of skill, to match what is happening in other countries around the world. Scores and results are not as important as the long-term development of the child. In addition, the focus has shifted towards creating a positive fun experience. Competition has it's place, but not in the early stages of development. This does NOT mean that we are not developing good soccer players, it just means that scores are not as important as skills.

The "PLAYER" is now of greater importance, than the "TEAM".

This Academy was started in response to this new direction. We are developing a team of strong coaches with a significant playing background. We feel that coaching is at the core of our Academy. We also believe that teaching skills, will ultimately achieve the long term goal of developing strong players, as well as increasing the enjoyment of the game.

It has long been known that "competition inhibits skill development". Players and coaches will do what is safe, to win games. This is NOT in the interests of the young player. Learning means taking risks and making mistakes. This does not happen in a competitive (win) environment. Some may argue that competition is good for players and that it develops competitiveness and aggressive behaviour. This may be true to some degree. This becomes important, after skills and game understanding have developed. Introduced too early, competition is a detriment to the ultimate goal of developing players. One has to ask the question, "How important is that trophy at age 12, compared to playing at an elite level at college or university, or possibly pro"?

We at the Academy believe that if we develop good players, better teams will follow at older age groups. It is sort of an investment in the future. We believe you should start that investment now. Good soccer players start young. It takes years of hard work to get there. It should also be fun and challenging, something we aspire to in the Academy.


2013 - Important information to ALL soccer parents and players!

Next year the OSA will be implementing a new program, where clubs, leagues and Academy's will be assessed, to see at what level of competition they will be allowed to compete. This will be applied from U-13 down! There will be three tiers. To compete at the top tiers, an organization must meet a certain set of criteria. This includes, a coaching development plan, a player development plan, certified coaches to a Provincial B License standard and many other areas. This will take effect this fall for next season.

SUSA is working hard to ensure we will pass that assessment. 

Questions all parents should ask.


Registering your child in any sports program involves expectations. You as a parent are registering your child in a sport with expectations. Most parents want the following for their son or daughter: Learning - Fun - Safe - Challenging & with some degree of fitness training.

  1. Who is coaching my child? What are their credentials and coaching expertise?
  2. Does the program have a long-term development program?
  3. Will my child be safe (criminal background checks - first aid - controlled coaching environment)
  4. What are the goals of the organization? What can my child expect from joining?
  5. What opportunities are presented (general level - competitive level - scholarships - professional - etc)
_We are dedicated to "Player Development"


- The focus is on helping each player reach their potential & enjoy the process. 

- Skill development is the key focus. 

- This program is for players who have a serious interest in learning the game. 

- Respect, a proper attitude and appropriate conduct are expected.

- We offer both indoor training and outdoor summer training and camps.

Please check out  the new page on the LTPD Model.
It has significant implications on soccer for next year!

SUFA is a "Professional Academy"


SUSA is committed to player and coaching development. We are also working with many partners to ensure opportunities for both players and coaches. The addition of post-secondary programs at Algoma University and Lake Superior State University, are now providing top level soccer opportunities at home. We are offering an opportunity to for all players to learn how to train for these opportunities.

Please check out our new "Blog Page" and give us your feedback.

Introduction

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A program for girls and boys.
Please check back frequently, for more details and information.

This is the official home of Sault United Soccer Academy. More information will be posted as we get plans underway. The Academy is dedicated to aspiring players and coaches. Soon we will have a slate of programs available, including age groups and genders. We are beginning with three sessions in the fall, with other groups added, as more staff come on board.
Academy President (Bill Howe), is a FIFA B-License (national level) coach. 
  • A member of the OSA Coaching Staff and past Regional Coach for Northern Ontario. 
  • Over 20 players have obtained scholarships in the US and eight more have played on OUAA varsity teams (three as captains and OUAA All Stars). 
  • First Head Coach of the Civics program. (Co-founder along with Claudio Valentini - Manager.)
  • He was captain of both college teams in Kitchener (Conestoga) and London, England (Thurrock). He was named to the OCAA all star team in 1975.


SUFA, is a "Professional" Academy, dedicated to developing aspiring players

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Kickers Program
We are starting this year and are looking for serious players (boys and girls) who wish to aim high. This will be a quality program with top notch coaches. All coaches will be certified and with extensive playing bakground.

We are developing relationships with an Academy in Toronto, to gain more opportunities for advancement.

We aim to develop top quality players, capable of playing at the elite level. All players are invited, but must remember, that this is a serious training environment. We want to make this fun and challenging. Most important, we want to provide opportunities for all local players that are affordable and flexible.


Opportunities - Scholarships, Pro Tryouts, Travel to Europe, US College Coaches,

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Chris Howe (right) - BRYST "Top Dogs" U-15 Selection
In addition to year-round training, we plan to prepare players for great opportunities. 
  • By developing players locally, we can prepare them for a better shot at Academy's like BRYST.
  • Our players will have access to scholarship and professional ID camps.
  • Access to top professional coaches.
  • Travel! (Chris Howe was invited to travel to Italy this summer, with the Top Dogs team.)
                       (Other "Top Dogs" selections this past year include Taylor Barker and Noah Hodson.)
  • Competition with other Academy's in Canada and the United States.
  • Opportunities for professional club tryouts. (Player agents on staff with BRYST.)

    Please contact us for more information.

Click the photo to see Bill's professional photography web site. 

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In addition to being a teacher and coach, I have been a photographer, writer, videographer and Forensic Scientist. You can get more information by visiting my "other" site. Click on the photo.