ACADEMY FOUNDATION AND PURPOSE The Capital Area RailHawks academy program has been formed to expand and improve on the foundation built and success achieved by the former CASL academy program. The mission and intention of this newly formed academy program is to provide a cost-free program that is truly designed for the total development of the highest level players within our geographic area and beyond.
ACADEMY FOUNDATION AND PURPOSE (CONT.) The Capital Area RailHawks Academy will attempt to attract the highest player standard possible by constantly scouting our area s teams and players, regardless of any single club affiliation. In the future, we will also look to add an alternative schooling and education resource that will allow players to travel to the area, attend classes, and attend multiple training sessions. We will look into a partnership with area schools to make this happen. This will allow us to bring in highly deserving players from outside of our immediate geographic area.
ACADEMY ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS AND DEVELOPMENT COACHING STAFF By joining together the highest level coaches at the youth level, collegiate level, and professional level - we have established the finest coaching staff in the country for our Academy players total development. TRAINING AND MATCH FACILITIES COLLEGIATE AND PROFESIONAL EXPOSURE US SOCCER / YNT EXPOSURE By training and playing matches at both WakeMed Soccer Park and WRAL Soccer Center with both turf and natural grass fields, the everyday Academy environment will be of the highest professional standard. This also expands the Academy presence and home in both Raleigh and Cary, and beyond. In our Academy players everyday environment, they will be exposed to the area s most successful collegiate coaches and their programs. Also, players will have a direct link to the Carolina RailHawks staff and organization and may earn opportunities to compete with the first team. As part of the USDA Scouting Network, all games and multiple, consistent trainings will have the presence of US Soccer scouts. This presence and the communication of the Academy Staff and US Soccer can ultimately afford players a pathway to opportunities within United States Youth National Teams.
ACADEMY PARTNERSHIPS AND PLAYER PATHWAY (PROFESSIONAL) By partnering with the Carolina RailHawks, a realistic development model has been established for players who aspire to compete at the professional level. A tangible common goal of development and success for the Academy Program will be implemented by having consistent, meaningful interaction between coaches and players from within the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Program and the Carolina RailHawks First Team.
ACADEMY PARTNERSHIPS AND PLAYER PATHWAY (COLLEGIATE) Many of our players soccer development and opportunities will lead them to play collegiately. We will provide the best arena for our players to be seen, be recruited, and ultimately join the highest level college soccer programs in the country.
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS PLAYER / TEAM SELECTION STRUCTURE C.A. RailHawks ACADEMY 17/18 Academy 15/16 Academy 13/14 Academy PLAYER POOL FOUNDATION AND TRIALS CASL and all other local area youth soccer clubs. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY ID CENTERS (ages 7-12) ACADEMY RESIDENCY PROGRAM (ages 15-18) (Future)
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS TRIAL / SCOUTING PROCESS SCOUTING PROCESS Scouting will be a infinite process throughout the year that will allow for the Academy Staff to identify and evaluate top level talent in our area. Area clubs will be made aware at the start of each season that the Academy may have a presence at their U12-U18 games with concentration on the younger ages. Academy staff will routinely watch local matches throughout the season. Academy Staff will communicate with area club coaches in hopes of their recommendations for players to move to the Academy. Through the Academy Staff s network of coaches and contacts, consistent communication and recommendations will take place in local and non-local markets. Area players will have consistent evaluation opportunities within the Community Identification Centers and through the Academy s Community Development Partners. TRIAL PROCESS Based on evaluation, or recommendation, players from any area club can be selected for trial for the Academy. Area clubs will be made aware that their association s players may be invited for trial with the Academy. The Academy Staff will compile contact information for invited players and the Academy Head Coaches will communicate specific invitations for trial for their respective age group. Although trials can be held at anytime during the year, specific trials will be held over 4 separate dates throughout April leading up to the naming of teams each summer. Area club DOC s / area collegiate coaches / US Soccer Southeast Technical Advisor / and others - will be invited to attend trials and assist in player evaluations. Academy Director will help oversee final selections, but each Academy Head Coach will have ultimate decisions. Players can be added at any time throughout the year.
ACADEMY SCOUTING PROCESS AND DOCUMENTS All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Staff are provided with weekly match schedules for area matches from non-academy players for the purpose of evaluation and scouting. It is the goal of the Capital Area RailHawks to know and see all area players for possible inclusion into the Academy Program. A letter is sent at the start of the season to all area club officials clearly stating the Academy s intention. Upon evaluation and selection, individual players will receive an official detailed trial invitation.
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS TRIAL DATES / LOCATIONS / INVITED EVALUATORS TRIAL DATES / LOCATIONS / TIMELINE SUNDAYS in APRIL each year. LOCATION: WAKE MED SOCCER PARK Players will be contacted per age group by the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Head Coaches and invited to attend trials. Throughout trial dates, players may be added / removed from the identification pool at the Academy Staff s discretion. Selected players will be notified at the culmination of the 4 th trial date. Non-Selected players will receive no instruction on further club placement. INVITED EVALUATORS All invited evaluators will be contacted by the Academy Director and Assistant Academy Director to discuss involvement and trial process goals. Invitations to evaluators will go out on April 1, 2014. All invited evaluators will have an active role in player / team evaluation throughout the course of the four trial date rhythm and will be included in round table discussion after each trial date. Based on performance and support of the Academy, evaluators may be added / removed throughout the trial process at the Academy Staff s discretion. Each Head Coach will have final selection of each Academy Team. List of evaluators to be finalized in March of each year.
COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION CENTERS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION CENTERS Through clinics run by Academy staff and players, promising young players will be evaluated and identified. These clinics may then lead to individual players invitation to join Academy Training Programs that will act to supplement each individual youth players training, while allowing the Academy staff continued evaluation opportunities. Academy players will be expected and scheduled to work these clinics Target ages for Community Identification Center s are 7-12 year old boys. Ball Boys at home games. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS Ideally, the Academy will partner with area clubs to help raise awareness of the Academy s existence and give a tangible goal to players who desire to play at the highest youth level. Credit to the developing club of a player that has gone onto play in the Academy. This can be on the Academy website and the CDP s club website. CDP can use the Academy Staff as a resource for information, or contacts.
TECHNICAL STAFF ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND OVERVIEW
TECHNICAL STAFF ACADEMY DIRECTOR JOHN BRADFORD ASSISTANT ACADEMY DIRECTOR GREG SHIELDS TEAM COACHING and ADDITIONAL ACADEMY STAFF ACADEMY STAFF COACH COLIN CLARKE 18 ACADEMY HEAD COACH JOHN BRADFORD 16 ACADEMY HEAD COACH CARLOS SOMOANO 14 ACADEMY HEAD COACH GREG SHIELDS 18 ACADEMY ASST. COACH DAVE COSTA 16 ACADEMY ASST. COACH JOHN BRADFORD 14 ACADEMY ASST. COACH PAUL FORSTER ACADEMY S.A.Q. COACH RICHARD HUXFORD GOALKEEPING DIRECTOR MATT BROWN GOALKEEPING STAFF COACH NIC PLATTER CONFLICT COACH ROY BAROFF
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY STAFF 2013-2014 John Bradford Academy Director 18A Head Coach Greg Shields Asst. Academy Director 14A Head Coach Paul Forster 14A Asst. Coach Matt Brown Director of Goalkeeping Colin Clarke Carolina RailHawks Head Coach Richard Huxford Athletic Performance Trainer Carlos Somoano 16A Head Coach Dave Costa 18A Asst. Coach Nic Platter Goalkeeping Staff
TECHNICAL STAFF COACHING CREDENTIALS AND LICENSING JOHN BRADFORD C.A. RailHawks Academy Director USSF A License USSF Youth License GREG SHIELDS C.A. RailHawks Asst. Academy Director Carolina RailHawks Asst. Coach CASL Staff Coach UEFA A License CARLOS SOMOANO C.A. RailHawks Academy Staff Coach UNC CH Head Coach USSF A License COLIN CLARKE C.A. RailHawks Academy Staff Coach Carolina RailHawks Head Coach USSF A License UEFA A License DAVE COSTA C.A. RailHawks Academy Staff Coach NCSU Asst. Coach USSF A License PAUL FORSTER C.A. RailHawks Academy Staff Coach CASL Director of Classic Soccer USSF A License MATT BROWN C.A. RailHawks Academy Goalkeeping Director CASL Director of Goalkeeping NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma NSCAA Advanced National Diploma NIC PLATTER C.A. RailHawks Academy Goalkeeping Staff Coach Carolina RailHawks Goalkeeper Coach Carolina Select Director of Goalkeeping NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma USSF National Goalkeeping License RICHARD HUXFORD C.A. RailHawks Academy Athletic Performance Coach UEFA A License Masters of Science Performance Coaching (Univ. of Edinburgh) ROY BAROFF C.A. RailHawks Academy Conflict Coach
CLUB INTERACTIONS COACH FOR TEAM BUILDING AND PYSCHOLOGICAL TRAINING The Capital Area RailHawks have named Roy Baroff as the Academy Club Interactions Coach. Roy s main tasks are to facilitate team building activities, work on inter-team communication with focus on leadership, and to act as a mental coach for the players. Roy has worked with the UNC Women's Soccer Team in the same capacity for several years during the 1990 s and 2000 s.
ACADEMY PROGRAM STYLE OF PLAY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAY
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAY GAME PLAN: SHOW THE COMMITMENT, ATTITUDE, SUCCESS, AND LOVE FOR THE GAME THAT IT TAKES TO BE A CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS PLAYER ATTACKING PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK LOOK TO RELEASE WING BACKS CONTROL THE MOMENTUM OF THE GAME THROUGH MAINTAINING POSSESSION OF THE BALL QUALITY OF MOVEMENT, DYNAMIC RUNNING OFF THE BALL & TECHNIQUE IN THE ATTACKING 1/3 DEFENDING HOW ARE THEY TRYING TO PLAY? WHERE ARE WE GOING TO WIN THE BALL BACK AND HOW? OUR DEFENSIVE SHAPE MUST BE VERTICALLY COMPACT; WINGERS BALANCE OFF WEAK SIDE AND SQUEEZE IN LATERALLY; CENTER FORWARDS MUST CHANNEL THE GAME TO WIDE AREAS COMMUNICATION, 1 ST DEFENDER GET OPPONENT S HEAD DOWN; ENCOURAGE TEAM MATES TO STAY ON THEIR FEET; HEADS ON A SWIVEL MENTAL CRITICAL MOMENTS THE 5S ; CONTROL EMOTIONS DURING MOMENTUM SHIFT; GET THE 1 ST GOAL, 2 ND GOAL WINS THE GAME; CAN WE KILL THE GAME OFF?
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAY MOVEMENT OFF OF THE BALL IS CRITICAL FOR OUR STYLE OF PLAY VERY DISCIPLINED DEFENSIVELY AND TEAM ORIENTED ORGANIZED AND DIFFICULT TO BREAK DOWN DUE TO TACTICAL AWARENESS CAPITALIZE ON SET PIECES, WELL VERSED IN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES STRONG IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD AREA WITH OVERLOAD IN ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS GOALKEEPING MUST BE CONSISTENTLY STRONG ATHLETIC AND ATTACKING MINDED IN WIDE AREAS ESPECIALLY IN ATTACKING WING BACK AREAS PLAY WITH CREATIVE ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS IN WIDE AREAS AND STRONG TARGET PLAYERS CENTRALLY FORWARDS LOOK TO MAKE PENETRATING RUNS IN BEHIND THE DEFENSE
ACADEMY TEAMS AND PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS OUR WAY OUR CODE DISPLAY A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AT ALL TIMES EVERYONE MAKES THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THE TEAM HAVE AN UNSHAKEABLE BELIEF THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE OUR GOALS BELIEVE IN THE STRENGTH OF THE TEAM ALWAYS WANT MORE: ALWAYS GIVE MORE FOCUS ON OUR COMMUNICATION BE DEMANDING OF YOURSELF BE RESTED AND PREPARED TO WIN FOCUS ON BEING MENTALLY STRONGER ALWAYS KEEP GOING UNTIL THE END BELIEVE IN OUR IDENTITY AND PLAY THE GAME WE LOVE TO PLAY STICK TOGETHER STAY GROUNDED AND HUMBLE AS A PLAYER AND AS A PERSON SHOW THE DESIRE TO WIN IN ALL THAT YOU DO ENJOY AND CONTRIBUTE TO ALL THAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT BEING A TEAM DON T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT * Players misconduct to any staff coach will not be tolerated. * Players misconduct towards each other (foul language, sarcasm, verbal or physical abuse) in training, games, or while traveling, will not be tolerated. * At all times, our Academy players must understand that they are role models for all young players and are responsible for their behavior. * Players have an absolute duty to maintain a lifestyle that protects their capacity to perform to the best of their ability. * Players should carry themselves in a responsible manner (on/off the field) at all times. * Players should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time of training. * Players should be responsible for establishing and maintaining a clean and enjoyable team room, training venue and game venue. * Players will adhere to all dress codes (announced by staff) for training, games, and travel. * Players will not wear hats while at any team function and whenever inside. * Players will not wear earrings at any training or games. * All cell phones should be placed on silent for any training, game or team function. * Absolutely no alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use will be tolerated. * Communication comes from players to coach and coach to players. If a player is not able to attend a training session, game or meeting, they must notify the coach in a timely manner. Remember that the staff usually will leave their cell phones in the car or office and you should plan ahead for any absences or tardiness. * Staff will announce curfews for all home and away matches. Players will adhere to any curfew set by staff. *Players will be expected to act responsibly on all trips. Each team will have room checks and a curfew as stated above. Players that do not abide by curfew will be subject to going home early (at parent s expense).
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL PROCESS ACADEMY DIRECTOR WITH STAFF * Academy Director will oversee all administration within the Academy. Most communication will result from discussions within the Academy Staff and information sent will go through the Academy Manager to reach the players and parents. * Will oversee all registration and paperwork requirements throughout the season. ACADEMY PARENT MANAGERS * All communication that needs to be shared with the players / parents will be sent to the Academy Manager who will be active in the logistical management of all information sent via email, text messages, etc. * 2013-2014 Managers: Mary Beth Daughtry (14A), Julie Durand (16A), Kim Zinner (18A) TEAMS PLAYERS AND PARENTS * Players will be responsible for all communication to Academy Staff concerning all individual player matters.
2013-2014 ACADEMY CALENDAR OVERVIEW AUGUST TEAM / INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS TRAINING FRIENDLIES SEPTEMBER TRAINING LABOR DAY EVENT GREENSBORO USDA GAMES OCTOBER TRAINING USDA GAMES NOVEMBER TRAINING USDA GAMES CASL SHOWCASE EVENT DISNEY JR SHOWCASE DECEMBER TRAINING USDA WINTER SHOWCASE / GAMES DISNEY SHOWCASE FUTSAL TEAM / INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS JANUARY TRAINING FUTSAL FRIENDLIES FEBRUARY TRAINING USDA GAMES FUTSAL CHARLESTON BATTERY CUP MARCH TRAINING USDA GAMES APRIL TRAINING FOREIGN TRIP OVER SPRING BREAK BRAZIL 2014 USDA GAMES ACADEMY TRIALS FOR 2014-2015 MAY TRAINING USDA GAMES JUNE TRAINING USDA GAMES USDA PLAYOFFS JULY TRAINING USDA NATIONALS TEAM / INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
ACADEMY ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION: PLAYERS, COACHES, AND PARENTS
ACADEMY PLAYERS ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Players are required to fill out several forms that help to professionalize the program. The Player Profile allows players to put thought to their goals and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This is an important part of player meetings, goal setting, and evaluation. All players are also required to sign the Academy Code of Conduct.
ACADEMY COACHES ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Staff are provided with match and training day booklets throughout the year to record notes. All trainings are logged and kept on file throughout the year. Also, all staff receive monthly calendar updates that provide all training times / locations / space allotted / multiple coaches in attendance / staff meetings / player meetings / team meetings / community events / matches / and other necessary information.
ACADEMY PARENTS ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Parents receive Team Contact lists and Parent Expectation Forms at the start of the Academy season. Throughout the season, parents will also receive detailed travel itinerary and specific rooming lists with all necessary contact information for all out of state travel.
ACADEMY FACILITIES
ACADEMY TRAINING AND MATCH FIELDS AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Trainings and Matches at WakeMed Soccer Park will be on professionally manicured natural grass fields. WakeMed is the home of the Carolina RailHawks First Team and will provide the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Players the opportunity to compete alongside the First Team.
ACADEMY TRAINING AND MATCH FIELDS AT WRAL SOCCER CENTER All Capital Area RailHawks Academy Trainings and Matches at WRAL Soccer Center will take place on either of our stadium competition venues. Both the synthetic turf stadium field and the natural bermuda grass stadium field are located adjacent to the Radford Building at WRAL - which house our changing rooms, staff and player meeting rooms, film review room, athletic fitness center, and athletic training room.
ACADEMY CHANGING ROOM AT WRAL SOCCER CENTER Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams use their personal changing room for both trainings and matches at WRAL Soccer Center. Players are reminded of positional roles and responsibilities in their everyday environment.
TEAM MEETING ROOMS AT WRAL SOCCER CENTER Staff and player meeting rooms are located onsite at WRAL Soccer Center. Capital Area RailHawks Academy players have a series of team building activities, individual player meetings, and team meetings throughout the year. A player lounge area oversees both stadium fields.
FITNESS CENTER AT WRAL SOCCER CENTER Capital Area RailHawks Academy Players have structured Fitness Center sessions with Academy Athletic Performance Coach, Richard Huxford, on a daily basis. The Fitness Center will also be used for regeneration and rehabilitation.
MEDICAL TRAINING ROOM AT WRAL SOCCER CENTER All Capital Area RailHawks Academy players have full use of the athletic training room prior to, during, and after all trainings and games at WRAL Soccer Center. Facility is available for all opponents on match days, as well. Professional, licensed physical therapists and athletic trainers are on site seven days a week.
ATHLETIC TESTING AND WEIGHT TRAINING AT D1 SPORTS RALEIGH Capital Area RailHawks Academy Players begin Pre-Season with Athletic Performance Testing and an introduction to weight training. Weight training continues 2x a week throughout the season and the players are tested multiple times throughout the season at scheduled times within the calendar.
ATHLETIC TESTING RESULTS Capital Area RailHawks Academy Players begin Pre-Season with Athletic Performance Testing. These results are tracked and monitored throughout the year, as well as their entire existence in the program. In addition, players that are on trial also go through identical athletic testing for comparative analysis.
ACADEMY VIDEO TECHNOLOGY All home matches will be video taped by Top Form Soccer. Video will then be available for All all Home coaches matches and will players be video taped online for for educational purposes and match analysis using Hi-Pod video technology. Match Analysis will take place on site in the Team Film Room at WRAL Soccer Center educational purposes and match analysis. Match analysis will take place on site in the team film room at WRAL soccer center.
FUTSAL TRAINING Futsal training will be implemented throughout the year to provide additional opportunities for player development, especially at 13/14 Age Group. Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will be placed into a rotating Champions League format to ensure competitiveness and enjoyment. Free play opportunities will be mixed amongst age groups throughout the year with no coaching.
ACADEMY SOCIAL MEDIA
ACADEMY SOCIAL MEDIA To better Our connect Preparation with Phase our players in early and August to create mid more September professionalism will require and excitement an increase within of our area, frequency the Capital of Area training RailHawks to 4 Academy days per has week. made We a will concentrated maintain effort a 5 contact to have per representation week in all method forums of based social on media. exhibition This helps and league raise awareness games. of our program, persuade players to ultimately join the program, and build a local / national / and international reputation for our players Our and Competitive program. Phase in September through May will require more adherence to proper recovery and regeneration on a Monday Training day by utilizing our on site Website: Physical www.capitalarearailhawks.com Therapy and Performance Room. Focus on Tactical Functional Training and match The preparation main website in of the the 2 Capital remaining Area session. RailHawks A Academy normal micro has information cycle resembles on the Saturday/Sunday program, players, Games; the full Monday-Regeneration; calendar of training / matches, Tuesday OFF; all program Wednesday details and concerning Thursday Sessions; Friday OFF or travel day. Also, with the increased schedule to 10 months, staff, partnerships, we are planning sponsors, for many etc. more Each one week weekend a player from fixtures the and Academy more is training highlighted in opportunities. the weekly Player Spotlight. Updated news of player involvement in Youth National Teams, professional trials, community efforts, and college commitments are also Our prominent Transition on Phase the home at the screen. end of the Academy season (June and July) allows for an Twitter: integration @CARailHawksAcad of younger players into existing training sessions in order to prepare them for Match following updates, year player as well recognitions as integration and of updates, previous as well (older) as noteworthy Academy Players program into details training. are constantly Based on updated how the via teams twitter. progress towards National Finals Week, we look to Instagram: incorporate capitalarearailhawks more team building activities off the field to maintain collective spirit of the Pictures team as and well videos as setting of trainings, up 11v11 player match accomplishments, scenario games and to program work on details tactical are able to pieces. quickly be spread to the soccer community Facebook: Capital Area RailHawks Pictures and videos of trainings, player accomplishments, and program details are able to quickly be spread to the soccer community via Facebook. YouTube: Capital Area RailHawks Videos of matches / trainings can be quickly uploaded and shared via YouTube.
CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS GOALS AND VISION GOING FORWARD GOALS AND VISION GOING FORWARD Continue to develop players for the International, Professional, and Collegiate level Different Pathways to PLAYER Success USYNT, MLS, Europe, Collegiate Soccer Professionalize the Youth Game Adopting trends, training methods from proven environments Provide experiences to our players and staff that will help encourage development Brazil Trip Schedule to visit Traffic Academy in Spring 2014 Staff Trips to Top Level Academies (MLS / S. America / Europe) scheduled throughout the Year Recent trips to England, Italy, Spain, Argentina CLUB CULTURE Instill Desire For Personal Achievement, as well as Team Achievement Develop Pride, Respect, Unity for our Academy and our sport. Develop ALL Area Individual Player s desire to be a part of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy Build the Academy s Community Efforts
ALL FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR PLAYERS, OUR TEAMS, OUR ACADEMY, AND OUR GAME