NSCJA (1st-2nd Grade)
NSC Junior Academy (NSCJA) 1st/2nd Grade
The Needham Soccer Club Junior Academy (NSCJA), is for players in 1st or 2nd Grade and is the first step in our pathway as a Needham Soccer Club player. The program is based around the simple goal of introducing and developing fundamentals and comfort with the ball in a fun, positive and safe environment.
The NSCJA program runs in 2 separate 6-8 week seasons (Fall & Spring), with separate registration for each season for players and coaches
Click the headings below to learn more about our NSCJA program
Goals:
The Goals of the NSCJA program are simple:
- FUN!
- Learning/Development of fundamental Soccer skills & movements
- Building character & confidence as well as comfort with the ball
- Team Building
NSCJA Structure & Schedule Overview
- 1st Grade Boys Division
- 1st Grade Girls Division
- Players assigned to a team and volunteer coaches for the season
- Weekly 90 minute Game Day on Saturday Mornings*
- 2nd Grade Boys Division
- 2nd Grade Girls Division
- Players assigned to a team and volunteer coaches for the season
- Weekly 90 minute Game Day on Saturday* afternoons
- 1 hour week day practice session
*Occasional Game Day may be scheduled for Sundays due to field conflicts, make up games or other events (with prior notice). Games are not scheduled on religious holidays.
Team Placements
Players are placed on a team for each season and assigned a volunteer coach (or coaches).
During registration, there is opportunity to make a friend request that will be reviewed by our program directors, though we are unable to guarantee those requests. Typically teams are built with the aim of having 2-3 players from the same school, but there are no ‘one school’ teams e.g. there is no “Newman team”
We are unable to accept requests for a practice day or specific coach (parent coach aside).
Between Fall and Spring, teams typically will stay similar, but there will usually be some reshuffling based on registration numbers, new players and players not returning for Spring, and returning players are not guaranteed to stay with the same coach/team.
Game Day Format
All games at one location throughout the day
All games are 4v4 with no goalkeepers to ensure maximum touches on the ball
30 minute warm up activities lead by professional coaches from New England Revolution Academy (assisted by team volunteer coaches).
Game consisting of 2 x 20 minute halves
No formal referees at this age group, games are managed by coaches of both teams with the aim of keeping the game flowing.
Coaching In NSCJA
- NSCJA teams are coached by volunteers
- All parents, regardless of prior soccer experience are encouraged to participate as coaches
- NSC utilizes professional coaching staff from New England Revolution Academy, including a full time Director of Coaching to support coaches during the season.
- NSC utilizes and provides coaching resources, including professionally developed age appropriate curriculum of training activities, while following best practice guidelines and policies of US Soccer, MA Youth Soccer and NE Revolution Academy
All coaches and assistants must register with the club and be in compliance with all mandatory SafeSport requirements
Additional Training For NSCJA Players
During Fall and Spring seasons NSCJA players have the opportunity to receive additional training by registering for our NSCJA Skills Clinics (additional registration/fee required) with NE Revolution Academy.
Registration Dates
Fall season typically runs early September – Mid November
Fall 2021 Registration will run May 3 – July 5
Spring season typically runs early April – early June
Spring Soccer Registration runs October 20th – November 30th
Registrations are stills accepted after the deadlines, but with no guarantee of being placed on a team.
