What is the Youth Academy Program?
The Youth Academy Program is a developmental program that focuses on the technical, tactical, mental and physiological development of young soccer players ages 9U - 12U.
Rapids FC Academy Soccer is open to boys & girls, ages 7-12, who are excited about playing soccer & committed to becoming better players. The RFC Academy is designed to introduce young players to a higher level of play through age appropriate instruction, training, & game play. The goal of the RFC Academy is to develop and improve the individual skill of each player in an exciting but challenging environment.
Is the Rapids FC Academy only for residents of Habersham County?
No, we have players from many different counties that play on our academy teams.
How does Youth Academy differ from recreational soccer?
The Youth Academy Program is geared to acclimate players who aspire to play in a competitive environment. This is achieved through a progressive curriculum and higher level expectations and training. Players compete against higher level teams and players from different clubs in our area.
How are Academy teams formed?
All players within their age group will try out in the summer to make a team. Kids are separated by their birth year.
When and where are tryouts for the upcoming season?
Tryouts dates for the Academy age groups are given to us by GA Soccer and typically is the first week of June.
What happens during tryouts, what happens if my child is selected for a team?
At tryouts your child will be evaluated by the Rapids FC coaching staff. Coaches are looking for prior soccer knowledge, attitude, effort, and athleticism. We want kids who have a desire to play at a higher level than recreational and have a desire to improve and get better as a soccer player.
How much commitment is required?
For Academy players at all clubs, a mutual one-year commitment, which lasts until the tryout period the following year, is expected. Teams typically practice twice a week and have game son the weekends. Games are usually on Saturdays, however an occasional Sunday is used throughout the season.
For the Academy, will we have to travel all over the state or country to play games?
No. The majority of games are played in the immediate area with other local clubs. Most are within 90 minutes from our home facilities. Teams may participate in some local select tournaments (1-2 per season) and on occasion may require extended travel outside of the immediate area. Extended travel is a rare occurrence under the age of 12 and usually is only a top team that is looking for different competitive competition than it could get in the immediate area.
When are the training sessions for Academy teams?
Team training occurs twice weekly with 1½ hour sessions. Training sessions are planned out by our Directors and coaches before the season begins. You cannot request a specific training day or time as all players in an age group train at the same days/time.
What are costs for Academy compared to other clubs?
Cost for Academy players at Rapids FC Academy fall below the average cost of most other clubs in the area (Approximately $250-300 per season) with payment plans and arrangements available to accommodate budgeted households.
A separate cost is made for tournaments throughout the year. Tournament costs range from $30-$50 per player per tournament independent of possible travel and lodging cost. Our costs, unlike many clubs in the area are all inclusive, except for tournaments.
In addition, a uniform cost of approximately $100 can be expected. We are on a 2-year uniform cycle so uniforms purchased in Fall of 2020 will be worn through the spring of 2022. If you enter the program mid-season or mid-year there are no discounts on uniforms.
Can my player also participate in other leagues while playing for Rapids FC Academy?
Registration for a Georgia Soccer affiliated Academy program, such as ours, does not allow for your player to participate in other "leagues" that run Fall and Spring. This includes recreational programs.
What free programs do you offer as a Rapids Academy member?
We have free Goalkeeper Clinics to all goal keeper members.
Can my player participate in summer camps?
Yes, and they are encouraged.