"Academy" is the latest buzz word in US Soccer.  A.S. Junior Elite is not an "Academy" nor do we want to be one, after all our aim is to address the failings of such "Academies".  Our Players are not just a number and we strongly believe in nurture and not nature.

Other "Academies" repeatedly tell parents:

Obviously, we do not believe that, hence A.S. Junior Elite's approach.  Elite training focused on a long term vision on total athletic development!  Nurture & NOT Nature.  No stockpiling of Players!  

Unfortunately, we live in a "YouTube generation" where young Players only watch short clips of games.  If they are not watching full games continuously, how are they learning the game?  A.S. Junior Elite believes it is the Coach's and Club's responsibility to teach and guide such young Players. 

Simply learning by playing the game is not enough unless "you have a God given talent" and it comes naturally.  Sir Alex Ferguson in his autobiography claimed that in his 26 years at Manchester United (one of the most successful Manager & Club in the World) he only ever had "four World Class Players", ones with that "God Given Talent".  The hundreds of other Players who played professional Soccer under him relied on hard work and learning the game.  

The "Academy" mentality gets parents onto the "US Youth Soccer Hamster Wheel" (please see my page of USA vs Europe & Playing On The Streets).  You must do more, more and more than your rivals to get better?  BUT is more always better?  Quantity vs Quality.  How do young Players mentally recover and avoid future burn out?  

Once your are on that "Hamster Wheel" it is very hard to think logically and step off.  A.S. Junior Elite is not only here to guide and educate our Players but also, and most importantly, their parents too!