About the U11-U14 Program

Program Overview:

The U11-U14 program at Flatirons Academy is a pivotal stage in our comprehensive player development pathway. Designed to transition players into competitive soccer, this program emphasizes growth in technical, tactical, and mental aspects of the game. At this stage, players begin to bridge foundational skills with more advanced play, preparing them for higher levels of competition and development.

Our program is built on the "Irons Mentality"—resilience, determination, and growth—ensuring each player develops the confidence and skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.

Why Choose the U11-U12 Program?

The U11-U12 program at Flatirons Academy is designed to provide young athletes with the tools, environment, and opportunities they need to thrive in competitive soccer. Here’s why this program stands out:

🌟 Professional Coaching Staff

Our coaching staff consists of highly experienced professionals who are passionate about player development. Each coach undergoes continued education to stay updated on the latest training methodologies and techniques.

• Coaches focus on individual growth, ensuring players improve their technical skills, game understanding, and confidence.
• The staff is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment, helping players build resilience and teamwork while embracing the "Irons Mentality."

🎯 Skill-Based Team Placement

We believe players perform best when placed in an environment that matches their current skill level while pushing them to grow.

• Teams are formed based on skill level, ensuring that every player is appropriately challenged and can thrive.
• Fluid team placements throughout the year allow players to move between teams as they develop, ensuring they are always playing at the right level for their growth.

⚽ Comprehensive Development

The U11-U12 program is built on a holistic approach to player development, emphasizing growth in all areas of the game:

• Technical: Advanced ball control, passing, finishing, and dribbling techniques.
• Tactical: Understanding game strategies, positioning, and decision-making.
• Physical: Improving speed, agility, endurance, and strength.
• Mental: Building confidence, resilience, and a strong competitive mindset.

This well-rounded approach ensures players are prepared for the challenges of competitive soccer and beyond.

🌍 Pathway to Success

Flatirons Academy is part of the Flatirons Rush player development pathway, a comprehensive system that supports players from U5 to the USL First Team.

• Players in the U11-U12 program are positioned to progress to higher levels within the club, including the USL Academy and professional opportunities.
• With 125 clubs across 48 countries, Rush Soccer provides a global network of opportunities for players to advance their soccer careers.
• Over 91 athletes have reached the professional level through the Rush system, and our U11-U12 program is a key step in that journey.

By choosing the U11-U12 program, players are not just joining a soccer team—they’re becoming part of a global soccer family committed to their success, both on and off the field.

Tryouts Required

At Flatirons Academy, we believe in creating an environment where every player can thrive and reach their full potential. Tryouts are required for the U11-U12 program to ensure that each player is placed on a team that aligns with their current skill level, development goals, and growth trajectory.

Why Are Tryouts Important?

• Skill-Based Placement:
  
• Tryouts allow our coaching staff to evaluate each player’s technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical attributes. This ensures that players are grouped with teammates of similar abilities, fostering both individual and team growth.
• Personalized Development:
  
• By assessing players during tryouts, we can create a tailored development plan that challenges them appropriately and helps them progress through the Flatirons Rush pathway.
• Competitive Balance:
  
• Proper team placement ensures balanced competition, providing players with the opportunity to compete at the right level and build confidence while preparing for higher-level opportunities.

What to Expect at Tryouts:

• Players will be evaluated on key areas such as:
• Technical Skills: Ball control, passing, shooting, and dribbling.
• Tactical Awareness: Positioning, decision-making, and understanding of the game.
• Physical Attributes: Speed, agility, endurance, and strength.
• Mental Attributes: Attitude, coachability, and teamwork.
• Evaluations are conducted by our professional coaching staff, who are experienced in identifying talent and potential while ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment.

Next Steps After Tryouts:

• After tryouts, players will receive their team placement notification along with additional details about the program, including practice schedules, tournament participation, and expectations for the season.
• Players will also be provided with feedback from coaches to help them understand their placement and focus areas for improvement.

By requiring tryouts, we ensure that every player is placed in the best possible environment for their development and success. This process is a key part of our commitment to creating a comprehensive and competitive player development pathway.