*Please note that this program requires a tryout to join. Unless directed by a Sandy Spring Soccer Club coach, the Academy is a select program and not an open registration. If your child is not interested in trying out for this program then you will have to begin with the recreation program. Click here for details on the recreation program.
Academy: U-9 – U-12
The Sandy Spring Soccer Club (SSSC) Academy is designed for boys and girls born between 2013 – 2015 who have a passion for the game and would like to play travel/competitive soccer. This program is a 10 month commitment in the Spring (March – June), Fall (September – November), and Winter – optional (December – February). Players who typically join this program have experience playing soccer and consider soccer to be among their top sports at the moment. The goal of the program is for players to continue to develop a love for the game and progress through their development all while having fun. Players in the Academy play in the Maryland Developmental Soccer League (MDSL) and the Elite Development Program (EDP), where players compete against other local clubs.
The SSSC Academy offers a new way to discover soccer for boys and girls. This program creates an enjoyable learning environment where we focus on teaching the basics of soccer through fun and cognitive activities. We work directly with the kids to develop key motor skills such as running, jumping, and side shuffling so that they can learn to control their body movements and the ball. Our sessions teach the kids about the love of soccer while they learn to play alongside their friends.
At the SSSC Academy, we pride ourselves in teaching players the fundamentals of the game. Our philosophy is to teach the principles of play which includes building the total soccer player through the 5 pillars: technical, physical, psychological, tactical, and psycho-social, all while continuing to teach the game and provide a positive learning experience. We are based in Sandy Spring, MD, a small town of less than 3,000 people, and although members come from a 20 mile radius from various parts of Montgomery County, Howard County, and Prince George’s County, we still enjoy the small town community when you join the club.
The SSSC Academy includes uniquely designed soccer sessions for players so that they can progress through various levels and technical sessions of 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, and 4 v 4. We make the sessions fun for the players through different types of exercises and scrimmages to increase the player’s technical skills and abilities throughout the program. During practice sessions, the players will experience small sided games of 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 mostly to ensure that they are receiving plenty of touches on the ball. Players will also spend a lot of time juggling as well as juggling on the run (depending upon skill level). The main focus in training will be to improve the individual and team’s speed of play.
As for games the format will range between 5 v 5 to 9 v 9, depending on the age and the league. The program and its sessions will not only help to build stronger players but will also grow their love for the game. Here are the programs that we are currently offering:
Spring Season: March 5 – June 22, 2024
*Note – Some teams start March 12th.
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays (Trainings), Saturdays and Sundays (Games). No practices or games the week of Spring Break (March 25 – April 1, 2024)
Who: Boys & Girls – Born between 2013 – 2015. Players will be divided into their teams where they will train and play games together. There will be no more than 12 players per team.
Practice Location: Sandy Spring Friends School
Game Locations (varies weekly): Depends on the league. See more information below.
*Note – Once you have been added to a team, then you will be added to the TeamSnap account with the correct dates, times, and locations.
Times: 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm (This is a range for the practice times. The correct times will be listed in the TeamSnap)
League: Some teams play in the Maryland Development Soccer League (MDSL) and others play in the Elite Development Program (EDP). Games 7 v 7 or 9 v 9. We will play 7-8 games during the season.
The MDSL games are held in Montgomery County and EDP game locations vary. There will be 4 games played at home (Olney, Sandy Spring, or Silver Spring), and 4 games played away. The away games can be held in Howard, Anne Arundel, and other parts of Montgomery counties in additional to D.C.
*Note that once you join the program then you will receive the full detailed schedule via TeamSnap and will be notified well in advance of your team’s practice and game schedules.
Uniforms: Your player will receive 2 jerseys, 2 pairs of shorts, and 2 pairs of socks. For practices, you will receive 1 training jersey. In addition to game and practice uniforms, your player will also receive a warm-up jacket, pants, and back-pack. This is all included in your fee and you will not be charged additionally. All players must wear the correct uniform on game and practice days. Once you join then you will be notified of the practice and game attire.
Tournaments: We will participate in at least one (3) tournaments throughout the course of the season. These tournaments may range from a 1 day scrimmagefest to a 2 day tournament.
Cost: $475. We charge a one-time all inclusive fee per season that can be paid in two installments. If you do decide to pay in two installments then the cost is $495 for the season.
Location (Outdoors):
Refund Policy:
- If withdrawing before the beginning of the 4th practice session, the player will receive a pro-rated refund minus a $75 cancellation fee.
- After the 4th practice session, there will be no refunds.
- Partial refunds will not be given for missed practices, games, or tournaments.