Development and Higher-Level Training
In preparation for entering competitive play, the Houston Express Academy program (“academy”) introduces a more developed game of soccer with an 8 v 8 game format. It is designed specifically for players U8-10 who want higher-level training and desire to compete with teams outside of the Club. While most academy players enter at U8, players can enter at U9 and U10 ages as well. This fall, Express will field approximately 300 players on its academy teams. There are no residency requirements for the academy program.
Our Club is committed to a consistent style of play across all age groups and genders. The style is implemented and enforced by our professional coaching staff, under the direction of Mark Gibbs, Director of Coaching. Mark puts in place a curriculum that all of our players follow to ensure proper player development. The academy style of play offensively, is a controlled ball possession game that encourages creativity, flair, and confidence with the ball at our feet while taking on defenders. Defensively, we emphasize one-on-one defending and group defending tactics to pressure our opponents into giving up the ball. We want our players to defend all areas of the field.
Academy Team Placement
Academy teams carry a roster of no more than 12 players. Academy players must attend evaluations so that the coaching staff can appropriately place them. For our Academy teams, the coaching staff allocates players to form evenly capable teams within their respective brackets. Parent requests for team placement are not accommodated. Player performance and development can fluctuate greatly from year to year, so it is not uncommon for players to move from team to team within their age bracket as they develop.
Academy Training and Games
Academy training sessions are run by the HESC staff and are held twice weekly – dates and times vary. Academy games are played on Saturdays, with each team playing within a bracket commensurate with the overall team ability level. Teams are members of the Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA). Half of the games are played at HESC fields; half of the games are played on other HYSA fields, generally located within a 30-minute drive from our South Campus fields. Academy teams also play 2 to 4 tournaments a year.
U9 and U10 players and, with the approval of the HESC coaching staff, strong U8 players may also register for the PDF (Player Development Friendlies) League. In PDF, there are no set teams, and players play as their schedules permit. It allows players to benefit from more game experience while allowing for flexibility in personal schedules. Games are played on Sunday afternoons at Houston area fields, including South Campus. For more information on the PDF League, click here.
