The Nebraska Roots Jr. Academy is designed to provide a more challenging training environment for 8U and 9U boys and girls who have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and potential. This program gives players who are demonstrating they are ready for a more advanced training environment and an opportunity to train with and play against players at a similar level of play.  Players will be invited to participate in the program based on evaluations and staff recommendations. Evaluations will be scheduled prior to the season so players might see if this pathway is the right fit for them.

The Nebraska Roots Jr. Academy curriculum and instruction are built around the core principles of: Skill, Speed, Strength, Spirit and Sense/Smarts.

Skill:  Confidence and creativity with the ball
Speed: Speed of thought and action (with and without the ball)
Strength:  Building strong minds and bodies
Spirit: Communication, respect, sportsmanship, commitment, teamwork
Sense/Smarts: Study, decision-making and responsibility

Additional curriculum and instruction will be based on concepts and plans from Celtic Soccer Academy (Professional Partner Club, Scotland).

There will be training groups for both boys and girls made up of 10-30 players.  The program will have a dedicated Director who is a professional coach and has experience working with young soccer players.  The Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program which includes training session design and execution, coaching, parent education and game-day management. Coaching will be provided by a staff made up of Nebraska Roots coaches, Pro Coaches, Hive Directors, and additional Club Directors. 

SEASON

Fall, Winter, and Spring Seasons for Training and Games

COST
$990

COST INCLUDES

• Director & Professional Staff Pay
• Facility Fees
• Equipment
• Insurance
• Referees
• NYSL Fees
• Fall & Spring Tournament Entry Fees
• Winter Training Fees

Teams will play in NYSL - Nebraska Youth Soccer League - as well as a developmental appropriate local tournament for the fall and spring seasons.  Players will participate in a futsal league during the winter.

REGISTER FOR FALL 2024 ROOTS JR EVALUATIONS

Evaluation Dates and Times: 

Players must be registered for evaluations. Players are encouraged to attend both sessions if possible.  Information will be sent to families prior to evaluations.

June 18 and 19 

• Girls 5:30 - 6:45pm

• Boys 7:15 - 8:30pm

First Interstate Bank Sportsplex

(26001 Ida St. in Valley)

How are JR Roots Academy teams formed? Pro Coaches, Hive Staff, and Club Directors will recommend players for the program.  Additionally, players can use predetermined evaluation days to be identified for the program.

Can I make any requests during registration? Not for Jr Roots Academy.  Players will be a part of a larger player pool.  All players will train together.  For games and events, players will be placed on rosters for each event by the Director and coaching team.  A player’s specific team placement could change from event to event.

Can my child play in an age group above or below their birth year? Jr Roots Academy is for 8U and 9U players.

Who will coach my child’s team? The Director and coaching staff will lead the teams at games and events.

What are the roles of the  Director and coaching staff? The Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program which includes training session design and execution, coaching, parent education and game-day management. Coaching will be provided by a staff made up of Nebraska Roots coaches, Pro Coaches, Hive Directors, and additional Club Directors. 

When will I find out which team my child is on? You will be communicated with prior to the game or event about your child’s team placement.  More information will be provided closer to the start of games.

When will my child’s team train? All Jr. Roots Academy players will train together, twice a week under the direction of our Director and coaching staff.  A more detailed schedule will be provided closer to the start of the season.

When are the Jr. Roots Academy games played? All Jr. Roots Academy players will participate in NYSL - Nebraska Youth Soccer League and a predetermined tournament (2-4 games) in the fall and spring seasons. The NYSL Schedule will be determined before the start of the season.  There will be additional opportunities for scrimmages or friendlies.