ACADEMY PROGRAM
Learn to play the England way
Our approach to training and playing football at Lasalle Football Academy follows the England FA Foundation Phase framework which was developed by the English Football Association (FA) to guide the development of young players in the early stages of their football journey. There are several benefits associated with using the England FA Foundation Phase:
Player-Centric Approach: The England FA Foundation Phase places a strong emphasis on the individual needs and development of young players. It focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment where players are encouraged to express themselves, make decisions, and develop their technical, physical, and social skills.
Long-Term Player Development: The framework takes a holistic approach to player development, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals with a solid foundation of technical skills, game understanding, and personal qualities. It provides a structured pathway that ensures players progress through age-appropriate stages, gradually building on their abilities over time.
Age-Appropriate Training: The England FA Foundation Phase recognizes that children progress at different rates and have unique developmental needs at each stage. It provides age-appropriate training sessions, drills, and games that are tailored to the physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities of young players. This approach maximizes their learning potential and reduces the risk of injury or burnout.
Skill Acquisition: The framework focuses on the development of fundamental skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and basic technical abilities. It places an emphasis on providing players with ample opportunities for repetition, practice, and exploration of different movement patterns and game situations. This approach helps young players acquire a solid technical foundation, which is essential for their future development.
Game-Based Learning: The England FA Foundation Phase encourages learning through playing the game. It emphasizes small-sided games and modified formats that replicate real match scenarios. This approach enhances players' decision-making, problem-solving, and game understanding skills, as they learn to apply their technical abilities in dynamic and competitive situations.
Overall, the England FA Foundation Phase offers a player-centered and evidence-based approach to youth development in football. It focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals, providing age-appropriate training, and creating an enjoyable and challenging learning environment. By implementing this framework, we allow young players the opportunity to develop their skills, love for the game, and the potential to reach their full potential in football.
Strength, Courage, Respect, and Pride are the core values we try to encourage and instill in our Lions at Lasalle Football Academy.
Play with Strength - Strength is a fundamental core value in football. It encompasses physical strength, mental strength, and emotional resilience. Football requires players to be physically fit and strong to endure the physical demands of the game. Moreover, mental and emotional strength help players stay focused, overcome challenges, and persevere through difficult situations both on and off the field.
Play with Courage - Courage is a vital core value in football. It involves the willingness to take risks, face adversity, and step out of one's comfort zone. Football requires players to be courageous in their decisions, whether it's making a bold pass, attempting a difficult skill, or taking on a challenging opponent. Courage also extends beyond the game, encouraging players to be courageous in their personal lives, standing up for what is right, and being leaders on and off the field.
Play with Respect - Respect is an essential core value in football. It emphasizes treating teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, and the game itself with respect. Respect involves valuing diversity, understanding different perspectives, and practicing good sportsmanship. Players are expected to respect the rules, decisions, and authority of the game and demonstrate respect towards others, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
Play with Pride - Pride is a significant core value in football. It signifies taking pride in oneself, the team, and the game. Players are encouraged to have a strong work ethic, strive for excellence, and continuously improve their skills. Pride also encompasses representing the academy with honour and dignity, wearing the team's colours with pride, and displaying a positive attitude both on and off the field. It instills a sense of belonging and motivates players to give their best in every aspect of their football journey.
These core values provide a foundation to develop well-rounded players who not only excel in the game but also become individuals of character, integrity, and resilience.
Age-Appropriate Learning
Where young Cubs develop into fearless Lions
Our Cubs Program is designed to introduce young children to the basic principles of football in a fun and engaging manner. At this age, the primary focus is on creating a positive and enjoyable experience that fosters a love for the game and encourages physical activity. Here's a summary of what to expect:
Fundamental Movement Skills: Our coaches emphasize developing fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, hopping, skipping, and basic agility which form the building blocks for more advanced football techniques later on.
Ball Familiarity: Children are introduced to the football, learning how to control and manipulate it with their feet. Simple dribbling exercises, basic ball-handling, and basic coordination drills are incorporated.
Small-Sided Games: Small-sided games, often with minimal rules, are used to engage young players and introduce them to the concept of teamwork and competition.
Play-Based Learning: The coaching approach for 4-5 year-olds is play-based. Coaches use imaginative games, storytelling, and creative activities to teach basic football concepts in an entertaining way.
Social Interaction: Developing social skills is a key component. Players learn to share, take turns, and cooperate with their peers, fostering positive social interactions.
Safety and Well-Being: Coaches prioritize the safety and well-being of young players. Age-appropriate equipment and facilities are used, and a nurturing, encouraging environment is maintained.
No Pressure on Performance: There's no emphasis on competitive performance or winning at this stage. The primary goal is to develop a love for the sport and a foundation of physical literacy.
CUBS
LIONS
Our Lions Program is designed to build upon the fundamental skills and concepts introduced in our Cubs Program, fostering the development of young footballers in a progressive and enjoyable manner. Here's a summary of what to expect:
Fundamental Skills Development: Our coaches work on refining fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control whilst introducing more complex techniques in an age-appropriate manner.
Tactical Understanding: While still emphasizing enjoyment and participation, we begin to introduce basic tactical concepts, including positioning, spacing, and teamwork.
Small-Sided Games: Small-sided games continue to be a core component of coaching. They allow players to apply their skills and understanding in game situations, promoting decision-making and teamwork.
Increased Game Realism: Training sessions incorporate elements that resemble real game situations, gradually preparing players for more structured matches.
Physical Development: Players are encouraged to further develop their physical attributes, including agility, balance, and coordination.
Psychological and Social Aspects: Players learn about respect, fair play, and dealing with both winning and losing gracefully.
Skill Progression: Sessions are designed to progressively challenge players based on their individual development, ensuring that they continue to grow and improve while enjoying the game.
Preparation for the Next Stage: Our Lions Program is a preparatory phase for the subsequent stages in youth football. It equips players with the fundamental skills and understanding needed to progress in their football journey.
(6-9 years old)
(4-5 years old)
Our Core Values
Let’s work together
