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First offered in the Fall and Winter of 2007, the Ottawa Fury Soccer Club School of Excellence is the newest component in the Fury's comprehensive Player Development Program. The School of Excellence caters to 8 to 12 years old players who want to develop their soccer skills at the key development ages under the stewardship of some of the region's top coaches. Please note that the program will NOT have a competitive team or league component - players in the School will remain with their club teams.
Why a School of Excellence for 9 - 12 year olds?
Between the ages of 6 to 10, soccer should be a time for developing an individual relationship with the ball. Whilst many young players will be involved in soccer as a team sport at these age groups it is generally believed that the most important aspect of their soccer development is to encourage them to be creative and to increase their level of confidence and comfort with the ball. 11 to 12 year olds must continue to develop their individual ball control but also start to learn to evaluate and take responsibility for individual and small group decisions on the field. The School program is designed to complement club programs and to offer a program geared to the most promising young soccer players in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Why join the Ottawa Fury School of Excellence?
To learn more about the Ottawa Fury, its programs and player-centric philosophy, please go to About The Fury To see how the various Fury programs fit together and form a comprehensive player development path see Player Development Path and to view the profiles of the Fury administration and coaching staff visit Fury Staff .
The main goal of the program and it's staff is to teach the technical skill requirements of the game. There will be a large "touch on the ball" focus! Gone are the days of players standing in line watching one player with one ball....this program will be ball focussed and include training sessions touching on all the individual skills required to play the game at the highest level.
2007-8 Program Dates and Structure (2008-9 Details Comng Soon)
The 2007-8 School of Excellence will operate on Sundays from Late Summer to Spring! The program is comprised of three phases. Phase 1 is a FREE 5 week outdoor program on a grass field while phases 2 and 3 are indoor components, each consisting of 10 sessions. Overall, the School of Excellence program will comprise 25 skill development sessions. Players attending all sessions with commitment and focus will see very noticeable improvement in their skills, comfort with the ball, and knowledge of technical components of the game.
The sessions will be tiered to allow players of similar ability and skill levels to be grouped together.
Phase 1
- 5 sessions in duration - outdoors - NO COST!
- At Terry Fox (Mooney's Bay), September 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7
- 3 PM - 4 PM Boys, 4 PM - 5 PM Girls, 5 PM - 6 PM Goalkeepers
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Players will be grouped based on their ability
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Note: phase 1 is not open to existing Fury team players
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Fury training shirts will be available for sale on the first day of phase 1
Phase 2
- 10 sessions in duration - indoors - cost: $169 plus tax
- November 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16, and January 6, 13, 20, and 27
- Gloucester Superdome
- Players will be grouped based on their ability
- Registration for phase 2 has started
Phase 3
- 10 sessions in duration - indoors - cost: $169 plus tax
- February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 30, and April 6, 13
- Gloucester Superdome
- Players will be grouped based on their ability
- Registration for phase 3 will start in January
What is the commitment level and required standards for entry?
With any high level program, there will be expectations. Our expectation from a participating player is that they will attend with the dedication and commitment required to raise their skills and overall level of play. This program is not aimed at beginners or house level players. The normal entry requirement for Ontario players is to be playing:
U9 ERSL U9 East or West Divisions
U10 ERSL Premier Divisions
U11 ERSL Premier Divisions
U12 ERSL Regional/Premier Divisions
Quebec-based players should apply similar standards.
The Coaches
With provincial and national coaching licences, great reputations and proven success, the School staff are at the top of their game to take you to the top of yours! The school staff will be directed by Colin McCurdy, the club's UEFA 'A' licenced coach and Technical Director, and will include:
