CHESTERFIELD UNITED FC TRAVEL TEAM PROGRAMS:
United FC offers several levels of travel soccer for boys and girls ages 8 - 19. Our U11 and older age groups include both a UNITED (Classic) and PUMA (Elite) level of play. JR Academy teams are U9 & U10 and our PUMA UNITED Academy program is currently for our U18 players. These divisions allow for the players to develop at their own pace and to insure that players receive the most appropriate training for their developing skill level. This is a very successful method in both providing the higher level players with more advanced training and also for developing and refining the play of other players so that they can successfully transition into the higher level of play with confidence.
 

JR ACADEMY TEAMS: JR Academy teams are generally comprised of U9-U10 players. The JR Academy program emphasizes technical and physical development while encouraging individual creativity and expression. The program’s focus is not on winning but on developing each player to his or her fullest potential, preparing the players for success in the future. The program also includes UT2 United Technical Training, Goalkeeper clinics Speed and Agility Training and age specific skills training.In addition to regular team practices, United FC provides all travel players with year-round training opportunities conducted by our Directors and our Senior Staff of professional trainers.

UNITED (CLASSIC) TEAMS: UNITED (Classic) teams are generally comprised of U11-U18 players. The UNITED Travel program provides a competitive environment that falls between that of the PUMA (Elite) Travel and Recreational Programs. The purpose of these teams is to provide a forum for player development and competitive play. Teams practice twice per week with games on the weekend. It is the focus of the UNITED teams to develop these players to hopefully move into a PUMA team should they so choose. The program also includes UT2 United Technical Training, Goalkeeper clinics, Speed and Agility Training and age specific skills training.

PUMA (ELITE) TEAMS: PUMA teams represent the most competitive teams offered by Chesterfield United Soccer Club. The PUMA teams will select the top players in each age group beginning at U11. Accordingly, there is only ONE PUMA (Elite) team in each age group. Our PUMA teams compete in the ASL Atlantic Soccer League (U15-U18 Boys), the Virginia Soccer League Incorporated (VSLI), VCCL Virginia Club Champions League and also attend the most prestigious tournaments. PUMA teams practice 2-3 times per week with games on the weekend. The program also includes UT2 United Technical Training, Goalkeeper clinics, Speed and Agility Training, College Prep and age specific skills training. Each year, teams will have the opportunity to compete in non-league games with top clubs on the East Coast to further expand their playing experience.

PUMA UNITED ACADEMY: The PUMA United Academy U18 boys & girls program is designed for players to train at the top level, play in high exposure matches and events and to have a realistic pathway to make it as a student athlete at the college soccer level. United FC has put together an extensive College Assistance Program that provides guidance for its players on time management, nutrition, fitness, academics along with other aspects of developing a well rounded student/athlete. PUMA United Academy boys teams will play in the ASL and in 2010 the PUMA United Academy girls teams will play in the VCCL. These teams will also participate in college showcases such as the VCCL College Showcase, Triangle Friendlies, SAC Columbia Invitational as well as other high exposure events.

RICHMOND UNITED PASL: As the top level offered by United FC, Richmond United is a U19 minor league indoor team that plays in the PASL Premier Arena Soccer League over the winter months. Through a partnership with SCOR (Sports Center of Richmond) Richmond United is made up of the top U18/U19 players from the PUMA United Academy as well as a handful of at large players that coach within the club or are affiliated with the club at some level.

Club Training Philosophy:
SKILLS TRAINING/UT2 UNITED TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR AGES U9 – U12

The training consists of intensive skills work, as well as tactical awareness. New concepts are introduced while reinforcing skills already learned. The end result of this intensive program is a self-assured, confident, field smart, team player able to adapt to any game situation or condition.

Attention will be given to the instruction of good ball control habits and movement techniques in challenging drills and simulated match situations. Conditioning methods and training ethics are also stressed to prevent injuries and improve the young athlete’s coordination and flexibility. CUFC understands the needs of youth in soccer and stresses the development of a positive self-image, mental stimulation and a sense of respect and sportsmanship among players.

Fundamentals as well as sophisticated techniques of soccer will be taught on a personalized individual level along with various forms of group instruction provided by the Technical Staff, Senior Staff and other professional CUFC staff coaches. Emphasis is placed on the development, improvement and refinement of basic playing skills.

Sessions are broken down by age groups, U9’s, U10’s, U11’s and U12’s. All teams within each of these age groups will come together once a week to one location and training as one group.

Each team’s Coach is present at the training and continues the training progressively in their practices. Coaches will keep in constant communication throughout the season on each player’s progress. This will keep the Technical Staff, Senior Staff and travel coaches familiar with all players in younger age groups and allows more interaction with parents.

Attention is focused on the instruction of good ball control habits and movement techniques in challenging drills and simulated match situations. Conditioning methods and training ethics are also stressed to prevent injuries and improve the young athlete’s coordination and flexibility.

TEAM TRAINING FOR U13 AND OLDER:

Chesterfield United is focused on providing the best possible training for every level of player. Our training is designed to provide training of development skills technical advancement, and motor development with and without the ball to enable players to compete effectively at the next level of play. Players have an opportunity to learn individual skills as well as the basics of small-sided and full-sided team play. This is provided to our older teams through work with the trainers and coaches as a team over the course of the season.

Technical skills are the foundation of a great soccer player. Our focus on training players is to help develop a soft first touch, quick and accurate footwork, and the skills necessary to create time and space. Ball skills such as dribbling, feints, passing, receiving, shooting and finishing, and 1 v 1 play with an emphasis on coordination, flexibility and creativity. Confidence with the ball in pressure situations is essential to the mastery of the game of soccer. The final stage is to help players who want to follow the path to the professional level of competition. This program demands the highest level of total commitment to the technical, tactical, psychological and physical aspects of the game. The priorities include the development of team tactics, functional play; match related training, principles of team play and team transition.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
Specialized training is offered to all age groups in addition to regular season training in the areas of Technical Skill, Finishing and Goalkeeping.