CUFC offers two levels of travel soccer for boys and girls ages 8 - 18.  Our U11 and older age groups include both a Classic and Elite level of play.  Academy teams are U9-U12 and Classic teams are U13 and older.   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.

 

ELITE TEAMS:  Elite teams represent the most competitive teams offered by Chesterfield United Soccer Club. The Elite team will select the top players in each age group beginning at the U11 age group. Accordingly, there is only ONE Elite team in each age group. Our Elite teams compete in the Virginia Soccer League Incorporated (VSLI) and also attend the most prestigious tournaments. Elite teams practice 2-3 times per week with games on the weekend. The program also includes Coerver 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.

  

CLASSIC TEAMS:  Classic teams are generally comprised of U13-U18 players.  The Classic Travel program provides a competitive environment that falls between that of the 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 Classic teams to develop these players to hopefully move into an Elite role should they so choose. The program also includes Coerver Training, Goalkeeper clinics, Speed and Agility Training and age specific skills training.

 

ACADEMY TEAMS:  Academy teams are generally comprised of U9-U12 players. The 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 Coerver Training, Goalkeeper clinics Speed and Agility Training and age specific skills training.

In addition to regular team practices, CUFC provides all travel players with year-round training opportunities conducted by our Director of Coaching and our staff of professional trainers. 

 

SKILLS TRAINING/COERVER 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, Coerver Virginia 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 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.