​MISSION STATEMENT

"CHARM CITY TRAINING ACADEMY WAS CREATED BY THE PLAYERS FOR THE PLAYERS. OUR STAFF HAS EXPEREINCE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE GAME. WE UNDERSTAND THAT PLAYER DEVELOPEMENT IS KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN THE SPORT AND ULTIMATELY HELPING THEM REACH THEIR GOALS & DREAMS. AT CHARM CITY ACADEMY, WE BELEIVE WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO GUIDE THEM TO ACHEIVING THIS. EACH PLAYER IS UNIQUE AND EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES. A PLAYER'S MINDSIGHT/MENTALITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE AND WE WANT TO NOT ONLY DEVELOP THE PLAYER ON THE FIELD BUT THE LEADER HIDDEN IN EACH INDIVIDUAL. WE WANT TO ACT AS COACHES & ROLE MODELS TO THE PLAYERS TO PUSH THEM TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN THEIR GAME & IN LIFE.

​​​LOCATION

CHARM CITY SUMMER OPEN SESSIONS & GK TRAINING WILL BE HELD AT ST TIMOTHY'S SCHOOL. 
ADDRESS: 8400 Greenspring Ave, Stevenson, MD 21153 

Q & A:

WHY CHOOSE CHARM CITY ACADEMY? 
-High Level Staff with Pro & College Playing Experience and College Coaching Experience 
-Emphasis on Player Development 
-Non club affiliated environment 
-Great Facilities 
-Professional & College Connections 


WHAT IS THE MAIN DEVELOPMENT PHILOSPHY OF CHARM CITY? 
        Our main philosophy of player development is based on three stages coinciding with different ages. These ages include 11 & under, 12-14 yrs old, and 15-18 years old. At the first stage in our development is primarily focusing on player's technical ability. From ages 11 and under, leading up to 11v11, we believe it is integral that we develop them in this primary area. Without proper technique, a player we'll struggle regardless of size or physical ability. Our main proponents of technical ability are dribbling, receiving, and passing. These three skills are the foundation of the sport. By putting an emphasis on this, in a high repetition environment with our experienced staff, we build them into the next stage of our development philosophy.
      From 12-14 years old, an emphasis is put on technical ability as well as positional specific training. As players get older and into 11v11, they should have an idea of what their main position is. Positional specific development is crucial to progressing. Yet is hardly included in most club settings and is usually only performed by the individual player themselves. By focusing on player's positional play, they are gaining a massive advantage to the majority of other players in their age group. From time to time, players in the age group may be broken up into positions as opposed to age or skill level and focus on specific positional training during the session with their particular age group. In our general sessions, we may look to develop positional play by incorporating different specific positional important skills to drills or games. For example, a passing sequence that finishes up with crossing (winger / outside back specific skill) which translates to finishing in the 18-yard box (forward specific skill). 
      Lastly, from ages 15-18 years old we focus on developing their technical ability, positional play and now speed of play, IQ, tactical awareness and physicality. This is the "glued" that brings the two prior stages of our development together. At these ages, players are primarily preparing themselves for the next ladder of their soccer career whether it's playing high level high school / club soccer or readying themselves for college and beyond. Not developing the mental side of the game, players will struggle to adapt to higher levels of soccer where speed of play and decision making is crucial to succeed. Drills and Exercises will look to focus on playing quicker technically (1 or 2 touch), mentally (quicker decisions on and off the ball), and physically (repetitive environment which leads to consistency).


WHAT SKILL LEVEL & AGES CAN ATTEND? 
-Ages 11-18 are welcome at Charm City Soccer Academy. In Special circumstances, exceptions will be made. Any skill level is welcomed. However, as the player gets older. If they haven't developed their technical skills they may struggle, and a lower age group may be recommended. 


HOW WILL THE AGE GROUPS BE BROKEN UP IN THE OPEN SESSIONS & CLINICS? 
-They'll be split into five groups 
1) U12-U14 (11-13 years old) - Male
2) U12-U14 (11-13 years old) - Female 
3) U15-U18 (14-18 years old) - Male 
4) U15-U18 (14-18 years old) - Female 

Goalkeeper Academy: 
1) U14-U10 - Coed
2) U18-U15 - Coed

-Note: Players will be split into smaller groups amongst the groups dictated by skill level and age. 


CAN YOUNGER PLAYERS BE MOVED UP INTO OLDER AGE SESSIONS? 
-Yes, in certain circumstances where a player isn't being challenged adequately enough. We may recommend that they move up. We believe if a player is capable enough and if we truly care about the player's development then we must put them in a challenging environment. 


WHAT WILL THE SET UP OF THE SESSIONS LOOK LIKE? 
-While each session will be unique with each staff member bringing a different style of coaching. A main focus will be put on strengthening player's technical ability. Depending on age and skill level, the time will vary in how long the focus will be on this area. However, this will always be at the start of the session right after warm up. From there, drills and games will follow. Focusing on the three stages of Charm City's main development philosophy located above. Scrimmages or game like situations may be the end to the session depending on the coach's discretion. 


WILL ALL THE PLAYERS IN THE TRAINING SESSIONS AND CLINICS BE GROUPED TOGETHER? 
-No, at the very minimum the players will be split into two groups. With skill level and age being the two deciding factors. We believe if a player isn't up to the level, they will struggle which will take away from their development and overall experience. As well as effecting the other player's development. Charm City believes that each player's path is different.  Every player's rise through the soccer levels is unique, many factors are involved not just the age of the player. They must go at their own pace to develop and reach their full potential. 


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF CHARM CITY SOCCER ACADEMY THAT YOU MAY NOT GET IN A CLUB SOCCER ENVIRONMENT? 
-Primarily focused on player development and not results 
-Coaches Rotations. Coaches will train different age groups each session. Therefore, players will be getting a wide variety of different coaching styles, input & training. 
-High coach to player ratio 
-Non-Club Affiliated where players are open up to different coaching styles and opinions. As well as having them play against different competition and possibly higher-level competition.
-Low Stress Opened Environment where less pressure is put on players to get specific outcomes (playing time / team results / stats / etc)


CHARM CITY CALENDER

SUMMER 2024
SUMMER OPEN SESSION I START - JUNE 3RD, @ ST TIMOTHY'S 6-7:30PM (EVERY MONDAY) Other Dates: 6/10,6/17,6/24
SUMMER OPEN SESSION II START - JULY 1ST @ ST TIMOTHY'S 6-7:30PM (EVERY MONDAY) Other Dates: 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
SUMMER EVENING CAMP- LATE JULY (DETAILS TO BE RELEASED BY LATE APRIL)

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