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John Hackworth

US Development Academy Director and USA Men's National Team Assistant Coach


"It's a concept that youth soccer in this country desperately needs and our goal is to truly shift the focus towards increasing player development. I think it will create a day-to-day training environment that will allow players the opportunity to develop to the best of their ability."

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  To local club affiliates and respective parents.

Currently the FC Sarasota name has four areas and/or levels of program offerings which it is associated with.  It is important to note that only ONE of these programs (e.g., The Academy) is representative of the FC Sarasota Academy mission, beliefs and operational accountability.  To promote community unity in the pursuit of John Hackworth's youth development mission and local entry into the CDL Soccer League for 2008-2009 season, FC Sarasota gave permission to use its name sake to the CDL and Super Y League team programs.  This was, and remains, a good faith effort to help continue a local dialogue among strategic soccer leaders for the benefit of future youth soccer players and parents.  Please direct inquiries to the respective club team entered in the CDL and/or Super Y League.  FC Sarasota and its associated coaches, leaders and advisory board are not accountable for the specific operations related non-academy CDL or Super Y League teams.  A brief description of the four developmental programs targeting our Bi-County area can be found on the Unified Soccer Program Page.

 

Academy Announcements and News:

The Academy Program Definition:

This program is a year round initiative to maximize player, team, coach and parent development through a common soccer curriculum, intensive focus on training, and seeking quality games matching team levels in the right league and tournament play.  This program is designed after the Men's National U17 Developmental Model and is open to those Junior and Senior competitive age groups that are developmentally appropriate.

 

To view our vision, mission statement, objectives and action plan, please click the following document:  fcs_declarations08_version5.pdf

 

Current Academy Program Offerings:

Download FC Sarasota Academy FAQ's document HERE

Academy Leadership:

Keith Fulk is the Full-Time Director of Coaching and Player Development for FC Sarasota initiatives and programs.  Keith is a former United States U-17 Men’s National Team, Senior Assistant Coach.  He will oversee the professional infrastructure and player development model for our academy teams.  Keith is also the Head Coach for the ‘U15 Boys Academy’ as well as other age group academies that may develop in the pursuit of the FC Sarasota Vision Statement. 

Academy Objectives:

  1. To help each player attain the highest level of development that they are capable of (i.e., technically, tactically, physically, mentally, and individual responsibility). 

  2. Help each player identify and reach their unique goals if pursuing a soccer career during or post High School (e.g., collegiate level, US Academy, Professional, etc.). 

  3. To pursue the possibility of the bi-county area being nominated as a US Soccer Development Academy.

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Academy Structure:

The Academy program is headed by Keith Fulk as Technical Director of Youth Development and head coach of the U-15 Boys.  Keith will direct all training and allocate game coaching between himself and his assistant coaches. 

  1. The FC Sarasota Academy program is one of the most effective soccer development programs in the United States. The entire focus is on developing players and taking the players’ skills to their full potential.

  2. Training will average three times per week with an option to attend any age-appropriate 'open' community academy training events implemented through the year.

  3. The playing level that each boy or girl reaches will be based on his/her commitment, effort and how they develop within the program.  Every player is first and foremost a member of the Academy Program. All players will train together.  Each player will play competitively at his/her appropriate level to ensure maximum playing time.  As they develop, each player will play at higher levels.

  4. With the advantage of having several teams within the Academy, players can be moved from squad to squad, maximizing the reinforcement impact for effort and player development objectives. 

  5. The Academy teams will compete in the most competitive leagues possible.  We will have one team per 'academy age group' in the Super Y league, and all will play competitive matches that we will schedule starting in May or June and continuing into the best available fall and winter leagues.

  6. Throughout the year, we will have quarterly break periods to allow for proper physical recovery and limit over-exposure and/or burnout possibility.  The program structure also recognizes the importance of family vacation plans and players pursuing high school sports to round out the annual calendar. 

Academy Fees:

The fee for our academy program is $1050 annually, payable as follows:

Scholarship Opportunities:

The academy recognizes the importance of inclusivity to all players, regardless of socio-economic conditions.  The academy has several levels of scholarship opportunities available to players/parents that will pay from 50% to 80% of their fees, depending on the situation.  This is evaluated and awarded on a case by case basis. 

 

For more information on our Academy Program, please contact Doug Goodman

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