ESA Player Development Academy

The Enfield Soccer Association's U-7/U-8 Player Development Academy (PDA) program is designed to provide a challenge to our younger players in helping them prepare for the transition from U6 Recreational to competitive soccer. We aim to focus on skill set development to include lots of touches with the soccer ball while engaging in fun soccer activities.

We realize this is a very critical age in a young soccer player’s development. It would only make sense to offer the highest level of training available for the PDA. ESA’s Director of Coaching, Jay Rousseau, will oversee the coaching curriculum and player development for the PDA. Coach Jay is committed to designing instructional training that helps each player reach his/her maximum potential.  The implementation of training and games also aligns with the small-sided development plan designed by U.S. Youth Soccer.

Families can certainly travel out of town to find similar high-level training programs that usually cost several hundred dollars, but why do that when we offer our program here in Enfield designed by our Certified Director of Coaching Jay Rousseau. The ESA is committed to growing the game of soccer in Enfield. We are invested in our youth soccer players. We strive to provide a high level of training and provide the children with enjoyable experiences through soccer.

To see Coach Jay's coaching credentials please the button below for his bio.

Coach Jay's Bio
PLAYER DEVLOPMENT ACADEMY FAQ

Here we list some of the most frequently asked questions with regards to our Player development academy.

Q: What is the ESA U7/U8 Player Development Academy (PDA)?

A: The PDA is a competitive program of instructional training that helps 7 and 8-year-old players reach their maximum potential. We focus on skillset development that includes lots of touches on the ball.

Q: What are the age ranges for the PDA?

A: PDA is for players born between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2014.

Q: Is the PDA co-ed teams like Rec Soccer?

A:  No, there will be separate boys and a girls teams created.

Q: What is the difference between the Competitive PDA and Recretional Soccer that we are used to?

A: The PDA plays under the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association in the Roots Soccer League.  This is a competitive league with multiple teams from Western Mass.  Games are structured in quick 15min thirds to allow coaches a chance to give their players extra guidance, and the referee is a "mentor" helping teach the laws of the game.

You can see additional info here:  U7/U8 Roots Soccer League

Q: Does my child have to tryout for the PDA?

A: No, there are no tryouts for the Player Development Academy, we welcome all players.

Q: My child has other activities other then soccer. Are they allowed to play in both the PDA and there other sports?

A:  Yes of course, we encourage players to do multiple sports to find out what they enjoy the best.  We understand soccer may interfere with other sports or activities.  Coaches will do their best to schedule practices ahead of time. However they can't always meet every families schedule.