Click here to Register for the Player Development Academy
Click to download the PDA's Information Packet
Q: What is the ESA Player Development Academy (PDA)?

A: The PDA is a competitive program of instructional training that helps 7, 8, and 9-year-old players
reach their maximum potential. It is a bridge that helps players transition from recreational to
competitive soccer. A primary focus of the PDA is to develop players to their greatest potential
through providing top-quality instruction and exposure to high levels of competition. The curriculum
for this program is based on having the players get lots of touches on the ball while learning basic
foot skills. The players will also learn the fundamentals of soccer, such as, positioning, rules, and
playing as a team.

Q: How often are practices?

A:  The PDA teams practice twice a week in Enfield for (1) hour each training session.

Q: Where are the games located?

A:  The PDA U-8 Boys and Girls teams play ALL their games at the ROOTS Soccer Facility in Westfield,
MA on 181 Root Road, Westfield, MA 01085. This is roughly 25 minutes from Enfield.  Information about the facility can be found at their website ROOTS Athletic Center.

The PDA U-9 Boys teams travel to local Massachusetts towns such as Ludlow, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Agawam, Westfield, Southwick, etc. Half of the games will be considered “home” games right here in Enfield. The other half will be “away” games. All league games for U-8 & U-9 are played on Saturdays. There is a total of 8 league games every season.

Q: What are the age ranges for the PDA?

A: For the Spring of 2022, we are welcoming the following age range of players.

Girls born between August 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015

Boys born between August 1, 2012, and July 31, 2015

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

A:  No, we offer separate boys and girls teams.

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 15 min 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:  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. We encourage players to participate in multiple sports and activities to find out what they enjoy best. We understand soccer may interfere with other sports and activities. Coaches will do their best to schedule practices ahead of time. However, they can't always meet every family’s schedule. With that said, there is an expectation that each player makes as many team activities as possible.

Q: How much does the PDA cost?

A: The cost is just $100.00 per season. Uniform costs are additional.

Q: When should I register?

A: As soon as possible. For the Spring of 2022, the Roots Soccer League requires that we send in our team entries and rosters in early March. We also expect a high demand for our Spring 2022 PDA program. In order to guarantee a spot please don’t delay in registering your child on our website by clicking this link - Register Now!

Q: I have an additional questions. Where can I get more information about the ESA PDA?

A: Feel free to contact our ESA Director of Coaching Jay Rousseau via email at jay@enfieldsoccer.com.

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