U8 Pre-Academy
Ages 8-12 are the most critical development years of a soccer player’s career. It is at these ages where the basic fundamental skills of soccer are mastered that allow players to compete and be successful as soccer players at the next level of play and where they develop a true love for the game.
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The PVU U8 Pre-Academy Program is designed to introduce young players to the competitive soccer environment in a positive, age-appropriate, and player-centered manner. The program serves as a bridge between recreational soccer and full competitive team play, providing players with foundational technical skills, an understanding of the game, and opportunities to experience structured competition while maintaining a strong focus on fun, learning, and long-term player development.
At this age, the emphasis is on developing a love for the game, building confidence with the ball, and creating an environment where players can learn through play, exploration, and guided instruction.
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This program includes:
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3 separate seasons: Fall, Winter, and Summer.
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Fall Season - Tryouts in July
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Winter Season - Registration based
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Summer Season - Tryouts in January​​
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Families can choose to participate in 1, 2, or all 3 seasons.
U8 Pre-Academy Structure
Training
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For Practices, players are placed in the U8 “Pool" meaning all players in the program train together in their respective gender (boys with boys and girls with girls)​​
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All Pool training sessions are led by the PVU Academy Director and PVU Staff Trainers. They are responsible for overseeing the age group development plan and player curriculum.
TEAMS for Games
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Players are placed on teams for TCSL (Twin Cities Soccer League) "Fives" Match Days
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Each team is led by a PVU coach for game-day coaching ​
​Can I request to play with friends? We will accept playing with friends’ requests but cannot guarantee it.
Program Philosophy
The U8 Pre-Academy Program is built on the belief that player development should take precedence over winning. Success is measured by individual growth, effort, improvement, and enjoyment of the game.
Our coaching approach focuses on:
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Creating a positive and encouraging learning environment.
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Maximizing player touches on the ball.
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Encouraging creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.
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Developing technical proficiency before tactical complexity.
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Teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.
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Providing equal opportunities for learning and participation.
Season Plans
Fall Season
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TRYOUTS - held in mid-July
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SEASON
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Mid-August through the middle of October
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Focuses more on player development and can serve as an introduction to competitive soccer.
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PRACTICEs
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Begins in mid-August
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2 trainings per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
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Held at Louisiana Oaks Fields
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GAMES
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Played on the weekend
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​2 "Match Days"
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All games will be played 5v5 – 4 field players + Goalkeeper
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2×20 minute halves
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Each team plays two (2) matches on same day
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Matches completed within 2-hour window as much as possible to make this program family centric
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THE LEAGUE
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PVU plays in the TCSL (Twin Cities Soccer League) "Fives" About the "Fives" League
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TEAMS
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Number of teams formed is based on the number of players signed up for a particular age group
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Pool Training Format
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Players practice together under the club philosophy with staff coaches and trainers
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COACHES
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PVU Staff coaches
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Pre-Academy Player Development Objectives
Technical Development
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Players will be introduced to and develop proficiency in:
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Dribbling with all surfaces of the foot
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Turning and changing direction
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Basic 1v1 attacking and defending
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Ball mastery and coordination
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Ball control and first touch
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Ball striking
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At U8, technical development is the primary focus of training.
Tactical Development
Players will begin learning:​
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Finding open space
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Understanding field positions
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Transitioning between attack and defense
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Simple decision-making during game situations
Tactical concepts are introduced through small-sided games and guided discovery rather than lectures or rigid systems.
Physical Development
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Training activities support:
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Agility
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Balance
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Coordination
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Speed
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Body control
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Athletic movement skills
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Activities are designed to be age-appropriate and fun while building athletic foundations.
Social Development
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Players will develop:
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Confidence
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Resilience
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Communication skills
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Teamwork
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Sportsmanship
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Respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials
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The program encourages players to take risks, learn from mistakes, and enjoy the process of improvement.
Pre-Academy Fees
Fees
Fall
$150 (includes training and games)
Winter
$335 for 2x per week
$210 for 1x per week
Includes Winter TCSL Fives Festivals
Summer
$550 (includes 2.5 months of indoor training in dome and gym, 4 months of outdoor training, all coaching, all games, all club admin fees
Uniforms
$120. The uniform is a separate fee but is good for 2 years (Summer 2026-Fall 2028)