FC Frederick's Academy Program has been called "one of the finest youth development programs of any youth soccer club in the United States." Modeled after the ideals set forth in the USSF National Youth License, players participate in "developmentally appropriate" training activities that are both challenging and fun.
The Academy I Program is usually players' first introduction to soccer (or organized sports generally) and the primary goal is to ensure players have fun, while planting the seeds for a lifelong enjoyment of the game. Players will learn a variety of skills over the course of the season, including moves, ball mastery, and juggling techniques.
The Academy I Director oversees all aspects of the Academy I Program, and works with staff coaches to develop and implement program goals. FC Frederick's Academy Director, Jackie Eskay, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program.
To join any Academy I program, players must register through FC Frederick's Playmetrics Portal. Players participate in age group programs based on the year they were born (Program Fees vary for each age group). For labelling purposes, "8U" (for example) means that players in that age group can be 8 years old and younger. The 2024-25 age groups are:
2020 = 5U
2019 = 6U
2018 = 7U
2017 = 8U
2016 = 9U
Coaching: Volunteer coach; oversight by Head Age Group Coach and Academy I Director
Commitment: Seasonal (Fall, Spring, or both)
Training: Once per week, Fridays, at Urbana Community Park
Games: 3v3 format, Saturday mornings at Urbana Community Park
Ball: Size 3
Uniform: Included with fee
Traveling Minis: The FC Frederick Academy program comes to your backyard! Watch the video!
Coaching: Volunteer coach; oversight by Head Age Group Coach and Academy I Director
Commitment: Seasonal (Fall, Spring, or both)
Training: Twice per week, Tuesdays & Thursdays, at Urbana Community Park
Games: Participation in Frederick Fours league (4v4 format dual field format); Saturdays at Frederick area fields
Ball: Size 3
Uniform: Additional cost
Other: Access to all club services (summer camps, soccer schools, winter futsal, etc.)
Coaching: Volunteer coach; oversight by Head Age Group Coach and Academy I Director
Commitment: Seasonal (Fall, Spring, or both)
Training: Twice per week, Mondays & Wednesdays, at Frederick area fields
Games: Participation in HexaLeague (6v6, 5 field players plus GK) or URSL; Saturdays at Frederick area fields
Events: FCF ScrimmageFest (Spring)
Ball: Size 4
Uniform: Additional cost
Other: Access to all Club services (summer camps, soccer schools, winter futsal, etc.)
4U-6U Age Group: $200 (includes t-shirt)
7U-8U Age Group: $250 plus Uniform Kit
9U Age Group: $350 plus Uniform Kit
