CE Academy players were trained by Iris Mora, a member of the Mexican National Team, member of the 2004 Mexican National Olympic team, and about to be drafted by the new professional womens league.
U9/U10 ACADEMY PROGRAM
The Academy Program offers an alternative development and play opportunity geared toward players and families who are dedicated to soccer, and have a passion for the game which is "beyond recreational." The program is open to all U9 and U10 Girls and Boys. Players will train twice per week (1.5 hours) with qualified and experienced CESA trainers. Games are also coached by CESA trainers. The program is not select soccer. The program is open to any individual who desires the commitment, enjoyment, and interest to develop the fundamental skills of the game of soccer. There are no tryouts, and 50% play per half is strictly enforced. Games will be played against other Academy teams throughout San Antonio.
Players are divided into U9 and U10 age groups. The age group for a player shall be determined by the player's age as of July 31st (see age chart above). Our commitment is to form the Academy teams gender pure. We strive to achieve balanced teams so that all teams have a chance to be competitive. Special requests will be recognized but not guaranteed at the cost of the team formation and competitive balance concerns.
ACADEMY DIRECTORS OF TRAINING
MIKE ALDERSON
Mike Alderson is the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Texas LutheranUniversity. Alderson holds the school record for winsand winning percentage as the Men’s Coach at TLU. Aldersonled TLU to the university’s first ever berth in the NCAA NationalTournament and an American Southwest Conference Championship.He also led them to two ASC West Division titles. He isa three-time ASC Coach-of-the-Year honoree, twice as themen’s coach and in his first year as the women’s coach.
Alderson has also been involved with the Olympic DevelopmentProgram at both the state level (South Texas), and regionallevel (Region III). He is also an Academy Staff Coach for theNational Soccer Coaches Association of America. He has beencoaching the Classics, which is now the Classics Elite, for over 6years during which time he has consistently led his teams tothe Snickers State Final Four tournament.
Alderson holds the USSF “A” license, NSCAA Advanced NationalDiploma and an English Football Association Coaching Badge. Anative of Guisborough, England, he holds a master of educationdegree in Health and Kinesiology from the University of Texasat Tyler, and a bachelor's degree in Sport and Recreation Managementfrom the University of Birmingham in England.
PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORY
The Academy program (formally known as Rec+ or Rec Plus) is designed for the recreational player who desires professional training and the opportunity to play with like-minded peers. This is strictly a developmental program. The focus of the program is squarely on the development of the player and to ensure that players continue to evolve a love of the game.
The Academy program began the fall of 2004 with four teams and then increased to seven teams in the spring of 2005 and then eight teams in the fall of 2005-2006. The program is part of the Classics Elite Soccer Academy which began the spring of 2004. Prior to 2004, the Classics Soccer Club was established in 1992, and has been a competitive soccer program exclusively for female players. The Elite Soccer Club was established in December 1999 and has been a competitive soccer program exclusively for male players. In April 2004, the two clubs merged under a new name, Classics Elite Soccer Academy. The Classics Elite has boys and girls teams competing in Premier League, Division I, Super II and Division II.
The emphasis with our younger players is on the development of individual skills, which serve as the fundamentals of the game. Our trainers strive to ensure that each player first develops the technical ball skills followed by development of tactical abilities. The program's emphasis is on the development of the player first and performance of the team second rather than wins and losses. It is our experience that focusing on wins at the younger ages does not translate into success at the older ages unless players learn and understand more of the game through age-appropriate training sessions that focus on player development.
Additionally, the developmental nature of the program causes us to schedule more games than an ordinary recreation league. As a result we will have some double header matches on game days. Matches are scheduled with other academy programs in the San Antonio area, sometimes in Austin and outlying areas of both cities. We will travel to these other venues approximately 50% of the schedule or less.
TRAINING STAFF
Trainers are assigned by the director, Coach Brian Monaghan. Trainers are selected based on their experience as players and teachers of the game. Players are assigned to an U9 or an U10 team based on their age, gender, and playing development. Trainers are assigned by the director, Coach Brian Monaghan. Trainers are selected based on their experience as players and teachers of the game. As a Club, we are very fortunate to have qualified trainers who are dedicated to both the Classics Elite Soccer Academy and the development of young girls and boys into well rounded athletes and people. They take pride in conducting well-organized training sessions, with a focus on building the complete soccer player, making sessions both challenging and FUN.
PRACTICE AND GAMES
Fall training begins the week of Monday August 23rd from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm. All players will be called in advance and team meetings held for all teams the first or second night of training. Teams will train twice a week with additional training opportunities available for interested players. For more information, please contact Brian Monaghan.
ACADEMY GAMES
Academy teams play in various San Antonio locations, New Braunfels, and may play tournaments in Austin. Always check with your Team Manager to confirm games.
FIELD MAPS
CESA Fields (Classics Elite)
FSH Soccer Fields (New Location)
Alamo SportsPlex Fields
Boerne Soccer Fields
NEYSO Soccer Fields
Pepsi Soccer Fields
HEB Soccer Fields
JMS Soccer Fields
Jumbo Evans Fields
