Waxhaw Athletic Association

Waxhaw Soccer Club

Spring 2024 Pre-Academy Program

Program Information

The Waxhaw Soccer Club Pre-Academy Program is a supplemental training option for our EDP I, EDP II, 8U, and 9U recreational players (Birth Years 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015).

For players and families who are looking for more in-depth soccer training, Pre-Academy is a program that was created to bridge the gap between Recreation and our Academy and Travel programs. Due to great success, we have expanded the program to even more of our younger age groups.

Players will be exposed to a rigorous individual technical training and team-based skills training using small-sided games designed to provide an environment conducive to accelerating development.  We are looking to mold passionate, confident, and skillful players, while also allowing them the freedom and creativity to learn the game through the game.

Practices will be facilitated by Pre-Academy trainers Isaiah Chambers, who played collegiately for Belmont Abbey and currently coaches the U10 girls, and Matias Fiorentino Lopez, who coaches our National Youth Academy U8 & U10 Boys and our Classic U12 & U13 boys, and Jeff Mercado, Director of Coaching.

It’s important to understand that Pre-Academy is a pathway for our National Youth Academy Program at Waxhaw soccer, but it is not a requirement. About 75% of our Pre-Academy players move through the National Youth Academy programming. Some continue with our recreational programming. We are looking for players who have accelerated technical soccer skills and recognizable athletic abilities, yes, but we care about a player’s attitude. In fact, that’s a priority. Do they listen and process instruction quickly? Do they love soccer and work hard without incentive? More than anything, participation should be player-driven. 

It's important, also, to understand that the curriculum centers around individual skill development. Therefore, we take players as they are and expect them to improve based on their baseline ability. They don’t spend much time competing with one another when the concentration is on self-improvement.

If this sounds like something in which your child would be interested, but you have further questions, please feel free to contact Don Reda or Jeff Mercado.