GCU is proud of the accomplishments that our U9 and U10 boys and girls soccer teams this past season.  We are looking to expand this program for the 2010/2011 season.

 Academy Soccer focuses primarily on individual skill development and prepares players for Club Soccer in later years. Scores are not recorded; standings are not maintained. All players generally play the same amount of time in each game (but this varies from coach to coach). The season usually concludes with a regional Academy Festival. Some teams may also participate in pre-season & post-season tournaments.

 2010/11 GCU Academy Information

The Gulf Coast United Youth Academy focuses on the development of EVERY player, instead of teams at these young ages as recommended by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in their ‘Player Development Guidelines’. This focus is also strongly recommended in the coaching license courses run by the USSF and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The main reasoning behind the development of individual players is that in the past there has been so much focus on creating winning teams, that the players’ technical skills have never developed enough to be able to carry out the tactics needed to play at the next level. Academy teams begin training in Mid-August and play games from November to February.  

Academy Fees & Details

Academy Registration Fee $395.00 plus Uniform Fee 

Academy Uniform Fee $80 Due at registration

$150.00 Due at registration                                                   

$165.00 Due July 30^th

Academy Fees include: Team training 2 times a week, league registration, games & Referee fees for league games. (1) Academy uniform, which includes (1)  game uniforms, (1) pair of game shorts, (1) pair of socks and a (2) Practice Shirts. 

A percentage of your fee also goes to Field maintenance & improvements, light & water, training & Field equipment, and other club expenses.

 Academy Season: Mid-August thru February 

 For more information contact Matt Risley GCU Academy Director

 Help Us Teach the Game 

Gulf Coast United SC Academy is now accepting letters of intent for those persons interested in joining the GCU Academy coaching staff. GCU Academy program is designed by Jimmy McDonald (GCU Director of Coaching) & Matt Risley (GCU Academy Director) to develop the individual player’s soccer skills and focusing less on team development and team results. For our program to work, a player/coach ratio of 5 to 1 is what we are aiming for. Jimmy and I will start to set up meetings with potential candidates starting next week.

Soccer experience is helpful but not a requirement. Communication, availability, and the ability to follow and support our qualified coaching staff are what we are looking for.

Please contact us to set up a meeting. Academy coaching questions