PSV Union Football Club

The PSV Union FC Academy is a year round skill development program focused on introducing the game of soccer to the youngest players, ages 4-6. 

Mission:

- To create an environment that nurtures a young player’s love for the game and encourages them to play and learn as much as possible

- To provide top-level and professional instruction to young players as part of a developmental program to help them understand the game and prepare them to play at competitive levels

- To introduce young players to professionals and high-level players at older age groups in order to encourage and inspire their interest in reaching a higher level 

We emphasize long term development through teaching basic skills, encouraging kids to have fun & develop a love for the game, developing a strong foundation for learning and understanding the material, enabling kids to gain a good grasp of techniques that provide stepping stones to play the game at a higher level in the future. 

Many players on our PSV Union FC competitive teams started playing soccer in our Academy program and “graduated” to the teams. Click HERE for the Academy flyer.

The PSV Union FC Philosophy

The PSV Union FC philosophy is based on a long term approach to development that focuses on providing top level instruction and a great learning environment, encouraging and reinforcing the importance of practice and repetition to master the fundamentals and nurturing a love for the game. We have a strong "club" model to promote this development, in which all teams, players & coaches collaborate and cooperate. Our highly qualified and licensed coaches have many years of coaching experience with all ages and levels around the world. All coaches have a strong commitment to teaching and sharing their passion for the game. Our players range in age & level from 4-year-old novices to 17-year-old Youth National team players, and we welcome players of various levels & experiences.

About the PSV Union Academy 

All ambitious players at some point make the transition either directly from AYSO (recreational) to US Club/NorCal Premier League or CYSA Class 1 or 3 (competitive & select) or gradually, from novice to recreational to Class 3 to Class 1 to Premier. In each case, the pathway for elite level soccer is often confusing. Many players have come to us in the past after working in what they perceived to be a high level coaching and playing environment, only to discover that higher levels exist. 

At PSV Union Academy, we provide players with the right environment from the beginning of their experience in soccer, thus eliminating the need to continually move clubs, leagues or organizations.

The philosophy behind the Academy is that kids can start with the club system right away and follow it through their entire involvement in youth soccer. By doing this, players in their formative years can be placed in an environment that emphasizes long term player development through teaching and practice, enjoying the game, and competing without the pressure to win. A lot of the material being taught will be focused on technical/skill aspects of the game and working on becoming comfortable with the ball.

Some parents may hesitate, thinking that 4-6 years of age is too young to begin participating in a focused training program. However, some of the world’s leading clubs, such as Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan and Liverpool FC invite players as young as 4 years of age to participate in their programs. It is important to note that this environment is focused on soccer, but is carefully managed to avoid putting undue pressure on the kids to over-train, get results, or win. Our focus is on teaching, learning and long term development.

When Academy players reach the age of 6 or 7, or whenever they are ready, they may be given the opportunity to “graduate” on to join a PSV Union competitive club team.

Academy Guidelines

While the Academy is more relaxed and fun session for young kids, we still have a few rules which we hope you will follow. Thank you for your cooperation.

• If you wish to speak with the coach be sure to make an appointment and do not do so while in session. Contact manager@psvunion.org to set up an appointment.
• PSV Academy belongs to its parent organization, PSV Union FC, so we aren’t the only field users. A number of our PSV Union club teams (ages U8-18) are using the same facility so it’s important that in the interest of the safety of the players and the smooth running of all sessions that parents view the practice from the neutral viewing area at the edge and not in between the soccer fields. Only players and coaches are allowed the field at all times.
• Please do not kick the ball with your children after Academy practice on the fields if the fields are still 'live' and in use. 
• We understand the you as a parent are keen to get as close to the action as possible however we ask that you view the session from a suitable distance and in a safe area.

SPRING: (3/16 -6/1) FRIDAY ONLY 4:00-5:30 pm

• Location: Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto
• Coaching Ratio: between 6:1 and 12:1
• Cost: $20 per session (You may pay by check or credit card. Note that a 3% processing fee will be applied to all PayPal/credit card payments.) 

How To Register?

Download and complete the registration form below.

Make check payable to PSV Union FC or pay with PayPal.

Mail forms and checks to:

PSV Union FC

555 Bryant Street, #437

Palo Alto, CA 94301

Questions? Contact us at manager@psvunion.org

SUMMER  (6/19- 8/2) TUESDAY & FRIDAYS ONLY  4-5:30 pm)

• CLICK ON THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER  

• Location: Jordan Middle School, Palo Alto
• Coaching Ratio: between 6:1 and 12:1
• Cost: $30 per session (You may pay by check or credit card. Note that a 3% processing fee will be applied to all PayPal/credit card payments.)

How To Register?

Download and complete the registration form below.

Make check payable to PSV Union FC or pay with PayPal.

Mail forms and checks to:

PSV Union FC

555 Bryant Street, #437

Palo Alto, CA 94301

Questions? Contact us at manager@psvunion.org

TECHNIQUE: Too many players are never taught even the most rudimentary techniques and are allowed to achieve moderate success through shortcuts such as physical prowess. This prevents them from reaching the highest level their potential allows.

ATTITUDE: A young player’s attitude towards learning and improvement and towards the competitive game as a whole is essential in ensuring their success as a student of the game. Attitude will help the player achieve their goals. Similarly, a poor attitude will prevent or work against this progress.

BALANCE: Many players are focused too much on the physical or technical aspects of the game. This all round education allows players to enhance, develop and exploit their natural qualities, yet also develop other aspects. For example a player who is simply fast and athletic will need to develop their technical speed.

SPEED: We don’t just mean physical speed. Technical speed on and off the ball and speed of decision-making and reading the game are the most important attributes.

FREE Academy Session For Boys & Girls (ages 4-6)

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012

Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Venue: Jordan Middle School, Palo Alto

Please contact manager@psvunion.org to pre-register