The Day Academy program is designed for soccer players that are just learning the game, as well as advanced players looking to improve their technical and tactical abilities. All players will receive individual attention in a fun, yet challenging learning environment.

The First Touch Day Academy training sessions will be designed to focus on all of the major aspects of the game necessary to improve and reach the next level of development. Technical training (skills) and tactical situations will be addressed and taught according to guidelines set forth by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Individual tactics and small group tactics will also be taught in intense training sessions that culminate in small-sided games every session. This structure will ensure that all participants are involved in the action, thus maximizing contact with the ball and increasing the amount of “problem solving” each player must engage in. This approach has yielded tremendous results globally and is truly the key in developing creative, exciting and sophisticated soccer players.

The camp curriculum includes specialized technical and tactical training in a circuit style instructional method. Every day a new skill be introduced and the defensive and attacking considerations will be taught on a individual and small group basis. Each day will end with small sided games that maximize individual player involvement in the game, thereby offering every player an opportunity to put their new found knowledge and skill to the test in a game setting.

While academy director, Scott Mejia, will direct the majority of the training sessions, other highly qualified college coaches, and current Augustana College men’s and women’s soccer team members will be used to help facilitate the learning process. All coaches will be selected for their ability to work with highly motivated youth players, and their ability to teach the game of soccer, and their ability to be a positive role model for all participants of the academy program.