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Junior Academy (5U-8U)

This program is for players born in 2018-2021 for the 2025-2026 year (Grades K-5). Players born in 2018 also have the option to play up in our Academy or Recreational (9U) programs instead.

Our Junior Academy program is an introduction to soccer where players are trained on the fundamentals of the game in Phase 1 of our Player Development Framework.  Players will learn key skills and practice using them in games against other SPSC teams and/or teams from a neighboring club or organization.

The primary goal of the program is individual player development and learning team concepts. Thus, it is critical that all players get touches on the ball and why goalkeepers are not used, as recommended by US Soccer.

The program runs for eight weeks each season (fall and spring). All practices and games are held at Stoneridge Estates Park.

Makeup of Teams

Players are assigned to teams based on a mix of factors, such as experience, genders, grades, birth dates, etc.  We do our best to create teams for both developmental purposes and so that our games are competitively balanced.

Friend and coach requests will be considered, but they are not guaranteed. The best way to ensure your request is honored is to volunteer as a coach.

Coaching

All teams use volunteer Coaches who receive ongoing support from our Junior Academy Director and a training curriculum. See our Volunteer Coaching policy for information on volunteer coaching incentives: https://www.sunprairiesoccer.com/volunteercoaches

Equipment

Each player will receive a team shirt, which must be worn in games. If your player plays in both fall and spring, they will use the same shirt. Shirts are printed in bulk, so we may not be able to provide a replacement if it is lost or damaged.

Players must bring their own size 3 ball to training sessions and games, bring a water bottle, and wear shin guards, soccer cleats,  and be dressed appropriately for play.

Waitlisting

Once registration closes, all players will be waitlisted until we can confirm that we have enough Coaches to serve them. The best way to guarantee your child's spot and get off the waitlist is to volunteer to coach. Once a new Coach volunteers, additional players will be released and assigned to the new team.

Any players not given spots on teams will be refunded their registration fee.

Behavior & Parent Responsibility for practices and games

For the safety, fairness, and enjoyment of all players:

  • Children must be able stay on the field with a calm body and follow basic instructions.

  • Disruptive behaviors such as hitting, pushing, screaming, or prolonged crying are unsafe and will result in being asked to sit on the sidelines until calm.

Coaches are volunteers and responsible for the whole team (up to 8 at a time), not individual behavior support.

This program is not a one-on-one training session.

  • If your child cannot participate without ongoing assistance, a parent or caregiver must be on-site and ready to assist.

Do not drop off your child and leave—unless you have made arrangements for another adult to be present and available to assist your child if needed. Your presence and support are essential to your child’s success on the field.

5U/6U

Teams have one training session a week on Mondays with a game played on Wednesdays. All teams are coed. The first few sessions will focus on practice to help the kids get comfortable before starting games.

Schedules may vary as needed due to factors such as weather, holidays, etc. 

All trainings and games start at 5:30pm and end at 6:15pm.

The cost for this program is $75 per season (fall OR spring) or $150 for the full year (fall AND spring). If you are interested in remaining with the same team for the full year, then you must register for the full year.

7U/8U

Teams have two trainings a week, generally on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5:30pm to 6:15pm, with a game played on Saturday mornings at 9am-9:45am . Monday/Wednesday practices may be offered if needed. *Schedules may vary as needed due to factors such as weather, holidays, etc.

Games will be played against either other SPSC teams or those from our partner organizations. Teams are either coed or girls-only.

The cost for this program is $100 for a single season (fall OR spring) or $200 for the full year (fall AND spring).

Girls-Only

We recognize that some players at this age prefer a girls-only environment, so we are pleased to offer a 7/8U girls-only program option. This program is structured as a player pool, meaning:

  • Girls will practice together and participate in weekend games with rotating rosters to encourage variety, skill development, and teamwork.

  • Players in the girls-only program are invited to participate in the end-of-season jamboree; however, please note that jamboree games will be against co-ed teams, as we currently do not have enough participants for a girls-only jamboree.

  • Coaches may also choose to have their teams participate in regular season games, which will also be against co-ed teams.

This option provides a supportive, fun environment while still allowing for flexible and inclusive play opportunities. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to offer meaningful options for all players.

Jamborees

Visit our Jamborees page to learn more about these events.

REGISTRATION FOR spring 2026 is open until March 15th

Fall seasons begin in September (after Labor Day) and go until late October or early November.
 
Spring seasons begin in mid-April and end in late May/early June.
 

Financial Aid is available

Refund Policy

For registration related questions, contact our Club Administrator.

Amanda Henderson Junior Academy Director

amanda.henderson@sunprairiesoccer.com

Age Groups

Birth Year Age Group Cost (per season)
2018-2019 7U/8U $100
2020-2021 5U/6U $75

Interested in being a team sponsor?

Visit out Sponsorships page for more information.