9U-10U
Academy

WDMSC Academy program is operated by Sporting Iowa. Academy soccer strengthens 9U-10U players’ technical foundations and prepares them for select soccer. Academy soccer allows players to play with and against players of similar ability and at a level where they will experience the most success and have the most fun playing the sport. It follows a set of player development guidelines that include following a training curriculum, mixing training groups, mixing teams after each playing season, maintaining small roster sizes, mandatory coach education for academy coaches, parent education and most importantly a focus on the individual player, not on the team. Players considering the academy program should exhibit sound technical skills, demonstrate good agility, and possess a high level of focus and concentration. Academy programming is available for both fall and spring seasons. Please contact Academy Director, Jamie Mcquillan here for more information.

What

Players born in 2016 or 2017 are placed on teams of typically 10-12 players of the same age and gender. Teams are coached by both professional coaches and licensed volunteer coaches.
Each team plays seven 7v7 games (one per weekend) managed by licensed volunteer coaches against other local club teams with academy programs within the same age group. Games consist of two 25 minute halves, and are refereed by certified referees.
Players participate in two 75 min training sessions per week over a ten week period delivered by Sporting Iowa's professional coaching staff and assisted by licensed volunteer coaches. Training is age appropriate focused on basic skill development with an emphasis on attacking and defending in pairs.

When

Training, Two Week Nights/Week, ~ 5 PM or 6:30 PM, TBD
Game Weekends: Tentatively Sept. 6-7 thru Oct. 25-26
No Games: Easter, Memorial Day or Labor Day Weekends

Where

Hidden Valley Soccer Complex for training.
Games played in Des Moines metro area.

Cost

$350/season ($25 Late Fee on or after 6/30/2025)

Invited vs New Academy Player

Fall Registration Coming Soon!
(2017s) All current season 2017s are/will be invited to register, no ID session required.
(2016s) All new, not previously ID 10U (2016) players interested in Academy should:
(1) Register for the Recreational program - choose the "Academy Pathway" option and complete the registration.
(2) Participate in at least one ID training session during the Summer Camps, (Date/Time TBD).
The ID session ensures new players are placed in the most appropriate developmental program. To learn more about the new academy invite-only registration process here. Completion of the Academy Standards Agreement required during the registration.