Arizona Soccer Club Thunder Program
YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS
The AZSC Thunder Program offers the only full-time (August-March
season) and part-time (April-July's pre-season, post-season and
off season) training programs in the East Valley.
The program is designed for total player development from both
individual and a team perspective, by equipping the player with
the necessary skills to pursue soccer opportunities in high
school, college, and at a professional level.
The cornerstone of the Thunder Academy is our full time program,
which runs from August to March. Players train 3 times a week
with a customized curriculum and compete at the appropriated
level on the weekends. |
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INVITATIONAL ELITE SOCCER PROGRAM
Commitment, dedication and improvement serves as an invitation
for the following season. We believe that playing for Thunder is
a privilege and play times and starting position are based on
merit, commitment, dedication, work ethic, and attitude -
Playtime is not guaranteed.
THUNDER COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Exceptional instruction, communication, accountability and
continuing education are the pillars of our Thunder coaches'
philosophy. The Thunder program advantage is the number of
gifted, capable and licensed coaches and professional trainers on
staff. ÊOur coaches credentials and experience range from
USSF-B, C, D and E licenses; a USSF National Youth License;
physical fitness specialists; college coaches; high school
coaches; a former USSF National player; and many former
international professional players.
THUNDER TACTICAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Thunder curriculum is a consistent, customized, age
appropriate, Thunder training model that provides a framework of
technical, tactical, physical and psychological development for
all Thunder players. Through our age appropriate training model,
players develop skills, learn tactics and become familiar with
methodology and terminology that is consistent throughout the
club. This enables players and families to more easily assist
other Thunder teams, as well as better equip players to advance
from season to season. In addition, coaches are better able to
fill in for other coaches making training sessions seamless for
the players.
SCHEDULE - COMMUNICATON
A Thunder calendar of year-round soccer activities including the
training schedules, league play, tournaments, fitness
assessments, technical assessments, and parent orientation, will
be provided to disclose the commitment level and planned club
activities.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
IN SEASON (Aug - March)
- Training Sessions - (3) times per week:
1-Physical/Technical 1-Technical 1-Tactical/Technical
- Fitness Assessments - (3) annual assessments
- Player Evaluations - (2) evaluations by professional
Thunder coaches and reviewed with parents
- Goalkeeper Training - (1) time per week
- Classroom Sessions - On occasion, for age appropriate
levels, Theory and Match analysis sessions
- Advisory Nutritional Program
POST-SEASON (March - April)
- Training Sessions - (1-2) times per week: Technical
training with small sided games and in-house scrimmages
OFF-SEASON (May - June)
- Training Sessions - (1) time per week: FUTSAL training and
games played indoors on Saturdays
PRE-SEASON (July)
- Training Sessions - (1-2) times per week Physical/Technical
training and in-house scrimmages
AVAILABLE SOCCER RESOURCES
AZSC offers a variety of additional training such as:
Goalkeeper Training, Soccer Fitness Conditioning, Soccer
Clinics, FUTSAL training, and academies for development and
recreational players.
Ask us about our private training
sessions!
PARTNERSHIP WITH VELOCITY SPORT PERFORMANCE(Elite Athletes
Performance Program)
AZSC has partnered with Velocity Sports Performance to
administer physical aspects of the Thunder soccer program. The
purpose of our partnership is to improve the athleticism of our
Thunder players to gain that split-second edge over the
competition through scientifically designed programs that
improve speed, power and agility. The training programs
are developed with the help of world-renowned sports
performance coaches who have coached numerous elite and
professional athletes, as well as collegiate national champions
and All-Americans. Through Velocity's world-class coaching
staff, Thunder players will be lead through a specialized,
professional program tailored to meet our players' performance
needs. Velocity will run weekly, one hour sessions for all
Thunder teams, along with a 30 minute session with the Thunder
coach (First session of each week).
FUTSAL
Futsal is the only indoor game sanctioned by FIFA and is
recognized as the best form of indoor soccer for building
strong skills development. Through a small field with lines,
players are under constant pressure from other players and
out-of-play boundaries, as they must learn to settle the ball
rapidly, cut sharply, shield effectively, pass quickly and move
into space. Compared to walled soccer or large indoor field
soccer, Futsal places a greater premium on ball control. There
are no rewards for errant passes or errant shots, because the
other team gets the ball. There are no incentives to 'kick and
run,' because the field is too small and packed with players.
Players with the ball must use proper technique to maintain
control and must seek out other players in space. Players
without the ball must move to 'real' space and must truly
support their teammates.
With Futsal, the emphasis is clearly on control and technique.
If U.S. players seek to be more successful in the international
arena, and are serious about skills and technique development,
we must better prepare and train our youth on proper technique.
Futsal is a superior activity that promotes proper
technique and develops skills more rapidly in live game
situations.
Additional Information:
Coaching Director-
Alex Fonseca Thunder
Administator-
Kim
Pierce