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Since Feb. 2020, The Quick Touch Soccer Development (QTSD©) Academy has been growing. Starting last year with 25 families, it quickly expanded to 150+ athletes this past term. In less than a year, The QTSD© Academy has become THE soccer training experience for player's like YOURS!
But what exactly is The QTSD© Academy and why is it attracting players from all over Central Ohio? We'll answer those questions and more in this blog post!
WHAT IS THE QTSD© ACADEMY?
Simply put, The QTSD© Academy is a weekly small group training environment for higher-level soccer players. The Academy is coached by our educated and experienced QTSD© Coaching team. Additionally, each training session has a specific focus; including technical, tactical, mental, and physical aspects.
The QTSD© Academy trains in Westerville, Ohio (March-Oct) and Gahanna, Ohio (Nov-Feb). Additionally, The QTSD© Academy is club-neutral (open to players regardless of club/HS affiliation AND no soccer politics); allowing players a challenging environment to grow!
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE QTSD© ACADEMY?
Traditionally, many soccer players either train with a personal trainer OR with their team (or both). The problem lies in the gap between those two environments. Private training is very valuable BUT has limitations. Private training can absolutely help players improve their technical skills and confidence with the ball. But what about small sided decision making and application with peer appropriate pressure? What about important tactical aspects that cannot be covered in private training (i.e. defensive technique, 2v1, 3v4, possession, etc.)?
The QTSD© Academy bridges that gap. It allows for a competitive environment where similar level athletes can apply technical and tactical skills in game realistic training; allowing for better success when back at their club/HS/college team. The BONUS is our training environment also gives players the freedom to test new skills without team politics, fear of playing time loss, and other aspects that normally hinder player improvement and confidence.
WHO IS THE QTSD© ACADEMY FOR?
The QTSD© Academy is for players of multiple stages of development:
Is your player a determined and dedicated player looking for additional challenge outside team practice? The QTSD© Academy is for them.
Is your player having difficulty; either technically, tactically, or confidence-wise with their team? The QTSD© Academy is for them.
Does your player already compete at a very high level (i.e collegiate, ECNL, NPL, etc.) The QTSD© Academy is for them.
When we created the QTSD© Academy, we built in on the premise that every player develops at a different pace. No matter what, The QTSD© Academy has an option for any player that is dedicated towards improvement.
DOES THAT MEAN YOU ACCEPT ANYONE?
It means we have a pathway of development available for any player (2012 birth year thru collegiate). The QTSD© Academy is not for everyone though. The curriculum is demanding and structured; based on Spanish and Dutch player development profiles combined with QTSD©'s specific approach to soccer education.
All athletes MUST enroll in the Stage I Academy to start the process. Make no mistake - the Stage I Academy is challenging; holding players to standards that will help them grow as athletes and people.
WHAT IF MY PLAYER IS CONSIDERED "ELITE"?
The term "Elite" is not the best measuring standard since too many programs and individuals use it casually; watering down the value of the term. Our approach is to constantly evaluate and benchmark players against their peers. If our experienced QTSD© Coaching Team identifies a player that is excelling in their current group, we will contact their family to discuss additional options.
IMPORTANT - Families and club/HS coaches CANNOT request for players to skip development stages. This is incredibly important for their overall development.
IS THE ACADEMY YEAR ROUND?
Yes, The QTSD© Academy is offered year round in 10-week terms. Players can enroll in one of the following options:
10-Week Extended Term (enrollment periods offered 5x per year)
1x Academy Drop-In Single Session
Unlimited Academy Session Package (full year - save time and finances)
WHAT ABOUT IN-SEASON CONFLICTS?
We do not want the QTSD© Academy to interfere with a player's club/HS/college season. Once players start in-season (traditionally Spring and Fall), we offer much more flexible options with age groups having multiple days per week available to train. If a player's team schedule changes, we can easily look at other available times.
The QTSD© Academy is quickly becoming the NEW standard for training; giving dedicated players an opportunity to take their development even further. We would love for you to check the program out and see YOUR player start to gain the confidence they didn't realize they had. Contact us for any questions and we'll see you on the training ground soon!