Jr Academy
U8 · U9 · U10 | Ages 6–10
Jr Academy
Through age-appropriate training, engaging activities, and experienced coaching, players are encouraged to explore, create, and learn while developing the fundamentals that will support future success. We believe every player deserves the opportunity to grow at their own pace, gain confidence through achievement, and develop a strong connection to both their teammates and the game itself.
At Cleveland Futbol Club, the Jr Academy is more than just soccer training. It is the first step in a player development pathway designed to help young athletes build character, learn teamwork, and establish the habits that will help them thrive both on and off the field.
Building Players From the Ground Up
The Jr Academy is Cleveland Flames’ entry point into competitive youth soccer, designed specifically for players in the U8, U9, and U10 age groups. This is where curiosity becomes confidence, first touches become lasting habits, and young players begin building a lifelong connection to the game.
We believe the early years are some of the most important in a player’s development journey. Rather than focusing solely on results, our coaches create an environment where players are encouraged to experiment, solve problems, make decisions, and develop a genuine love for the game.
At the Cleveland Futbol Club, the Jr Academy is more than a soccer program. It is the foundation of our player development pathway, providing young athletes with the skills, confidence, and habits they need to succeed as players, teammates, and individuals both on and off the field.
The Jr Academy Focus
- Individual technical skill development in every session
- Ball mastery and 1v1 confidence as the primary pillars
- Small-sided games that maximize touches and decisions
- Age-appropriate competition through CFC Developmental League and local tourenments
- Positive coaching culture that rewards effort and curiosity
- Parent education so families reinforce development at home
- A clear pathway into the Flames Development and Competitive programs
The Right Foundation Changes Everything
Research in player development consistently shows that players who develop strong fundamentals and a love for the game between ages 6–10 are more likely to reach their full potential.
Confidence on the Ball
Early success with individual skills builds self-belief that carries players through every level of competition.
Creativity & Problem Solving
Small-sided environments give players space to try, fail, and invent — developing the creative instincts elite coaches look for.
Game Understanding
Players begin to read the game, recognize patterns, and make smarter decisions before the game gets complex.
Joy in the Game
Players who enjoy soccer young stay in the sport longer. We protect that joy while developing real competitive skills.
Our Training Philosophy
Every Jr Academy session is built around six core pillars. Each reinforces the others — creating a complete, age-appropriate development environment that prepares players for the next level.
Ball Mastery
Daily technical repetition with the ball at their feet — dribbling, turns, touches, and control under pressure. We build comfort before competition.
1v1 Development
Players learn to beat defenders and win individual duels. Confidence in 1v1 situations is the most transferable skill in soccer.
Passing & Receiving
Clean first touch and accurate short passing form the language of soccer. Players practice both feet and learn to receive under light pressure.
Small-Sided Games
3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 formats maximize touches per player and create real game decisions in every session. More repetitions, more learning.
Athletic Movement
Speed, agility, coordination, and body control integrated naturally into every session — building the athletic base soccer demands.
Team Habits
Sportsmanship, communication, coachability, and supporting teammates — foundational habits that shape character at every level.
What Players Will Learn
The Jr Academy curriculum runs across two connected tracks — technical skill development and game intelligence. Both are introduced simultaneously through age-appropriate activities.
Technical Skills
- Dribbling with both feet in multiple directions
- Ball mastery moves: inside/outside cuts, toe taps, step-overs
- First touch control with inside and outside of foot
- Short passing accuracy and weight of pass
- Shooting technique: instep and inside-of-foot strikes
- 1v1 attacking moves and change of direction
- Basic defending stance, pressure, and recovery
- Heading introduction (age appropriate, limited contact)
Game Intelligence
- When to dribble, pass, or shoot
- Finding and using open space without the ball
- Basic positional awareness in small-sided formats
- Supporting a teammate who has the ball
- Transition from defense to attack and back
- Recognizing when to press vs. drop back
- Communication on the field: calling for the ball
- Competitive mindset: effort, focus, and resilience
Your Player’s Pathway with Flames
The Jr Academy is the first step of a clear, intentional player development journey. Every player who commits to Flames has a roadmap from their first season through elite competitive soccer.
You Are Here
Jr Academy
U8 · U9 · U10
Foundation skills, ball mastery, joy in the game. Competitive introduction through small-sided formats and local leagues.
Development
U11 · U12 · U13
Tactical understanding, positional play, and expanded competition across regional leagues and tournaments.
Competitive
U13 · U14 · U15
State-level competition, advanced team systems, and individual performance tracking for high-potential players.
Performance
U16 · U17 · U18
College prep, elite regional competition, and preparation for the next chapter — scholarship, academy, or amateur play.
What to Expect as a Jr Academy Family
Youth soccer development works best when families are informed partners. Here’s what our Jr Academy program looks like from the sideline — and how you can support your player’s growth at home.
Training Schedule
Expect 2 practices per week plus weekend games. Sessions are 90–120 minutes and structured around skill-building activities — not long lectures.
Sideline Culture
Positive cheering only. No coaching from the sideline. Flames parents commit to encouraging every player on the field, win or lose.
Home Support
Encourage free play at home. Juggling, wall passes, and backyard ball time between sessions compounds training benefits significantly.
Coach Communication
Coaches provide regular progress updates. The right time for questions is after practice or via email — never during games.
The Flames Difference
Cleveland Flames is a player development club built around a simple belief: every young athlete deserves access to quality coaching, a clear development pathway, and an environment that challenges them to grow.
Our coaching staff brings experience from academy, collegiate, and professional development environments, helping us provide a training model that prioritizes long-term player growth over short-term results. From the first day a player enters our Jr Academy to their progression into our competitive teams, every stage of our pathway is designed with development in mind.
We focus on building technically confident players, tactically intelligent decision-makers, and resilient competitors who understand the value of teamwork, accountability, and hard work.
For families in Cleveland, Tennessee and across Southeast Tennessee, Cleveland Futbol Club offers something unique: a community-focused club that combines personalized attention with a structured approach to player development, helping young athletes reach their potential while fostering a lifelong love for the game.
“We measure success by the player your child becomes over three years — not the scoreline on any given Saturday.”
Licensed & Certified Coaches
All Jr Academy coaches hold current US Soccer coaching licenses and complete ongoing professional development.
Low Player-to-Coach Ratio
Small training groups ensure every player gets individual coaching attention — not just the loudest or fastest.
Structured Curriculum
Every session follows a written curriculum aligned with US Soccer best practices for U8–U10 player development.
Local & Affordable
Elite development training in Cleveland, TN — no long commutes to Knoxville or Chattanooga. Fees are transparent with no hidden costs.
Clear Progression Path
Jr Academy is stage one of a deliberate four-stage pathway. Players grow with Flames — they don’t start over somewhere else.
Family-Centered Culture
Parents are informed, welcomed, and educated. We build a community around our players — not just a training program.
TSSA Affiliated
Fully registered with the Tennessee State Soccer Association for sanctioned league and tournament play.
Player-First Philosophy
Development over results. Every decision is made with the long-term player in mind — not the weekend scoreboard.
Jr Academy Program Details
Everything you need to know about the Jr Academy program structure, schedule, and eligibility.
Age Groups
U8, U9, U10
Players turning 6–10 years old in the current soccer year. Birth year eligibility follows US Soccer guidelines.
Training Focus
Technical & Foundational
Ball mastery, 1v1 skills, and small-sided game intelligence. Two training sessions per week.
Competition
Local & Regional Leagues
Local league and friendlies plus select local tournaments. Approximately 10–14 match days per season.
Location
Cleveland, Tennessee
Training at the Cleveland Soccer Complex that is located on Mouse Creek Road in Cleveland, TN. Exact field details provided upon registration.
Season
Fall & Spring
Fall: July–November. Spring: February–May. Tryouts held in May each year.
Best Fit
Motivated Beginners
Players new to competitive soccer who are eager to learn. No prior club experience required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families considering the Jr Academy program. Don’t see yours? Reach out to our staff.
Start Your Player’s Journey with Cleveland Flames
Jr Academy tryouts are held every May. Spots fill quickly — register today to secure your player’s evaluation date or ask about mid-season tryouts.