Training at Valeo is year-round. The training year runs from July through June of the following year.
There are 4 distinct training segments throughout the year:
Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring. The club training for each age group tends to be age-specific and season-specific:
U7 through U9: This age is purely developmental. There is 1 training session offered each week and there is no match play. The focus here is on developing a familiarity with the soccer ball. This is the age of creativity.
U10 through U14: Training is mandatory 2 times per week with optional skills sessions throughout the year. Competitive match play tends to be during the Fall and Spring seasons.
For ages U10 through U12, training is still strongly developmental. Though basic tactical concepts are introduced at this age, creativity is still the strongest focus. There is League play for each age group. For ages U13 thru U14, advanced tactical concepts are now entering the curriculum. While state match play is the primary focus, the teams begin getting exposure to regional and national competitions.
U15 through U18: The focus here is on preparing players for the next stage in their soccer career, either college or professional play. Training for these age groups does not happen in the Fall – High School teams take precedent. The goal is to get each player quality national and regional exposure through tournament play.
The Winter and Summer training segments focus on development. There are a variety of programs offered that include functional training (i.e. Striker, MidFielder, Goalie specific), individual development, and speed/agility/strength training. While there is no formal league play during winter and summer seasons, teams will enter tournaments and other local leagues (eg. Futsal), and may compete in the Valeo Indoor League.
