Philosophy
Tucson Soccer Academy (TSA) is a high-level, competitive
program for serious male and female athletes. TSA was
founded in 2000 as a joint venture between area soccer clubs
and coaches to develop soccer in Southern Arizona and to
provide committed, ambitious, and talented players with a
superior training environment. TSA aspires to develop
players for collegiate, professional, and national levels of
play. TSA also strives to develop responsible citizens who
will be an asset to the community. We are dedicated to
providing an enjoyable, rewarding experience for each player
who participates in our program.
Our enthusiastic staff coaches, who are selected according
to their ability to teach the game, attempt to foster an
environment where players above all improve their skills and
broaden their understanding of the game. In 2005-2006 the
Academy is privileged to maintain a highly qualified staff
of over 30 coaches and trainers. Currently the staff
includes five USSF "A", six "B", and eight "C" licensed
coaches, the remainder with "D" or in licensing process. For
more information, see our
Coaches Page.
Success
In each of its only five previous seasons of existence, the
Academy fielded just five competitive teams per gender, ages
U14 through U18. Despite this limited presence, the Academy
maintains a firm conviction in the success of its programs,
however the success is measured:
At the team development level:
3 State Champions, 7 Runners-Up, 24 Semi-Finalists
4 Regional IV Qualifiers (2 achieving Region IV
Semi-Finalist)
At the player development level:
Over 60 Players committed to 2 or 4 year college
programs
8 Players selected to Regional or National ODP Pools
or Teams, including 6 Boys and 2 Girls
6 Players selected as Arizona or Southern Arizona
High School Player of the Year, including 5 Boys and 1 Girl
A Player selected as National Division II Women's Player
of the Year (2005)
For more information see our
ODP page or our
Alumni Page
Player
Selection and Placement
Players are selected to TSA based on motivation and
character in addition to their soccer playing abilities.
Players are expected to attend all practices and games and
are also required to sign a Code of Conduct Contract that
demands exemplary citizenship on and off the field.
Each year open tryouts are held in boys and girls age
groups, U-11 through U-19. When the numbers of suitable
players warrant, the club will now form two teams for an age
group. The formation of these teams will ensure that all
players who tryout and would like to be part of our soccer
program will be offered a place to play and develop their
talents within our organization. Each year, all players
wishing to join TSA must participate in the tryout process,
including all returning players.
The Academy wishes to ensure that all deserving players,
regardless of financial position, are able to benefit from
participation in the club. Players may petition to their
gender Coaching Directors for partial or full scholarships
which apply to coaching fees. In 2004-2005, 25 players,
about 1 in 7 in the club, received nearly $25,000 in
financial assistance.
For more information about
tryouts, see
Tryouts on our
Calendar Page
Once selected, TSA players can expect the following:
- A highly qualified
head coach with a minimum of a USSF National 'C'
License
- A qualified
assistant coach with extensive playing and/or
coaching experience
- Highly competitive
training and playing environments
- Weekly goalkeeping
training by TSA goalkeeper coach Chris Murphy
- Supplemental
technical training led by coaches with extensive
playing experience at the professional level
- Weekly
soccer-oriented strength and conditioning training
by a Professional degreed in Health and Exercise
led by Fitness Director Whitey Moore
- Quality regional
tournaments
- Exposure to
collegiate and national staff coaches
- College resumes and
career guidance for all players U-16 and above
- An emphasis, on
discipline, academics, and personal responsibility
- Two full sets of
uniforms and training gear provided by Eiger
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