STRIKERS FC
ACADEMY
Pre-Competitive soccer program
AGES: U9-U11 (birth years 2016-2014)
Spring registration open 1/31
​Academy is our unique program that consists of intensive technical and tactical training, along with fun, small-sided competition.
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Strikers FC Spring Academy Registration Options
​​DATES:
Monday and Wednesday: 4:30-6:00pm
Start Date is Wednesday 4/2/25
End Date is Monday 6/16/25
(Your end and start dates will be different if you choose Mondays only or Wednesdays only)
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AGES:
2016-2014
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WHAT TO BRING (ALL ACADEMY PLAYERS):
ALL academy players will be provided with a practice shirt--please have them wear it to each of their sessions along with appropriate soccer equipment (shin guards, soccer socks, cleats, weather appropriate layers, water bottle).
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REGISTRATION GUIDE FOR ACADEMY
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Option A can be in conjunction with our 2014 and 2015 competitive players who are already rostered on a team and want additional training.
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Options B-C are for any 2016 or older Micro players, or players who ONLY want to take part in Academy without any other program or team affiliation.​
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Option D is for players born in 2016 who are ready to be on a competitive travel team, with practices taking place during Academy training. Players registered in this option have out-of-town travel commitments.
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option A:
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TRAINING ONLY (NO TEAM AFFILIATION)
Sessions will start on Wednesday, 4/2/25 at the Fort Missoula Turf field.
Trainings start at 4:30 and end at 6:00p.
Last session is 6/16/25.
Receive practice shirt.
FEE: $300 for the season
option B:
MONDAYS ONLY
Sessions will start on Monday, 4/7/25 at the Fort Missoula Turf field.
Trainings start at 4:30 and end at 6:00p.
Last session is 6/16/25.
Receive practice shirt.
FEE: $150 for the season
option C:
WEDNESDAYS ONLY
Sessions will start on Wednesday, 4/2/25 at the Fort Missoula Turf field.
Trainings start at 4:30 and end at 6:00p.
Last session is 6/11/25.
Receive Practice shirt.
FEE: $150 for the season
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option D:
TRAVEL TEAM ACADEMY (2016s)
Team practice is during Academy
Team option players must attend both Monday and Wednesday sessions
DATES
Sessions will start on Wednesday, 4/2/25 at the Fort Missoula Turf field.
Trainings start at 4:30 and end at 6:00p.
Last session is 6/16/25.
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FEES
$700 for the season (includes tournament fees)
payment plans available
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UNIFORM DETAILS
For the 2016 Academy Travel team, you will need to purchase a uniform (two jerseys, one pair of shorts and socks). Once you register, a Strikers FC staff member will reach out to you with details on how to order your uniform. Please be on the lookout for this email (you should receive this within 24 hours of registration completion). Once you've received instructions, it is important to get your "kit" ordered as soon as possible as turnaround time for our vendor can be all over the place. The SFC uniform is an additional cost.
TEAM STAFF INFORMATION
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If you are interested in being a team manager for the season, please reach out to rachel.eull@strikersfcmt.org. Managers receive a credit towards their player's fee.
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Coach information and other team details will be provided by our Academy Director, Chris Essman as soon as he has finalized those spots.
TEAM COMMITMENT
We want to stress the commitment level involved with Academy Travel Team. It is a major step up from Micro Strikers or other recreational leagues in terms of attendance. The team is already registered for most tournaments, and we have to rely on the registered members of the team to be able to fill the roster to attend. 2016s play 7 v 7 (6 field players and a goal keeper), plus we need enough players for subs so that everyone gets breaks. For more information or any questions or concerns, please reach out to chris.essman@strikersfcmt.org
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Making the leap from recreational soccer to travel soccer can be a lot for new families--we want to help ease the move as much as possible by providing information in a timely and open manner. Cost for competitive youth sports can be shocking at first, but we really believe you get a lot of bang for your buck in our Academy Travel program.
Team communication will take place in our new registration platform, Playmetrics. You will be able to communicate via chat with other parents, coaches and staff, access team schedules and other club events. It's a lot, but it's a fun community and we are so excited for your player to take this next step.
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Weekend Tournaments
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Magic City Classic (Billings, 4/26-27)
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3BR (Kalispell, 5/30-6/1)
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ICC (Missoula, 6/6-8)
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Showcase (Helena, 6/14-15)
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Friendlies schedule coming soon
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​​Financial aid available during registration process.
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Academy philosophy
Strikers Academy is our unique program that provides a more intensive opportunity to focus on skill, technical training, and to assist players to reach their potential in the sport. It's comprised of both small-sided training and individual techniques. Our Academy is our "bridge" between Micro Strikers, and our Competitive program, beginning around age 9.
Mission Statement
The Strikers Academy mission is to provide a learning environment where players are free to explore their passion for the game, learn how to play better as an individual and a team mate, and prepare themselves for the challenges that will face them when they compete for spots on Strikers competitive travel teams, their school teams, or college teams.
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The Academy develops fundamental skills such as:​
-Dribbling & Directional Movement with and without the ball-
-Passing & Striking-
-Close Control & Juggling-
-Introductory Attacking & Defending Principles-
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The Academy aims to help kids develop all of these techniques and skills in a fun and enjoyable environment. Delivering fun coaching sessions with disguised techniques and introductory tactics will be the key behind our young players development and love for the game.
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Strikers Academy does not focus on wins and losses. The most important aspect of academy is the development of the individual and group as a whole. We measure our success based on the physical and mental improvements made by each child. A coach’s results are publicly on display at every event and game. We can measure the effects of a coach by a child’s beaming smile, respect, and the sportsmanship shown. Our hope is that everyone involved in this program mirrors this philosophy at all times.
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"At a young age winning is not the most important thing ... the important thing is to develop creative and skilled players with good confidence."
-Arsene Wenger-
FAQ
Q: What is a "friendly"?
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A: A youth soccer friendly game is a non-competitive match between two teams that's played outside of a tournament or league. Friendly games are a way for players to practice and improve their skills in a game environment.