What is Junior Academy?
Welcome to the Junior Academy Program. For the fall of 2022 and the spring of 2023, this program is for all players born in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016. The online registration for the fall season will open June 1st and close July 31st. The online registration for the spring season will open February 1 and close March 15th. Sessions and games will start approximately two weeks or so after registration closes or when fields are open.
Fall 2022 Junior Academy season begins Saturday August 20th and Spring 2023 Junior Academy season begins Saturday April 15th. Please Note: This dates may be adjusted due to weather, etc.
GEA Junior Academy is an exciting introduction to soccer based on what’s best for the players. The player’s individual skill development and enjoyment is at the heart of the program. All players get professional training from GEA staff members. They get practices throughout the year with small-sided games during the spring and fall seasons.The players play 4v4 to maximize touches and enjoyment.
Why Junior Academy?
Junior Academy is the first stage of the GEA Development Pathway. Led by our GEA Junior Academy Director the program is the “me and my ball” stage in a low pressure environment where individual technical development is the main focus alongside fun games that promote lots of touches of the ball. It will give your player confidence and set them up for an exciting future in soccer!
JR. ACADEMY PROGRAM (U4-U7)
2023/2024 Winter Season 1
Welcome to the Jr. Academy Program. For the Winter of 2023, this program is for all players born in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017. The online registration for the fall season is now open & closes November 5.
REGISTER HERE
Each of the age groups will have a training session for the first half of their time slot and then a scrimmage during the last half of their time slot. Jr. Academy is scheduled to run at the following times for each age group:
U4/U5 (born in 2020/2019) from 8AM- 8:50AM
U6 (born in 2018) from 9AM-9:50AM
U7 (born in 2017) from 10AM-10:50AM
The dates will be November 11, 18 & December 2, 9, 16.
The cost is $75 per player and you will receive more information before the first session starts on November 11th regarding the team your child is on.
All teams, rosters, coaches and schedules will be emailed out to those registered prior to the session starting.
All Jr. Academy players will need a black/white reversible jersey available for purchase at Soccer Internationale, located at 132nd and Center. Cleats are optional.
Shin guards are required. Players may wear shorts of their choice and long socks to cover shin guards.
All players will need a #3 size ball and a water bottle, both with their names clearly marked. For U4, U5 and U6, as an option you can use a size #1 soccer ball.
All Jr. Academy sessions/games are played at the outdoor fields at the Gretna Sports Complex located at 10550 S. 222nd St, Gretna, NE 68028 (the corner of 222nd St and Lincoln Rd).
Please contact Mitch Kavanagh mitch.kavanagh@gretnaeliteacademy.com or Angie Perkins, administrator of Jr. Academy at angie.perkins@gretnaeliteacademy.com if you have any questions regarding this program.
GEA Junior Academy will enable your child to:
Have fun while learning the littlest of nuances of soccer
Gain knowledge, love and passion for the game
Develop their technical sophistication on the ball
Become elegant, confident and poised players for life
Attain high soccer awareness and smarts of the game