St. George’s Football Program Restructure
St. George’s Cricket Club announced a restructure of their football program for the 2011-2012 seasons. The new structure will align the club’s youth and senior programs to ensure there is an opportunity for participation from the introductory Recreational player, upward through the developmental stages, and leading into the competitive Academy and 1st team programs. In addition the club has applied for admission into the Corona League, thus allowing continued participation beyond the 1st team for the social / masters’ division player.
The grouping of teams, as outlined in the program structure below, will allow for the development of curricula and philosophy specific to each program level, as well as form a guide for comprehensive staffing and administrative duties associated with delivery of the football program at the club under the direction of the Technical Director – Richard Todd.
Senior Football – 1st Team, PDL, Corona League
The 1st Team is the highest level of play offered by the club, currently in the Digicel Premier Division of the BFA. This serves the competitive player who is seeking to play at the highest domestic level, and enables possible identification and selection to the Bermuda National team. This program is geared toward the serious and committed player 16 years and older.
The Premier Developmental League (PDL) serves to bridge the gap for the developing player emerging from the Academy Program teams and seeking selection to the 1st Team. As an extension of the 1st Team, the PDL program trains in conjunction with the 1st Team and its coaching staff. This is an Under 23 age group team that allows participation of limited players above the age of 23, and ultimately serves as the Reserve Division to the 1st Team.
The Corona League team allows for the senior player who no longer has the ability, desire or commitment level to play in the 1st Team the opportunity to continue participation within the sport and representation of the club. The Corona League is a lesser commitment for players, while still offering competitive play in a family environment.
Academy Program – U14s & U16s
The Club’s competitive youth program, The Academy Program, fields teams that compete at the highest domestic youth level and provides exposure to international competition and player development opportunities.
The program offers the serious player the opportunity to match their skills and talents with the “best of the best.” Players in the Academy Program are seriously committed to their team and ultimately to the sport of football.
The Club offers professional coaching and training for boys and girls in the Academy Program, with a view to helping them achieve their football goals of playing 1st team, National Academy, collegiate and professional football.
Jr. Academy Program – U12s
The Jr. Academy Program serves as a bridge between the Recreational and Competitive programs of the Club.
The Jr. Academy is designed to support and assist the dedicated soccer player in increasing their technical soccer skills and abilities. Our philosophy is to provide age and developmentally appropriate training and instruction in an environment that encourages individual player growth and promotes the enjoyment, enthusiasm, comradery, and sportsmanship of the game.
In the Jr. Academy age group, the goal is to develop players and teach them the skills they will need to compete at higher soccer levels. The focus is not on team wins and losses, but upon the complete development of the individual player.
Developmental / Recreation – U10s, U8s, U6s
The Club’s Developmental / Recreational football program serves to provide a fun football experience for the participants; introducing young players to the sport, helping them to develop the basic skills and understanding to grow as a player, and promoting the love and joy of playing. The program provides for players of all skill and ability levels.
Registration for the Youth Football Program will be held at the club on Friday, August 26th from 7-8:30 PM and Saturday, August 27th from 10 AM – Noon. Visit the club’s website www.stgeorgescricketclub.com for more information and online registration.
