Program Overview
The Director’s Development Program (DDP) is designed to transition players from the less structured environment of intramural soccer to a more defined player development curriculum. It serves as a “bridge” to competitive travel soccer for our U7 and U8 players.
Our Mission
- Creative Freedom: Encourage players to try new things without fear of failure.
- Development Over Winning: Eliminate the pressure of scores and standings to focus on individual technical growth.
- Player Pools: Instead of fixed “A” or “B” teams, players are kept in a large pool to ensure a higher standard of training for everyone and allow for fluid movement based on growth.
- Professional Guidance: The curriculum is designed by our Director of Coaching, Andy Wilkes, and implemented by professional trainers.
Program Objectives
The DDP is a year-round commitment (August to June) that offers significantly more training than the standard intramural program.
- Encourage creative freedom in training and in games
- Reduce fear of failure by placing more emphasis on individual player development and eliminating the pressure of winning games
- Reduce or eliminate labeling players at a young age by creating player pools instead of assigning them to “A,” “B,” and “C” teams with the goal of developing a larger pool of talented players at each age group
- Create free player movement within age groups to ensure the top players can play up and be challenged
- Provide appropriate training to game ratio
- Maintain an appropriate travel to playing time ratio
Program Information & Fees
Fees are consistent across all age divisions for the specific season.
| DDP Program | Full Year DDP | Fall/Spring Intramural |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $675 / $625* | $350 |
| Summer / Fall | ||
| Professional Training 2x per week | Begins in August | None |
| ADVANCE Festivals | 2–3 | None |
| Intramural Fall League | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intramural Uniform | ✔ | ✔ |
| DDP Uniform | ✔ | N/A |
| Winter | ||
| Professional Training Winter Academy (weekly) | ✔ | Optional $150 |
| Spring | ||
| Intramural Spring League (U7 players) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Travel Spring League (U8 players) | ✔ | N/A |
| Travel Soccer Jersey (U8 players) | ✔ | N/A |
| Professional Training Spring Academy (2x per week) | ✔ | Optional $125 |
| Marc J. Small 3v3 | ✔ | ✔ |
| ADVANCE Festivals | 1–2 | None |
Age Group Determination
For the 2025-2026 season, the DDP follows these specific date ranges:
- U8 Division: Birthdays between January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018
- U7 Division: Birthdays between January 1, 2019 – August 31, 2019
(Note: Starting in the 2026-27 season, all age groups will fully transition to the School Year/August 1st model.)
What to Expect: The "Festival" Format
Unlike traditional games, DDP players participate in ADVANCE Festivals. These are multi-game events held jointly with other local, like-minded clubs.
- Format: 4v4 small-sided games.
- Goal: Maximize ball touches and encourage the application of skills learned in training.
- Atmosphere: High energy and fun, with the focus entirely on game understanding rather than the final score.
DDP Contacts
If you are interested in the program or would like your child to attend a “trial” session to see if it’s a good fit, please reach out to our coordinators.
Ready to Step Up?
Registration Info
Registration typically opens alongside our travel tryouts and fall intramural windows. Secure your spot early to guarantee team placement and uniform sizing.
Eligibility
Open to all players in the appropriate age groups. Ensure you review your child’s age bracket before registering.