As you consider the various options to develop your soccer skills this winter, I would like you to seriously consider the Smithsonian Soccer Academy Winter Training Program as your first option.  We at Smithsonian Soccer Academy believe our Winter and Summer training programs are the most comprehensive off-season training programs in the state.  Let me list the important attributes of the Smithsonian Soccer Academy Winter Training Program:

1. You will receive outstanding technical, tactical, mental, and physical training from a multitude of highly experienced coaches, collegiate players, and former professional players from different regions in the United States and abroad.

2. You will be trained like players in the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.  You will be exposed to the same training concepts and didactic methods as the players who attend the Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona Youth Academy Programs.

3. Our training is individually focused with a very low player to coach ratio of 8-12 players per coach.

4. You will be exposed to brain-centered technical training in which we will demand great technical execution while expanding the brain’s capacity to handle a multitude of information.  This type of training will lead players to greater technical speed of play and faster decision making.

5. Your technical ability will increase exponentially as you are exposed to new technical skills and begin to execute moves on the soccer field with greater flair and accuracy.

6. You will improve dramatically in an environment that is encouraging and demanding at the same time.  We want players to train on their edge, make some mistakes, all while going full pace.  We will positively demand that players test their limits and perform to their greatest capacity.

7. We will work physically hard, in an environment that will progressively develop your aerobic/anaerobic capacity, speed, agility, balance, and strength.  You will enter your upcoming spring season physically fit to perform at your highest level.

8. Our players and coaches will have fun and players will develop a great passion for the game of soccer.  In addition, our training will rejuvenate the pure individual love of the sport after playing all year in a team environment.

9. Our goalkeepers will receive comprehensive individualized keeper training in a very positive environment.

10. I am a proponent of playing indoor soccer for fun.  However, playing a few indoor soccer games over the winter WILL NOT improve your technical, tactical, physical, and mental abilities.  Play indoor soccer for some fun, but come to the Smithsonian Soccer Academy Winter Training Program if you desire to dramatically improve your individual soccer abilities.

Thanks,
Kevin Smith
Technical Director, Smithsonian Soccer Academy
Director of Coaching, Hampton Roads Strikers
Southeast District Olympic Development Head Coach