Academy
BRSC Academy – Fall Registration
Registration for the Fall Academy season is now open!
The BRSC Academy program is a way for players to receive high-level coaching free from the stress of playing to win. We want players to improve technically and use creativity and improvisation to guide their way through the game. Our approach helps build the foundation of confident, creative players who are prepared to advance into a competitive atmosphere upon completion of the program.
The fall 2026 season is open to boys and girls from K-5th grade at our campus at Our Lady of the Lake Fields at Burbank Soccer Park.
Players train three days a week for eight weeks at Burbank. Players have the opportunity to choose from the full Academy program or one or two training sessions per week.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE UPDATE
Due to the heat advisory, we will hold our BRSC Academy sessions from 6:00 - 7:00 PM now until Labor Day. We will evaluate extending the time change as we get closer to the start of week 3.
Fall Academy Schedule
Training:
Burbank Soccer Complex fields 26/27 - Boys & Girls (K - 5th Grade) training on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:00 - 6:15 pm.
Burbank Fall Academy 2026
Player Kit:
Academy players train in an all-black kit that is available for purchase at Third Coast Soccer on Perkins. All kits must include the Sherman & Balhoff sponsor logo on the front. All players will wear these uniforms for training and competitions. Due to the frequency of training, we advise that you purchase more than one jersey.
Please get in touch with Academy Director Chris Mitchell with questions.
Who Is BRSC Academy For?
Who Is BRSC Academy For?
Choosing the right soccer environment for young players can be challenging, especially in the Kindergarten through 5th grade years, when development matters most.
BRSC Academy was created to give families a structured, development-focused option that complements recreational soccer and helps young players build a strong foundation in the game.
So, who is BRSC Academy for?
Kindergarten–5th Grade Players at Any Experience Level
BRSC Academy is open to players in Kindergarten through 5th grade, and all experience levels are welcome.
This includes:
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Players brand new to soccer
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Players currently playing recreational soccer
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Players who want more structured training
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Multi-sport athletes looking for consistent skill development
There are no tryouts, and players register as individuals (no team required).
Families Looking for Skill Development Over Winning
At these ages, long-term player development is far more important than wins and losses.
BRSC Academy focuses on:
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Ball mastery and technical fundamentals
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Confidence with the ball
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Decision-making through play
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Creating a positive relationship with the game
Every session is designed to maximize touches on the ball, which is critical for development in the early years.
Parents Who Want More Structure Than Recreational Soccer
Many families choose Academy because it offers:
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A more structured environment than typical recreational practices
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Training led by staff coaches, not volunteers
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Consistent, intentional session planning
BRSC Academy provides the coaching and structure parents want, while keeping the environment fun and age-appropriate for players.
Families Who Value a Predictable, Weekday Schedule
BRSC Academy runs Tuesday through Thursday only, which helps families:
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Keep weekends free
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Avoid travel commitments
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Maintain balance with school and other activities
Parents also have the flexibility to choose:
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All three days
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Or one or two days that best fit their schedule
Players Who Want Extra Training Opportunities
Academy is a great option for:
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Players who can’t always attend their rec practice
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Players who want additional touches and development
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Players who want to improve their performance in recreational games
Players can participate in both Academy and recreational soccer. Our Academy program is designed to complement, not replace, rec play.
Players Preparing for the Next Step—Now or Later
While BRSC Academy is an entry point into our competitive pathway, it’s not only for players pursuing competitive soccer.
BRSC Academy prepares players to:
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Transition into pre-competitive and competitive programs
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Perform with more confidence in recreational soccer
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Build skills for future middle school or high school teams
It’s equally valuable for players who want to learn the game well and enjoy playing it.
Experienced Leadership and Coaching
BRSC Academy is led by Academy Director Chris Mitchell, who:
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Is the head coach of the U-High Boys High School team
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Has won multiple state championships
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Serves as head coach of the Pre-Elite Coach for our competitive program
Our staff includes experienced coaches and former/current players who understand both player development and the importance of creating a positive experience for young athletes.
Why We Recommend Academy at These Ages
The Kindergarten–5th grade years are when players develop:
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Comfort with the ball
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Fundamental movement patterns
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Confidence to try new skills
This is why we strongly recommend Academy. This program helps players build a strong foundation that benefits them no matter where their soccer journey leads.
Open Enrollment — Join Anytime
BRSC Academy offers:
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Open enrollment
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No tryouts
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No limited spots
The program officially begins August 24 and runs for eight (8) weeks.
Winter Indoor Academy – U6-U10
Ready to sharpen your soccer skills over the winter break? Our Winter Academy kicks off in mid-December and runs through the first week of February. Open to Boys and Girls (U6-U10), this program is designed to give young players the technical training they need to level up their game! We only have 47 spots available so register now so you don’t miss out.
What’s in Store?
- Two indoor practice sessions per week: Held at the Premier Soccer Center, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30-6:45 pm.
- Focus on technical skills, gameplay, and fun challenges to keep players engaged and improving.
- Led by Academy Director Andy Smothermon, Executive Director Louie Smothermon, and other top coaches from our Academy staff.
Why Sign Up?
- Get specialized training in a focused indoor environment, perfect for improving ball control, decision-making, and creativity on the field.
- Enjoy a varied program designed to build confidence, footwork, and overall soccer IQ—essential for young players developing their skills.
Don’t miss this opportunity to train with the best, in a fun and challenging setting. Register now and make this winter your breakthrough season!
Register now for the Winter Academy.
Ages: (U6 – U10) Boys and Girls
LOCATION
DIRECTIONS
Take Bluebonnet to Nicholson (Hwy 30) and turn left. We are 3.7 miles down on the left, 2 miles past University Club. Our physical address is 1550 Gordon Simon Leblanc Road. However, Google Maps lists it as “Gordon Simon Leblanc Dr.”
SCHEDULE
PLAYER KIT
Winter Academy players can train in our Black Academy jerseys or white Recreation jerseys.
*Please have the players bring a soccer ball and water bottle to each practice session.
*Players must wear indoor soccer shoes or tennis shoes on the field. (No cleats allowed)
If you have any questions or concerns, please email both Andy Smothermon at asmothermon@brsoccer.org and Tracy Phipps at tphipps@brsoccer.org
Are there opportunities for development while my child plays rec soccer?
For many young players, soccer is all about the joy of playing with friends and classmates. But for those eager to take their game to the next level—whether through skill-building, tactical instruction, or structured, high-level training—BRSC offers a range of programs to fit every goal.
BRSC Academy
Designed for players and parents seeking more frequent training and a strong focus on development, the BRSC Academy is available at multiple locations:
📍 Burbank (Ages 5-12)
📍 Central (1st & 2nd Grade)
📍 Zachary (1st Grade – High School)
Players train under the guidance of BRSC Staff coaches, developing across five key areas: Technical, Tactical (Principles of Play), Physical, Psychological, and Social. Training groups are formed based on age and skill to ensure a challenging, growth-focused environment.
BRSC PreCompetitive
Our U10/U11 Junior Competitive Program is the first step toward competitive soccer. Players train three times per week with professional, certified staff coaches and participate in weekend games with limited local travel.
📢 Now accepting 2014-2017 girls! Email Kevin Hoeprich for registration details and to inquire about opportunities for boys.
BRSC Rec Plus
Need a flexible training option? Rec Plus allows players to train with either the Academy Program or Junior Competitive Program at the Burbank Campus, choosing between one or two training sessions per week. It’s a great way to get extra practice without the commitment of games!
For middle school and high school players, seasonal programs like the BRSC High School Training Program and the upcoming Partners in Development offer additional training opportunities.
Keep the Ball Rolling!
No matter which program fits best, the key to improvement is touches on the ball—even outside of structured training. Encourage free play, focus on ball control rather than just scoring goals, and most importantly, have fun! Parents of young players, check out “Soccer Starts at Home” by Tom Byer for great tips on skill-building at home.
Ready to take the next step? Explore BRSC programs and find the right fit for your player today!
Enhancements Coming BRSC Academy and Rec Plus Programs
Baton Rouge Soccer Club Academy Director Andy Smothermon and Assistant Academy Director Chris Mitchell are introducing several enhancements to the BRSC Academy and Rec Plus Programs beginning in the Fall 2024 season.
One of the most important improvements will be the addition of more licensed coaches. “The objective this fall and spring is to recruit more licensed coaches to assist with training sessions,” said Assistant Academy Director Chris Mitchell. “While the younger coaches have a lifetime of playing experience, we’ll work with them on getting certified to help better assist them to translate their knowledge to the players better.”
The Skill Builders at-home program has long been a staple of the Academy program. Still, the staff is looking to place a stronger emphasis on participation with player spotlights, preprinted cards for all registered Academy players, and prizes.
The Skill Builders includes twenty-one (21) essential moves and turns that players are expected to know. Each month players are given a homework check sheet with five to seven moves players are expected to practice. The homework includes instructional videos to help players learn the skills at home.
BRSC Academy Director Andy Smothermon strongly recommends players take advantage of the Skill Builders Program to help build confidence, competence, and creativity with the ball.
“Building a strong relationship with the ball is the first step in becoming a quality soccer player,” said Smothermon. “Players who possess a strong technical foundation have the potential to reach the highest levels in soccer. No matter your age or current level of play, we believe that you can always work to develop your technical skills.
The BRSC Academy program provides a competitive environment for young players to teach them the fundamentals of the game.”
The Burbank program is open to players ages 5 – 11 with training sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Central and Zachary campuses are available for players ages 8 – 16. Central players train at Lovett Road Park on Mondays and Wednesdays. Zachary will train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Flanacher Road Park.
Players at the Players can participate in BRSC Academy and BRSC Recreational Leagues concurrently. BRSC also offers Rec Plus for recreational players who want to receive professional training once or twice weekly in BRSC Academy. Beginning in the Fall of 2024 Rec Plus players can now choose to attend Wednesday scrimmages that were traditionally exclusive to BRSC Academy players.
“Players that participate in the BRSC Academy and Rec Plus programs have benefited from the training and small-sided games each season,” said Smothermon. “A majority of our players complete the programs and continue to excel at the next level of the Pre-Competitive Program.” To register or learn more about the BRSC Academy Program visit brsoccer.org.