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.
