AFCR Introduces Youth Academy...

Building the Foundation for the Future of Soccer


AFC Rochester Youth Academy is the premier entry point for young soccer players ages 5 to 9 looking to develop the foundational skills needed for long-term success. Designed to introduce children to the game in a structured yet supportive environment, our academy focuses on nurturing technical ability, confidence, and a love for the sport. Led by experienced coach Dean James, the program offers a clear developmental pathway for aspiring players—whether they dream of joining a Select team, preparing for travel soccer, or simply becoming better, more confident athletes.

This program will be replacing the current Brighton fall league.


Our Development Philosophy

At AFC Rochester, we focus on developing the whole player. Our training model emphasizes:

  • Age-appropriate curriculum: Ball mastery, coordination, and small-sided games
  • Holistic growth: Confidence, discipline, and teamwork
  • Individual attention: A fun and safe environment where every child can thrive
  • Progress-based learning: Players move forward through demonstrated growth, not pressure


The Pathway to Success

Each child’s development journey is unique, and our academy provides multiple entry and re-entry points into the club structure. A typical pathway includes:

  1. Player identification through open sessions, grassroots teams, or community outreach
  2. Weekly training under the direction of Coach Dean James
  3. Progress tracking through skill checkpoints and in-house games
  4. Player pathway split:
  • Developing: Continues in academy or community training with future trial opportunities
  • Selected: Joins AFC Rochester Select or local town teams
  • Graduates: Moves into recreational, travel, or premier club teams


Team Groups

AFC Rochester Pre-Select

  • Birth Years: 2017–2018 (Boys & Girls)
  • Two sessions per week (4–6 week cycles)
  • Joins RDYSL teams in the spring season

AFC Rochester Juniors

  • Birth Years: 2019–2020 (Boys & Girls)
  • One session per week (4–6 week cycles)


2025–2026 Academy Calendar
Fall 2025

  • Sept 8: Two training sessions
  • Sept 15: Two training sessions
  • Sept 22: One session + one in-house game
  • Sept 29: One session + one in-house game
  • Oct 6: One session + one in-house game
  • Oct 13: One session + one in-house game


Winter 1 (November–December 2025)

  • Nov 3: Two training sessions
  • Nov 10: Two training sessions
  • Nov 17: One session + one in-house game
  • Nov 24: No session (holiday break)
  • Dec 1: One session + one in-house game
  • Dec 8: One session + one in-house game
  • Dec 15: One session + one in-house game


Winter 2 (January–February 2026)

  • Jan 5: Two training sessions
  • Jan 12: Two training sessions
  • Jan 19: One session + one in-house game
  • Jan 26: One session + one in-house game
  • Feb 2: One session + one in-house game
  • Feb 9: One session + one in-house game


Spring 2026

  • Mar 2: One training session
  • Mar 9: One training session
  • Mar 16: One training session
  • Mar 23: One training session
  • Mar 30: No session (spring break)


Get Started

If you're looking for a structured, development-focused program for your young athlete, the AFCR Youth Academy is the perfect place to begin.

Our goal is to prepare each player for success, whether that’s on a travel team, school team, or simply building confidence through sport.