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:
- Player identification through open sessions, grassroots teams, or community outreach
- Weekly training under the direction of Coach Dean James
- Progress tracking through skill checkpoints and in-house games
- 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
AFCR Pre-Select - Fall 2025 - Buckland Park
- Wednesday Sept 10: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Ball Mastery
- Saturday Sept 13: Practice 9:00 - 10:00 - Running with the ball
- Wednesday Sept 17: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Turns & Moves
- Saturday Sept 20: Practice 9:00 - 10:00 - 1v1 attacking
- Wednesday Sept 24: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Passing
- Saturday Sept 20: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
- Wednesday Oct 1: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, Receiving
- Saturday Oct 4: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
- Wednesday Oct 8: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, 1 v 1 Defending
- Saturday Oct 11: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
- Wednesday Oct 15: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, Shooting
- Saturday Oct 18: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
AFCR Juniors - Fall 2025 - Buckland Park
- Wednesday Sept 10: 5:00 - 5:50 - Ball Mastery
- Wednesday Sept 17: 5:00 - 5:50 - Dribbling
- Wednesday Sept 24: 5:00 - 5:50 - Turns & Moves
- Wednesday Oct 1: 5:00 - 5:50 - Passing
- Wednesday Oct 8: 5:00 - 5:50 - Shooting
- Wednesday Oct 15: 5:00 - 5:50 - Games
All Indoor Sessions will be held at Regional Sports Center
900 Jefferson Rd - Building 7
Wednesdays
AFCR Juniors: 6:00PM - 6:50PM
AFCR Pre-Select: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Saturdays
AFCR Pre-Select: 11:30 - 12:30
AFCR Pre-Select - Winter 1 - Regional Sports
- Nov 5:/8, 12/15, 19/22, - (26 break) -
- Dec 3/6, 5/13, 17/20, - (24, 31 break) -
AFCR Pre-Select - Winter 2 - Regional Sports
- Jan 7/10, 14/17, 21/24, 28/31
- Feb 4/7, 11/14 - (18 break) -
- Make-Up Week Feb 25/28
AFCR Pre-Select - Spring (Indoor) - Regional Sports
- Mar: 4/7, 11/14, 18/21, 25/28 - (Apr 1 break) -
- Apr 8/10, 15/18, 22/25, 29/ May 2
AFCR Pre-Select Spring (Outdoor) - Buckland Park
- Additional Team based practices & League Play. Running approximately May - July
- Additional Times to be determined by team coaches.
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AFCR Juniors - Winter 1 - Regional Sports
- Nov 5, 12, 19, (26th break)
- Dec 3, 10, 17, (24th, 31st break)
AFCR Juniors - Winter 2 - Regional Sports
- Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
- Feb 4, 11, (18 break), 25
AFCR Juniors - Spring (Indoor) - Regional Sports
- Mar: 4, 11, 18, 25 (April 1 break)
- Apr 8, 15, 22, 29
AFCR Juniors - Spring (Outdoor) - Buckland Park
- Additional Times may be offered. No competitive play at this age.
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.