AFCR Select: The First Step in Our Player Pathway
Building the Foundation for the Future of Soccer
The AFC Rochester Youth Academy is the official starting point for young players ages 5 to 9 to develop the fundamental skills needed for future success in soccer. This program offers a structured, age-appropriate pathway for players to grow in a fun, and supportive environment.
Led by Coach Dean James, the Youth Academy primarily focuses on individual technical development, self-confidence, mastery, small game awareness and a love for the game, while introducing players and families to the AFCR club culture.
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.
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 Lead Coach Dean James
Progress tracking through skill checkpoints and in-house games
Player pathway(s):
Not ready YET: Encouraged to attend local recreational and entry level programs until returning for AFCR Academy Fall Soccer (Open Program).
Developing: Invited to Continue with the AFCR Academy year round program.
Graduates:
At U10 Graduates Try-out for AFC Rochester Select or their AFCR town teams.
Age Groups & Structure
AFCR Juniors
Birth Years: 2019–2020
One session per week (6-8 week open cycles)
Opt in & opt out of cycles.
AFCR Pre-Select
Birth Years: 2017–2018
Two sessions per week (6-8 week cycles, repeating)
Seasonal only (Open) or Full program (Invite).
Eligible for RDYSL spring league participation
2025–2026 Academy Calendar
AFCR JUNIORS (2019s & 2020s)
All Outdoor Sessions will be held at Buckland Park
1341 Westfall Road
Wednesdays: 5:00 - 5:50
AFCR Juniors - Fall - 6 sessions
Sept 10, 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15
All Indoor Sessions will be held at Regional Sports Center
900 Jefferson Rd - Building 7
Wednesdays: 6:00 - 6:50
AFCR Juniors - Winter 1 - 6 sessions
Nov 5, 12, 19, (Thanksgiving break)
Dec 3, 10, 17,
AFCR Juniors - Winter 2 - 6/7 sessions
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11, (Feb break), make up week 25th
AFCR Juniors - Winter 3 - 7/8 sessions
Mar: 4, 11, 18, 25 (Spring break)
Apr 8, 15, 22, make up week April 29th
AFCR Juniors - Spring (Outdoor) - TBD
Additional Times may be added based on interest. There is no competitive play at this age.
AFCR Pre-Select (2017s & 2018s)
All Outdoor Sessions will be held at Buckland Park
1341 Westfall Road
Wednesdays: 6:00 - 7:00 September, 5:30 - 6:30 October
Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00
AFCR Pre-Select - Fall 2025 - Buckland Park
Sep 10/13, 17/20, 24/27
Oct 1/4, 8/11, 15/18
All Indoor Sessions will be held at Regional Sports Center
900 Jefferson Rd - Building 7
Wednesdays: 6:00 - 7:00
Saturdays: 11:30 - 12:30
AFCR Pre-Select - INDOOR SEASON - Regional Sports
Nov 5:/8, 12/15, 19/22, - (Thanksgiving break) -
Dec 3/6, 5/13, 17/20, - (Xmas / New Year break) -
Jan 7/10, 14/17, 21/24, 28/31
Feb 4/7, 11/14 - (February Break) - 25/28
Mar: 4/7, 11/14, 18/21, 25/28 - (Spring break) -
Apr 8/11, 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 & scheduled by team coaches.
Players have the Option to sign up for league or tournament play.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is AFCR Academy, and how is it the same/ different from team soccer?
AFCR Academy is a player training pool focusing on individual development. Team play is an option for those in U8 & U9. Tournament teams will be set by interest / sign-ups. League team rosters will be set in the Spring.
-If you are already on a team can you still just do the training? Yes.
- If you want to be on a team, will this become one? Also Yes.
2. Who is this program for?
The AFCR Academy is for motivated players. Players evaluated on 3 questions:
Did you listen? Did you work hard? Did you have fun?
3. What is the time commitment?
You do not need to be a soccer committed family and no one is expected to attend every session. As long as your player can answer yes to the questions in #2!
4. Are there tryouts?
No, The Juniors program is open to everyone. Pre-Select players can join in and if after a few weeks it works for everyone they are invited to stay.
5. How much travel is involved?
Minimal / None. Games for the Pre-Select are optional additions. League play and events are in Monroe County. One optional single weekend event will be held in Buffalo or Syracuse.
6. Can my child still play other sports?
100%
7. What is the cost of the program?
Academy Cost: $230 - $425. Scholarships available upon request.
8. What’s the next step if we’re interested?
Submit an interest form. Our staff will follow up with details and recommendations.
Interested in joining or learning more?
Contact us at
afcrochester585@gmail.com