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PRE-ACADEMY

TRAVEL

Introducing Grove United’s Pre-Academy Program

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Grove United's Pre-Academy Program designed to cultivate young players (U7-U12) in a development-focused travel environment. This program offers European-based innovative training methods and exposure to travel competition, laying the foundation for success on and off the field.

 

Join us as we shape the future of soccer in Richmond while building well-rounded individuals ready to excel in all areas of life.

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PRE-ACADEMY PATHWAY

U15 ACADEMY

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The Pre-Academy Pyramid provides a streamlined pathway for aspiring players to transition into our academy, which is renowned for its emphasis on college and professional development. Beyond athletic excellence, Grove United prioritizes personal growth by fostering strong ethical values and academic performance, ensuring that every player embodies the character and integrity expected at Grove United.

PRE-ACADEMY PROGRAM

The Pre-Academy Program lays the groundwork for players to progress through the Grove United system, equipping them with the tools necessary for long-term success in the game.

PRE-ACADEMY PROGRAM

U12 PRE-ACADEMY TRAVEL

U11 & U12

U11-U12 Pre-Academy Program

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The U11-U12 Pre-Academy Program builds on the U10-U11 level, offering an accelerated developmental environment. Training focuses on advanced game concepts and ball mastery, while players must adapt to an elevated level of play. Personal growth monitoring is introduced, ensuring players meet both athletic and ethical standards required by Grove United. This program prepares players for the Academy, providing a clear pathway to professional and collegiate opportunities.​

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• Location: Southside & West End

​• League: Competing in the Youth Premier Soccer League (YSPL)

• Game Days: Saturdays & Sundays

• Practice Schedule: 2x per week

U10 PRE-ACADEMY TRAVEL

U9 & U10

U9-U10 Pre-Academy Program


The U9-U10 Pre-Academy Program is the next step in the Grove United pyramid pathway, emphasizing higher-level competition and development. Players at this stage compete in the Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL), learning to navigate game scenarios independently without direct staff assistance. Training sessions introduce advanced exercises and technical instruction, demanding more from players as they progress in their development.

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• Location: Southside & West End

​• League: Competing in the Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL)

• Game Days: Saturdays & Sundays

• Practice Schedule: 2x per week

U8 PRE-ACADEMY

U7 & U8

U7-U8 PRE-ACADEMY

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The U7-U8 Pre-Academy Program serves as the foundation for young players beginning their long-term development journey. This stage focuses on fundamentals, providing insights into higher-level expectations while allowing players to adjust at their own pace. While competition is introduced, the primary goal is skill-building and gradual integration into the club. Players from this program will transition into the U9-U10 Pre-Academy, where they will experience increased developmental challenges.​

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• Location: Southside & West End

• League: Competing in the Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL)

• Game Days: Saturdays & Sundays

• Practice Schedule: 2x per week

U6 Cubs

U5 & U6

U6 Cubs

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The U7-U8 Pre-Academy Program serves as the foundation for young players beginning their long-term development journey. This stage focuses on fundamentals, providing insights into higher-level expectations while allowing players to adjust at their own pace. While competition is introduced, the primary goal is skill-building and gradual integration into the club. Players from this program will transition into the U9-U10 Pre-Academy, where they will experience increased developmental challenges.​

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• Location: Southside & West End

• League: Competing in the Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL)

• Game Days: Saturdays & Sundays

• Practice Schedule: 2x per week

U2-U3 Little Lions

U2 & U3

U2-U3 Little Lions

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Welcome to the very beginning of the journey!

Our Little Lions Program is designed for our youngest players to take their first steps into the game in a fun, safe, and energetic environment. At this age, it’s all about smiles, movement, and falling in love with the ball. Through playful activities, creative games, and guided instruction, our Little Lions begin developing:

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  • Basic ball comfort and coordination

  • Listening and teamwork skills

  • Confidence in a structured group setting

  • A love for the game that lasts​

 

This program serves as the foundation of our long-term player pathway. While the focus is on fun and exploration, players are gently introduced to foundational habits and expectations that prepare them for the next stage of development.

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• Practice Schedule: 2x per week

ONE STOP SHOP FOR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

COMPREHENSIVE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT IN ONE PROGRAM

EUROPEAN CURRICULUM

Grove United implements a European-based development curriculum, incorporating proven training methods used by top European academies to enhance player growth, technical skills, and game intelligence.

PROFESSIONAL COACHING

Led by European-licensed coaches, Grove United’s program is executed by highly qualified coaches and experienced technical trainers, ensuring top-tier player development and training standards.

HOLISTIC APPROACH


Grove United takes a holistic approach to player development, focusing on all key aspects of the game—technical, tactical, physical, and mental. This comprehensive method paves the way for players to progress seamlessly through the Grove United pathway and reach their full potential.

INSPIRING CREATIVITY & PASSION


The Pre-Academy Program is designed to ignite passion and creativity in young players, fostering a deep connection with the ball and a true love for the beautiful game. By encouraging creativity, players are given the freedom to experiment, express themselves, and develop their unique player identity on the field.

"Grove United was the best decision we could have made for Lucas. The high-level training combined with integrated strength and conditioning, video analysis, and mindset work has resulted in a huge growth in his development as a player. Coach Justin Grove does an amazing job of providing direct training to each of his players to push them as individuals while also working on how the team plays together. 

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Since Lucas started with Grove, he has been able to play against MLS Academies, high level semi-pro league games in the UPSL and NPSL with the First Team, play in college showcases with lots of coaches in attendance, and train with Red Star in France. Best of all, he is motivated and confident with ambitions to play at the next level."

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Jenn Spiegel - (U19) Parent

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