Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the NE Aztec Academy. Don't see the answer you are looking for? Email Academy Director Jeff Winterton at jeffwinterton@neaztec.com.
Why not play in a league like MAPLE U10? A lot of club teams at this age can get very watered down and only have a few true club level players. This affects the level of competition. The New England Aztec Academy will only have the best of the best. Secondly, this is the paradigm used at the best academies in Europe. At the youngest age, long distance travel for below average competition is not the best method of development. We will take teams to play in tournaments and friendlies against other U10 teams.
Can my child play for another team in a league like MAPLE U10 and the Academy? The short answer is no. There are many clubs that choose to take part in a league like MAPLE with their U10 teams. We do not because we strongly believe our Academy method is the best way to guarantee optimum development. We know our players will be recruited in town games and other matches because our Academy only takes the best of the best. MAPLE's bylaws 6a and 6b state the following. "6a - A player is free to sign with whatever teams he or she wishes. There will be no tampering once a player has signed with a team for the seasonal year. 6b - The player is free to move on his or her own initiative, but coaches are not allowed to entice the player away from his or her team." If we see a player we like but that player is already committed to a MAPLE U10 program, we will back off. However we know of cases where coaches from other clubs have tried to make parents believe that it is OK to play for them, too, simply because our program isn't in MAPLE. Clubs that behave this way are demonstrating unscrupulous recruiting tactics and are certainly not behaving within the spirit of the rule.
What if you don't get 45 qualified players? We will not take players that we feel are not at the level for academy training. If we don't have 45 at the start of the session, we will continue to look for players who meet the criteria to join the Academy. Players we select will receive the highest level of training and competition no matter the numbers.
What is included in the kit? This kit includes 2 NE Aztec Academy tee shirts, 2 adidas NE Aztec shorts, 2 adidas socks, adidas NE Aztec sack pack and adidas ball. This cost is included in the total tuition
What if my child plays other sports? We recognize athletes at this age are eager to experience many sports, even if soccer is their favorite. We pride ourselves in being understanding and work with families to provide the best training possible. We only ask that players in our program strive to be the best they can be at all they do.
What if town soccer interferes with Academy schedules? We try to work together with town travel soccer programs as best we can and have had success balancing schedules. We require players to attend 2 of 3 training sessions per week and Sunday matches. We expect players to make at least 1 of 2 town training sessions per week and their Saturday matches. Conflicts beyond training, such as makeup games, tournaments, etc., are resolved using Mass. Youth Soccer's guidelines. www.mayouthsoccer.org
Who coaches teams on Sundays? The Director and Asst. Director support four head coaches for the teams. Head coaches have both relevant playing and coaching experience to ensure proper demonstration of various advanced skills necessary for a player's correct understanding and application of such skills.
What if we go on vacation? We expect families to keep their plans and we will operate around them. We only ask for communication and advanced notice. We are confident that participating in our programs will make your child better and we will work with you to resolve family conflicts that may arise.
What are you looking for in a player? We are looking for players we project will become advanced level soccer players. At young ages, that means a player possesses a combination of talent and potential. We recognize that players develop at different rates and do our best not to overlook potential, but a common trait for the players we choose is that they will already be among the best on their team and in their town.
How many NE Aztec club players progress to play in college? A lot, and many who choose not to do so because they don't intend to focus on the sport in college, not because they aren't capable of playing college ball. Just look at one year, 2007. We had three college All-Americans and more than 75 former Aztec club players suiting up in NCAA DI, DII, and DIII.