The DCG Soccer Club’s 9U/10U Academy program is designed to allow players at this age level an opportunity to increase their development in the game of soccer.

DCGSC participates in the 9U/10U Iowa Soccer Academy League and follows the state association's developmental guidelines, which include:

Program focuses on establishing an appropriate training environment to allow players to develop to their full potential and prepare them for the next level of soccer experiences.

Set training program with mixed training groups following a structured curriculum. The program is geared towards further developing the individual player.

Balanced teams are formed to play in the ISL Academy league and festivals, rosters will change at least 50% season to season, and coaches will do their best to provide players 50% playing time in matches, rotating positions & starters.

Mandatory coach education, training is conducted by licensed professionals and assisted by parent-volunteer coaches who have a minimum of 7v7 Grassroots Course.

The 9U/10U program is a bridge into select soccer, Academy soccer is more competitive than recreational soccer and it emphasizes improving skills and prepares players for select soccer. Although players do not have to play academy soccer to move on to select soccer, academy programs train players to be prepared for a more competitive environment. With the guidance of professional coaches and licensed parent coaches, the emphasis of the program is on individual player development. 

To help parents decide which level of play is most appropriate for their child, listed below are the characteristics of typical players who would participate in an Academy Program. If your child displays a majority of the characteristics listed, they are probably more suited to that level of play. However, it should be noted that during a player’s soccer development they may move back and forth between academy and recreational play.

• Soccer is a high priority.
• Demonstrates sound technical skills (control, dribbling, and shooting).
• Demonstrates high level of focus and concentration during practices and games.
• Physically stronger than most players within their age group.
• Athletically quicker than most players within their age group.
• High level of coordination and good agility.
• During games is aggressive in their attitude and approach to getting involved.
• During games tends to dominate the play.
• Practices with a ball in their own time outside regular schedule of games & practices.
• 9u/10u player who will try-out for the 11u competitive age group in the following year.