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Liberty United Jr Academy U7 - U8

Program Overview

The Jr. Academy program is a competitive, advanced development program for players seeking to improve technically
and compete at higher levels than recreational. It is open to birth years 2018 (8U) and 2019 (7U) and runs for two

years, preparing players to transition into Liberty United’s Academy program.

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This program emphasizes technical skill development—dribbling, passing, shooting, and goalkeeping—while
incorporating game-like experiences on a slightly larger field with bigger goals. Players compete in a 5v5 format at 7U
and 7v7 at 8U, including goalkeepers. While referees begin keeping score, the focus remains on development rather

than winning or losing.

 

Jr. Academy follows a holistic, player-centric model that fosters autonomy and decision-making in a realistic,
experiential environment. Players will attempt many positions as they learn the game. The program features US

Soccer-licensed coaches and additional weekly goalkeeper training for interested players.

About Jr Academy

Ages: U7 and U8 (2018 & 2019)

Evaluations: May 5 & 6 2025

                      5:45PM-7:00PM

Season: Fall and Spring (August - May)

Field Size: 5v5 or 7v7

Practices: 1hr 15min, 2x per week

Coaches: USSF Licensed

Fees: Will be released Mid-March 2025

Uniform: Approx. $220

Travel: North Austin and

surrounding areas

Tournaments: 1 per year

Expectations
Commitment:
Jr. Academy teams start the Fall season in August & end at the conclusion of the Spring season in May (a 1-year commitment).  December and part of January are considered winter break.
Evaluations:
Evaluations happen in May after the previous season has concluded. If the player is chosen again for the program, they will move up to the next age level and be placed where they will be most competitive.
Mid Season Evaluations:
Liberty United accepts players mid-season with Spring Evaluations, as space allows, held at the end of the Fall season.
Fees:
Fees for the 2025/2026 Season will be released mid-March.
Commitment fee is required at registration and will be applied to the total yearly cost. This fee is required to join the program.
Uniform:

The REQUIRED uniform kit is approximately $220 (price will vary based on sizing) + tax and shipping. This is for a 2-year uniform cycle that started this Fall, 2025 (meaning this kit will be re-usable for the 26/27 year). It includes 2 game jerseys and shorts (home and away), 1 pair of game socks, 1 training t-shirt, 1 training shorts, and 1 pair of practice socks.

 

It is recommended to purchase the LU backpack and jacket. Uniforms will be purchased online through Soccer.com. After you register for a team, you will receive a unique URL that will take you to your player’s uniform ordering page.

Attendance:

All players are expected to attend ALL practices, games, and tournaments. If there is a major conflict or illness/injury, it needs to be communicated to the team coach with as much advance notice as possible. Missing practice will affect playing time in games. All players are require to play half the game minimum in this league.

Practice:

Jr. Academy teams practice 2 nights a week for 1 hour 15 minutes, Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs. These practices will be either individual team practices with your assigned coach, or a group “pool” training session where all the Jr. Academy teams scheduled that day will get together and practice specific techniques and skills in a larger group setting. Coaches will communicate the schedules before the start of each season. There is an optional GK training every week open to all GK’s in the club, or any player interested in becoming a GK.

Address:

251 County Road 200

Liberty Hill, TX 78642

Games:
Jr. Academy teams are ‘traveling’ teams, and will play some games away from our home fields. These games are played in neighboring cities (for example, but not limited to: Austin, Leander, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Taylor, Salado, Slaughter Creek). Home games will be played at our home fields in Liberty Hill. Games will be on either Saturday with start times between 8:30am and 5:30pm, or Sunday with start times between 12:30pm and 5:30pm. There will be 1-2 games per weekend, sometimes with both games on the same day. Games are between 40 and 50 minutes long at this
age. Each season will run 8-10 weeks long, with tournaments before or after the season. (Fall is late Aug to late Nov & Spring is late Jan to early May)
Tournaments:
Tournaments are a great learning experience for Jr. Academy teams and are a fun bonding experience for both teams and parents. Jr. Academy teams are required to play in 1 parent-funded tournament per season. Tournament fees are paid by parents splitting the cost evenly, and average about $40 per player. These fees are to be paid regardless of attendance. Tournament games can be on Friday-Sunday (depending on the tournament schedule) with a 3-game guarantee.
Parent/Player Expectations:
Parents will have the ability to attend an informational meeting at the beginning of each year that goes over expectations for both parents and players - Location will be provided once evaluations are over. Parents will have the ability to ask questions and meet the Liberty United staff. Parents and players will be required to sign a handbook each year agreeing to club values and policies.

1994-2024  LHYSA

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