USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Training Boost for Hounds Academy Players as Club Adds Sessions

Published on September 21, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


PITTSBURGH (Sept. 21, 2015) - The Riverhounds Development Academy is pleased to announce upcoming changes that will increase the amount of training sessions given to our RDA players.

The increase beginning in November will align the RDA program with the highest standards of player development as set out by U.S. Soccer's Development Academy structure. The changes are intended to enhance every player's growth.

Our winter training curriculum running from November through March will focus on technical competence, physical preparedness, position-specific needs and tactical understanding. Sessions will take place at the new Allegheny Health Network Sports Complex at Cool Springs in Bethel Park.

Additional Speed and Strength training will be held at "The Hall," a brand new performance-training center installed at Highmark Stadium.

"Our Academy has provided players with valuable development through the creation of a professional culture in training and we want to increase that value," said Riverhounds Academy/Youth development director Jason Kutney.

"Adding these sessions will help us to prepare our players physically, mentally and emotionally for the collegiate and professional levels of the game."

The revised training overview for the winter season is as follows:

RDA Team Sessions per week

Under-9/10 Two, plus a third session every other week

U-11, U-12 Three

U-13, U-14 Three, plus a fourth session every other week

U-15 through U-18 Four

Part of increasing our value is by focusing on a "stage-based" development plan that pushes young players to perform at the most appropriate level for them as opposed to age. We remain committed to pushing players to train and play above their age group if this is the most appropriate and challenging stage for them.

Players can also train in a younger age group if we feel that this is best for their development. Competition rules do not allow players to play games at a younger age level.

There is no additional cost to the families of RDA players for the added training sessions.

Winter Training Academy Evaluations

Registration is still open for potential places on the Riverhounds' 2015-2016 Winter Training Academy program beginning Nov. 2 at the AHN Sports Complex at Cool Springs.

The Winter Training program is open to ALL players regardless of club affiliation. Our sessions are designed to supplement your child's efforts with their community and/or classic division club by providing them with additional high-level instruction to improve their performance level through skill and technique.

All interested players must undertake an evaluation that allows our Academy trainers to assess their standard prior to the start of the program to allow placement into initial tiers based on ability.

The evaluation sessions take place during the week commencing Sept. 27.

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