Competitive Calendar & Expectations

4.1. Training Frequency

• 3–5 sessions per week (90–120 minutes)
• Strength & conditioning sessions
• Video and tactical classroom sessions

4.2. Competitions

• League play (local & regional)
• Elite tournaments (state, national, international)
• College showcases & combines
• Friendly matches vs. other academies
• International football tours (optional)

5. Training Curriculum (Yearly Cycle)

📅 Phase 1: Preseason (8–10 weeks)

Focus: Conditioning, tactical structure, team cohesion

• Fitness testing
• Formation mastery
• Pressing patterns
• Defending principles
• Technical repetition

📅 Phase 2: Competitive Season (12–20 weeks)

Focus: Match strategy, execution, maintenance fitness

• Tactical periodisation
• Microcycles built around weekly fixtures
• Set-piece development
• Opponent analysis
• Game management training

📅 Phase 3: Showcase & College Prep Season (6–10 weeks)

Focus: Exposure, performance consistency, player branding

• Showcase preparation
• Highlight video filming
• Recruitment workshops
• Career pathways seminars
• Player evaluations

📅 Phase 4: Off-Season (6–8 weeks)

Focus: Recovery, strength development, individual projects

• Strength & mobility blocks
• Technical projects
• Mental training
• Next-season reflection

6. Positional Development Tracks

6.1. Goalkeepers

• Footwork mastery
• Distribution (short, mid, long-range)
• Shot-stopping & parrying
• 1v1 situations
• Playing as a “sweeper-keeper”
• Cross management
• Communication leadership

6.2. Defenders

• Building from the back
• Defensive body shape
• 1v1 defending
• Aerial dominance
• Line coordination & pressing triggers
• Passing under pressure

6.3. Midfielders

• Scanning and tempo control
• Transition play
• Combination play
• Switching fields
• Press resistance
• Long-range finishing

6.4. Wingers / Attackers

• 1v1 mastery
• Early crossing
• Finishing angles
• Timing runs behind
• Pressing from the front
• Combination play in the final third

7. Evaluation System

Three assessments per year:

1. Technical grading
2. Tactical understanding
3. Physical testing
4. Psychological & DEER values rating

Tools used:

• Player report cards
• Video analysis sessions
• Fitness and speed tests
• Coach/player meetings

College Recruitment Pathway Support (U15–U17)

• Player profile creation
• Academic preparation
• College matching
• Email templates and outreach training
• Highlight video production
• Showcase support

8. College & Professional Pathway Integration

CARAM assists players pursuing:

🎓 College Pathways

• NCAA Division I, II, III
• NAIA
• Junior Colleges

⚽ Professional Pathways

• MLS NEXT
• USL Academy
• Caribbean professional clubs
• International academy trials

🌎 Overseas Opportunities

• Latin American and Caribbean club connections
• Exchange programs
• International showcase tours

9. Code of Excellence (U13–U17 Standards)

Every player must uphold:

✔ Arrive early, prepared, and focused
✔ Demonstrate leadership and accountability
✔ Model DEER values at all times
✔ Train with intensity and purpose
✔ Maintain academic excellence
✔ Respect coaches, referees & opponents
✔ Represent CARAM with pride and professionalism

10. Program Outcomes (By Age 17)

A graduating CARAM Elite athlete should:

🎯 Possess high-level technical execution
🎯 Understand advanced tactics across multiple systems
🎯 Compete at an intense physical level
🎯 Demonstrate composure, leadership, and discipline
🎯 Have exposure to college/professional pathways
🎯 Be recruitable and marketable
🎯 Be a complete player shaped by DEER values