Beginning in the fall 2005 season, the "Academy league" (referred to in some other leagues as “Rec+” or "Rec Plus") was created by our parent organization, and AHFSH began offering players in the U-9 and U-10 age groups the opportunity to participate in this new program. Beginning in the fall 2008 season, our parent association changed the name of the program to the "Developmental League." We have prepared the following description of the program and answers to what we believe will be the most frequently asked questions.
- What is the Developmental League?
- Who can play in the Developmental League?
- How often will Developmental League teams practice?
- Who are the professional trainers that were approved by the league?
- Against whom will the Developmental League teams play?
- Where will the Developmental League teams practice and play?
- How much playing time can players expect during the games?
- How will teams be formed?
- May I request to play with some of my friends?
- May I request a specific coach?
- Do players have to participate in the Developmental League to participate in the Fire Club?
- Is there recreational soccer available for those who do not wish to play in the Developmental League?
- What is the cost of participation in the Developmental League?
- Is financial assistance available for those who register to play in the Developmental League league?
- How do I register for the Developmental League?
- May I choose to play recreational soccer after registering for the Developmental League?
- Where may I obtain additional information regarding the Developmental League?
What is the Developmental League?
The AHFSH Developmental League (formerly known as "the Academy League") was created to allow those players who are not yet old enough to participate in the league's “competitive” or “select” soccer program, known as the Fire Club, the opportunity to receive professional training and play with and against players who also wish to play at a more competitive level of recreational soccer. Although the program is developed for those who desire a more intensive level of training and play, the goal of the program is to develop all players within the program, not to develop teams with winning records. In fact, there are no standings kept within the Academy league, which further's the purpose of the program in developing individual skills. Certainly, providing players with the training that they need to be successful is a goal of the program, but training and position assignment will be focused on developing the skills of each player, not achieving a winning record for the team. All teams in the AHFSH Developmental League will play under the “Fire Junior” name, just as all of the AHFSH Fire teams play under the “Fire” name.
Who can play in the Developmental League?
The Developmental League will be open to all players who are eligible to play in the U-9 and U-10 age groups.
How often will Developmental League teams practice?
The Developmental League players will train with the professional trainers approved by AHFSH and the volunteer coach selected for the team for one hour per practice, twice per week. Additional skill or positional training, e.g ., goalkeeper training, will be offered as well, which training players are encouraged (but not required) to attend. Such additional training is included within the cost of participation in the program.
Who are the professional trainers that were approved by the league?
AHFSH uses both qualified trainers from the San Antonio area and from Challenger Sports a/k/a British Soccer. Challenger Sports is the largest soccer camp provider in North America , running camps in 48 states for approximately 60,000 children. The AHFSH Developmental League is supervised by our Director of Training, Steve Jennings. Steve has been involved in coaching for twenty years and has attained the highest licenses in coaching at both the senior and junior levels, currently holding both a USSF “A” license and a National Youth License. Since coming to the United States from Liverpool, England, where he played soccer at the semi-pro level with Kirby Town Football Club, he has been actively involved with coaching and developing not only many of South Texas’ players, but also many of the coaches who are currently training players in our state. Steve has served as the Director of Coaching for the South Texas Youth Soccer League (which oversees youth soccer for all US Youth Soccer – affiliated leagues in the southern part of the state), he has coached both girls and boys’ teams in Texas’ Olympic Development Program, and he has coached teams that have won State Championships at every level.
Against whom will the Developmental League teams play?
Our Developmental League teams play against Developmental League teams from other soccer leagues in San Antonio and surrounding municipalities. As a result, games will not be limited to Fort Sam Houston, and players will be expected to travel to games in San Antonio and other local municipalities, e.g ., Boerne, Bulverde, New Braunfels, San Marcos. Additionally, Developmental League teams are encouraged to play in various tournaments during the course of the seasonal year.
Where will the Developmental League teams practice and play?
Developmental League teams will typically practice at the AHFSH training fields on Fort Sam Houston. Home games will be held at Fort Sam Houston. Away games will be played at the fields used by the associations against whom the games are scheduled.
How much playing time can players expect during the games?
Developmental League teams will observe the “half game” rule, which provides that each player should be permitted to play at least one-half of each game. Exceptions to this rule include player injury and disciplinary matters.
How will teams be formed?
Players will be admitted to the Developmental League program based on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than one team is formed, the league's parent organization requires that all leagues participating in the Developmental League roster players on a random basis, although rosters can be adjusted by a program's Director so as to equally distribute players of various skill levels among the teams formed.
May I request to play with some of my friends?
Requests to play on the same team with another player may be considered where such request does not interfere with the goal of achieving parity among teams, but there is no guarantee that such requests will be met.
May I request a specific coach?
Coaches will be assigned to teams after they are formed as described previously. As a result, and because of the rules governing team formation for all Developmental League teams, it is not possible to honor player requests for a specific coach.
Do players have to participate in the Developmental League to participate in the Fire Club?
No. The Developmental League is not a prerequisite to participation in the Fire Club, which is open to players beginning at Under-11. Given the stated goal of the Developmental League to develop player skills, however, those participating in the Developmental League may be better qualified to participate in the Fire Club once they are old enough to try out for such teams. Additionally, it is possible that a trainer's familiarity with a player as a result of that player's participation in the Developmental League could benefit that player when he/she participates in tryouts for a Fire team.
Is there recreational soccer available for those who do not wish to play in the Developmental League?
Yes. AHFSH is committed to offering our players the opportunity to play at the level that best suits their particular needs. As a result, we will continue to offer traditional recreational soccer for those playing in all age groups from U-5 through U-10.
What is the cost of participation in the Developmental League?
The total cost of participation (which currently includes registration fee, uniform fee and training fee) is established by the Board prior to the fall season and is subject to change in future seasons. Registration fees are charged on a per season basis, as opposed to a "seasonal year" basis; as a result, the applicable fee must be paid for the fall season, and the applicable fee must again be paid in the spring season. A summary of registration fees is available on the Fees and Refunds page.
Is financial assistance available for those who register to play in the Developmental League?
Yes. AHFSH currently offers financial assistance and payment plans for Fire Junior players. Request for Financial Assistance forms (available on the Fire Club page) should be completed and forwarded to Joel Guerra, who serves as the Chairperson of the Financial Assistance Committee. Requests for a payment plan should be directed to our Registrar, Kathi Graf, who will have to assist you when registering.
How do I register for the Developmental League?
Players can register through the online registration system during open registration or by contacting the Director of Training or appropriate age-group commissioner following the close of registration, if positions are available on a roster.
May I choose to play recreational soccer after registering for the Developmental League?
Once a player has registered for a Developmental League team and the season has begun, that player will not be permitted by our governing associations to play recreational soccer during that season. As a result, parents and players should carefully consider whether they are committed to the more rigorous training schedule and style of play, the additional expense and the increased travel associated with Developmental League play before registering.
Where may I obtain additional information regarding the Developmental League?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Training, Steve Jennings.
