Competitive Program Overview
The Highlander program is the competitive level for our U7 – U12 players.
Highlanders is a Fall and Spring program, with optional Winter programs available for additional fees.
Team formation takes place between April – June with actual dates assigned by NorCal Premier as the Governing League.
Highlander teams are led by one of our dedicated professional coaches from 24-7 UK Soccer Academy, who manage twice weekly practice sessions and oversee the weekend games for U9 – U12.
The U7-U8 program is overseen by our U8-U10 Technical Director, who leads the twice weekly sessions, with weekend games managed by volunteer parent coaches.
Our U9-12 Highlander teams participate in NorCal Premier League during Fall and Spring, as well as NorCal State Cup and 1-2 additional tournaments throughout the year.
For players ages U13 – U19, please visit the AFC website.
Piedmont SC Programs at a Glance
Estimated Highlander Calendar:
U8 Games are organized as play-dates with neighboring clubs and/or through NorCalPremier and played in a 5v5 format (4v4 + goalkeeper).
U9 – U12 teams participate in NorCalPremier League (Fall & Spring*), as well as NorCalPremier State Cup and 1-2 Tournaments annually.
* Winter programs are also available (additional fees apply).
U7 – U8 (5v5)
Our focus in the U7-U8 Academy is developing a love of the game, in a safe and fun environment.
Players are taught;
- Desire to win the ball
- Dominance on the ball
- Ability to beat a defender in 1v1 situations
- Fundamental movement skills
U7-U8 Games in Spring and Fall* are organized as play-dates with neighboring clubs and/or through NorCalPremier and played in a 5v5 format (4v4 + goalkeeper).
* Winter programs are also available (additional fees apply).
U9 – U10 (7v7)
Our pro coaches prepare players for team soccer by developing the individual functional game skills;
- Ball Striking (Passing and Shooting)
- First Touch
- Running With The Ball
- 1v1
- Positioning
This enables the players to develop the ability to quickly and consistently select the correct soccer action for the situation.
Teams participate in NorCalPremier League (Fall & Spring*), as well as NorCalPremier State Cup and 1-2 Tournaments annually.
* Winter programs are also available (additional fees apply).
U11 – U12 (9v9)
At U11 – U12 (9v9), we continue to develop the key qualities of a Piedmont player
- Communication
- Game Insight
- Optimal Technique
- Creativity
- Game Related Fitness
- Effort
- Focus
There is also a greater emphasis on the club’s style of play, in order to prepare players for 11v11 soccer (U13+):
“High intensity, possession based soccer, built upon finding gaps between the lines via individual skill, movement off the ball and clever combination play in order to score more goals.”
Teams participate in NorCalPremier League (Fall & Spring*), as well as NorCalPremier State Cup and 1-2 Tournaments annually. U11-U12 teams playing in NorCal State Cup through the winter months have winter training field costs included in their Highlanders fees.
* Winter programs are also available (additional fees apply).
