In an effort to reduce juvenile crime and instill positive values, character and leadership skills, PAL provides safe activities for youth of Jacksonville. Our athletic and educational programs emphasize positive interaction with law enforcement officers and other adult role models.
Soccer Academy History
Jacksonville PAL Soccer Academy was formed in May 2006 to offer children in the community another sport's program option. Upon its inception the program registered less than 70 children. Today, the program has grown from its Academy roots to introducing teams in competitive play. Jacksonville PAL Soccer Academy is divided into two program divisions, Academy and Nighthawks Soccer.
PAL Soccer Academy focuses its efforts on teaching players the fundamentals of the game. The program has been completly redesigned for 2007 to direct age appropriate training in smaller groups. Academy training is managed by a qualified soccer trainer and each training squad of 4-6 players is managed by a volunteer. Trainers focus on training all the players and volunteers assist with managing their squad. Squads play small-sided games of 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 without keepers. Keepers are introduced in the Nighthawks team program at U10 and above. Please note we are focused on smaller groups and as such space may be limited so register early. This program is not affiliated with any national or state organization and does not play matches against other youth clubs. Academy age groups are under 6 to under 10.
PAL Nighthawks Soccer program is for players under 10 to under 19 interested in team play. Nighthawks Soccer is affilaited with Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and US Club Soccer. Nighthawks is divided into three divisions, Recreational, Classic and Advanced. Recreational soccer is for players entering soccer for the first time but want to play on a team but also can be for players just wanting to play for a team but not the pressures of the competitive level play.
Classic division soccer is the step between Recreational soccer and Advanced soccer. Classic is a great bridge between these two levels of play. Classic does not require tryout selection, yet the competition and training is elevated to prepare the player for Advanced level play.
Advanced soccer is currently the highest level of soccer at Jacksonville PAL and provides the intermediate to advanced soccer player competitive level play against some of the best teams the southeastern United States. Advanced requires tryout selection which is done twice per year. Once in late fall and again around the beginning of June. Our Advanced teams particiapte in tournaments, regional league play against other youth soccer clubs in NE Florida as well as participation in Regional and State Cup competitions, Olympic Development Program (ODP), US Club Soccer's ID2 program, and US Club Soccer's Youth World Series event just to name a few.
As we enter our Third year of operation, Jacksonville PAL is committed to increasing its resources and expanding its program and options for the community. We are dedicated to developing flexible options for families to choose from, keeping costs low yet providing high quality training options for the soccer player. Come join experience soccer the way it supposed to be, cost effective, fun, challenging and family oriented. Let's share the journey!