Academy
ANYONE BORN BETWEEN 2016-2019 IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 25-26 ACADEMY PROGRAM
Oklahoma Celtics ACADEMY
The mission of the Oklahoma Celtic Academy is to provide the best possible coaching and instruction for our young players to ensure proper development of individual skill and technique and to introduce the team concepts involved in the game. The Academy’s experienced coaching staff emphasizes technical, tactical, and physical development while encouraging individual creativity and expression.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
GAME UNDERSTANDING: This component is related to the TACTICAL side of the game. Developing vision and game awareness is crucial from an early age. In soccer, one action is never repeated in exactly the same way and game situations change constantly. Collective practices and experience in different game situations aids the player by improving his/her knowledge of the game.
QUALITY: This component is related to the TECHNICAL side of the game. A quality touch of the ball is indispensable to the tactical side of game-efficiency. Technique in soccer allows for great diversity; therefore, repeating specific technical actions in a game context provides the player with a wide range of technical movements. Coaches will insist on a clean touch on the ball as well as quality technique.
INTENSITY: This component is related to the PHYSICAL side of the game. Practices must be performed at game intensity. Short working periods of high-intensity develops the technical quality and the quick, tactical decisions required in the game. Reproducing game intensity during training sessions is essential to the improvement of the different types of speed and endurance.
COMPETITIVENESS: This component is related to the PSYCHOSOCIAL part of the game. Opposed and high-intensity practices are essential in the development of high-quality and competitive players. Developing committed and competitive players from an early age is an indispensable aspect in the creation of successful teams.
Structure and timeline
STRUCTURE & TIMELINE
The 2025 Fall outdoor season begins on August 11 and extends through December 11.
Registration for the 2025/26 season will open on May 15.
The first two weeks in August (Beginning Aug 11th) will be used as evaluation sessions for team placement.
The 2026 Spring outdoor season is from January 26 to May 14.
Players play in 8-10 league games a season. The tentative Fall Start Date of the Metro Academy Games (MAG) is September 12.
The number of tournaments will depend on each team, but the club suggests at least 2 for U8-U10 teams. (Tournament is an extra cost for teams).
Required tournaments for Academy teams are: Bob Moore Cadillac Cup Aug 30-Sept 1, Classic Cup Nov 8-10, and Celtic Cup Feb 28 - Mar 2. All other tournaments will be discussed/decided by individual coaches/teams.
U7 - U10 players train twice per week (Monday/Thursday) with the opportunity to train three times a week, every second week with our optional skills session.
Teams Participate in MAG mainly on Fridays, but some will also be on Saturdays and Sundays.
Academy Teams will participate in the Winter Indoor Session at ISA. (This is not included in the monthly cost)
U7-U10 academy players CAN participate in the club's recreational program.
FINANCIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2025/26 SEASON
U7 & U8 (2019 & 2018)
- Registration for the year - $215 due at sign-up. The registration deadline is July 28th.
- $100 monthly fees due on the 1st of each month beginning August 1 – May 1
- The total cost of the program is $1215. $215 is due when registering, and $1000 is spread out each month ($100) From Aug 1st - to May 1st.
U9 & U10 (2017 & 2016)
- Registration for the year - $215 due at sign-up. The registration deadline is July 28th.
- $105 monthly fees due on the 1st of each month beginning August 1 – May 1
- The total cost of the program is $1265. $215 is due when registering, and $1050 is spread out each month ($105) From Aug 1st to May 1st.
Extra Costs
- Individual teams will pay for any tournaments.
- Indoor is not included in the cost of the program. This is a separate cost.
- Mileage - If a team plays an away tournament further than the OKC area, not including Edmond, the team will pay the coach $0.70 per mile. This is calculated from NYSA to the complex. Coach per diem is $50 a day during out-of-town, and $25 per travel day for tournament play.
2026 SPRING REGISTRATION (PLAYERS SIGNING UP FOR SPRING ONLY)
U7 & U8 (2019 & 2018): SPRING ONLY
- Registration for the year - $110 due at sign-up. The registration window is Jan 1 – Jan 27.
- $100 monthly fees due on the 1st of each month beginning Feb 1 – May 1
- The total cost of the SPRING program is $510. $110 is due when registering, and $400 is spread out each month ($100) From Feb 1 - to May 1.
U9 & U10 (2017 & 2016): SPRING ONLY
- Registration for the year - $110 due at sign-up. The registration window is Jan 1 – Jan 27.
- $105 monthly fees due on the 1st of each month beginning Feb 1 – May 1
- The total cost of the SPRING program is $525. $110 is due when registering, and $425 is spread out each month ($105) From Feb 1 to May 1.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE ACADEMY PROGRAM
If someone wishes to drop, they must inform Nick McMillian at administrator@oklahomaceltic.com
Coaches/managers can't stop billing.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited amount of scholarships are available. Scholarship applications are due by the deadline (Fall Season) July 21st and (Spring Season) Jan 5th and do not cover team or uniform costs. Players will register after they have heard from Nick McMillian.
Partial Scholarship for U7/U8 Player - $110 to sign up and $50 monthly fees. Total $310.
Partial Scholarship for U9/U10 Player - $110 to sign up and $52.50 monthly fees. Total $320.
Full Scholarship - $215 Registration to sign up.
(Tax form required as proof of income)
U7 and U8 (2019/2018)(Development Chart)
TECHNICAL
Objectives: General Technical Skill Development and Comfort on the ball. All Players must be introduced to the basic Coerver Moves.
Dribbling:
Change of Direction Moves:
Inside Cut, Outside Cut, Hook Turn, U-Turn, Pull Back
Stops & Start Moves:
Pull-Push, Stop & Go, Fake & Go
Feints:
Scissors, Side Step, Step Over
Running with the Ball: Speed dribbling
Passing: Short Passing
Receiving: Inside of Foot
TACTICAL
Objective: Confidence to use skills in a game.
Individual Offensive Tactics:
Running with the ball, 1v1 Attacking Moves, 2v1 Attacking Options
Individual Defensive Tactics:
1v1 Defending, Work Rate
Small Sided Games:
2v2, 3v3, 4v4, Emphasis on dribbling, running with the ball, basic passing & support
Formations:
Learn how to play within a 4v4 or 7v7 format, Develop a basic understanding of attacking & defending principles
FITNESS
Objective: Improve player’s general level of fitness.
Endurance:
1v1 activities, 2v2 activities, 4v4 games
Coordination:
Technical work with emphasis on change of direction and change of pace, Balance and agility movements.
PSYCHOLOGY
Objective: Ensure players are trained in a positive environment.
Training will put Focus on:
Concentration, Cooperation, Competing , Work Ethic, Sportsmanship
U9 and U10 (2017/2016) Development Chart
TECHNICAL
Objectives: General Technical Skill Development and Comfort on the ball.
Turning Moves: Inside/Outside Cuts, Hook Turn, U-Turn, Step Over Turn, Cruyff, Combination of Turns
Attacking Moves: Scissors, Side Step, Step Over, Matthews, Reverse Matthews, Combination of Moves
Control & Receiving: Ground Control, Aerial Control, Dynamic First Touch
Passing: Inside of Foot, Instep
Dribbling/Running with the Ball: Close control, Change direction/pace, Use of both fee, “Head up”
Shooting: Striking the ball with the laces
Attacking/Defending: 1v1 Attacking, 1v1 Defending
TACTICAL
Objective: Confidence to use skills in a game.
individual Offensive Tactics:
Dribbling with the ball, 1v1 Attacking Moves
Individual Defensive Tactics:
1v1 Defending, Work Rate
Small Group Attacking:
2v1 Attacking Options, 2v2 Attacking Options
Small Sided Games:
2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 6v6 Etc, Emphasis on dribbling, running with the ball, basic passing & support play. (Depending on the game set up & theme)
Formations:
Learn how to play & adapt to different formations
FITNESS
Objective: Improve player’s general level of fitness.
Endurance:
1v1 activities, 2v2 activities, 3v3 activities, 4v4 games and bigger games
Coordination:
Technical work with emphasis on change of direction and change of pace, Running activities, Balance and agility movements
PSYCHOLOGY
Objective: Ensure players are trained in a positive environment.
Training will put Focus on: Concentration, Cooperation, Competing , Work Ethic, Sportsmanship
Uniforms 2025/26
UNIFORMS 2025/26
Numbering
There will be no duplicate jersey numbers in age groups in our Academy Program. If you are NEW TO OUR ACADEMY PROGRAM, please wait to purchase new uniforms until you have contacted Michael Thomas, Academy Director, for jersey number options.
Please note that we are on a two-year jersey cycle with Adidas, so new jerseys will need to be purchased for the Fall 26/27 season.
If players are joining just for the spring 26 season, the jerseys you are purchasing will be for that season only!
*Shipping usually takes three weeks*
Please contact Michael Thomas for any questions: michaelt@oklahomaceltic.com