Player Development Curriculum

With over 20 years in the community, Magic SC is committed to providing its players with the finest developmental opportunities in the area. This is achieved by offering a comprehensive player development program, divided into four stages.

• Stage 1: Soccer Shots (Ages 2-6)

  Magic SC partners with Soccer Shots to meet the developmental needs of children aged 2-6.  Soccer Shots is an engaging soccer program specializing in young children.  Weekly 30-45 minute sessions focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting.  Through fun games and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active.  Soccer Shots also highlights positive character traits each week such as respect, determination, and confidence.

  There is no travel required.  All Soccer Shots sessions are held at the Magic SC fields.

  For more information on the schedule and fees, or to register, please visit Soccer Shots.

• Stage 2: Academy (Ages 6-10)

  The objective of the Magic SC Academy is to instill confidence and creativity in the player’s ability by helping them to master the fundamentals while acquiring a love for the game in a fun, player-centered environment.  Under the guidance of our Academy Director, who oversees each team, our 7U–10U players focus on individual skill and decision-making in order to establish a solid foundation in the game.

  The Academy program is always accepting new players—fall, winter, and spring!

  Eligible ages for the 2018–2019 season:

  • 7U: 2012 birth year

  • 8U: 2011 birth year

  • 9U: 2010 birth year

  • 10U: 2009 birth year

  Travel for Academy players is minimal.  When games are not at the Magic SC fields, they are normally in Goshen, Elkhart, Granger, or South Bend.

  For information on the Academy schedule, see our Schedule and Commitment page.

  For information on the cost of the Academy, see our Registration Fees page.

• Stage 3: 11U – 12U (Ages 10-12)

  The 11U–12U period represents the critical transition period in a player’s development. During these “golden years of learning,” players achieve advanced competency in basic techniques and this platform allows for the introduction of more sophisticated skills. Basic tactical principles of attacking and defending are also developed.

  Teams at these ages are placed in divisions in accordance with the level of talent on the team. The goal of this structure is to ensure the players are in suitably challenging environments.

  Travel is normally within northern Indiana.

  For information on the schedule, see our Schedule and Commitment page.

  For information on the cost of the program, see our Registration Fees page.

• Stage 4: 13U – 19U (Ages 12-19)

  Starting at 13U, players move to adult-sized fields and the competitive focus of play is increased. In addition to proficiency at a wide range of skills, an enhanced tactical understanding becomes more important.

  Teams are placed in divisions in accordance with the level of talent. Further, there are normally multiple teams at this age and, consequently, players are placed on teams according to their ability.

  Because of the increased roster sizes needed and the enhanced competitiveness at these ages, Magic SC sometimes partners with the Elkhart Flames, Goshen Stars, and Northwood Pumas to form teams under Elkhart County United (ECU).

  Travel for these ages varies depending on the division within which the team plays.

Long-Term Player Development

In accordance with the U.S. Youth Soccer player development model, the following are our top objectives in developing soccer players:

1. Develop the child’s appreciation of the game.
2. Keep winning and losing in perspective.
3. Be sensitive to each player’s development needs.
4. Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level of play.
5. Allow players to experience all positions.
6. Ensure players have fun and receive positive feedback.
7. Conduct training in the spirit of enjoyment and learning.
8. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and matches according to the player’s stage of development.
9. Strive to help each player reach their full potential.

League Play:

Magic SC competes in the Indiana Soccer League (ISL) and the Midwest Regional League (MRL). The league system is tiered based on competitiveness. Please see the chart below.

Age Group	ISL Academy Level 1-4	ISL 4th	ISL 3rd	ISL 2nd	ISL 2nd White	ISL 1st	ISL Premier	MRL 1st	MRL Premier
Travel	Northern Indiana	Northern Indiana	Northern Indiana	Northern Indiana	Statewide	Statewide	Statewide	Midwest	Midwest
8U-10U	X
11U-12U		X	X	X	X
13U-18U		X	X	X		X	X	X	X