After careful observation and evaluation of the Travel Program during the past few years, the Richmond Strikers concluded that in order for the club to continue to move player development in a positive direction, a restructure of the current programming is warranted.  We will be implementing new programming based on the importance of practice and different training ideas designed to enhance our players’ development.

We believe that practice is the critical learning environment for our players.  The practice environment is where players learn the game and can hone their skills.  Therefore part of our approach will be an emphasis on more practice opportunities for our players.  Particularly of concern is the practice to game ratio.  It is our belief that a higher practice to game ratio will lead to better performance in the games that are played. This we feel will result in numerous benefits to our players, their families and our club.

As part of player development we believe that rest and recovery are critical for any elite travel player.  In this regard we will be introducing a rest period where there will be no structured Striker activities so players, coaches and parents can rest and rejuvenate! Free play will be available during the rest period at Striker Park.

Starting this the summer, you will see a different approach to the start of the season.  First, the Strikers will no longer be participating in Super Y.  Without the grind of Super Y, there is an opportunity to start elite teams training earlier to better prepare for the upcoming fall season.  Therefore, the Striker Elite teams will start practice in mid July (approximately one month earlier).  In fact, we would like the Richmond Strikers annual 3 v 3 tournament be the kick start to the fall season.

In early August, Elite players will be required to attend a designated Mini camp which will be a chance for the players to train closely together all week under the direction of the full time staff, elite coaches and coaches from outside the club (college coaches for example).

With the implementation of this new programming, we are introducing a designated rest period as well as reducing a considerable amount of travel and expense.  There will also be an emphasis on the quality of training and practices. We feel this will provide more of our teams and players with a better environment and will merge into the fall season very effectively.

1. Rest Period June 1st- July 16th 

Free play (optional)

June 1st – July 16th: Wednesday and Thursdays from 5:30-7 pm at Striker Park: U9-U18

2. Richmond Strikers 3 vs. 3 Tournament July 18th-19th           

All Striker Travel Players to participate

3. Fall 08 Training for Elite teams July 20th               

(U12-U18) Elite teams start – Week of July 20th: 3 times a week Tues, Weds and Thurs

Free Play: July 20th – Oct 30th: Fridays from 5:30 – 7 pm at Striker Park – Ages U9-U18

4. Elite Player Mini Camp Weeks August 3rd - 20th        

(Mon-Thurs AM and PM)

U16 – U18 Boys and Girls: August 3rd – August 6th

U14 – U15 Boys and Girls: August 10th – August 13th

U12 – U13 Boys and Girls: August 17th – August 20th

• One Session in AM, Session in PM would be in place of team training that week

• Sessions would run Mon, Tues, Weds and Thurs 9 am – 11 am and 6 – 8 pm approx

• Full time guys in the AM, Elite travel team coaches work with Full time guys in PM

5. Fall 08 Training for Premier/United teams begins August 10th         

(U9-U18) Premier/United teams start fall training – Week of August 10th – 2 times a week

6. All U13 – U18 Elite teams will attend the South Charlotte Invitational in Aug

Boys Weekend – August 15th and 16th

Girls Weekend – August 22nd and 23rd