CLUB PHILOSOPHY
Impact U.S.A. Nike philosophy is a combination of progressive, creative, out of the box type thinking that is consistent with the most successful clubs in the country and around the world. The fundamentals of our
high expectation approach is a
true academy format that allows players to train with older teams and players according to the level of their ability and not their age;
a state-wide concept that allows for the creation of super high powered teams using our best players from our Nike teams from all over the state to compete in Showcase Premier level tournaments; and
diversity of training, which allows all of our players to be coached by all club coaches at various times throughout the year.
Academy Format
Our Academy format allows an excelling player to have a primary team but also play on different age teams, when appropriate, giving the player the ultimate challenge of their abilities. Many of our players play games "on age" but train with older more skilled players to insure their development. Our Director of Coaching manages this process and is very involved in each player’s progress making sure that we do not hold back a player that is ready for more of a challenge.
State-Wide Concept
Impact USA Nike is a State-wide club comprised of teams located in Bretntwood/Franklin, Knoxville, Clarksville, and the Tri-Cities area. This affiliation allows our most talented players to (in selected tournaments) play with the best from all teams throughout the club. We create Nike Elite teams for Elite Showcase Premier level tournaments. We create these Elite teams drawing the best players from all Impact teams throughout the state. These Elite teams will play in two (2) tournaments in the fall and spring. They will get together on the weekend once every six (6) weeks in a neutral convenient site for intense high level training camps. This relationship also provides opportunities for additional camps, skill training sessions and guest playing for tournaments.
Our
Impact U.S.A.- Nike Elite teams will represent us at State Cup starting at age eleven (11). We believe our combined best players from all our clubs will be difficult to compete with and give us enough strength to seriously compete for the Region III title year in and year out. So far, our elite teams have done very well in competition and we couldnt be more excited about the potential for this program.
Exposure to many coaches
Impact U.S.A. Nike coaches are required to invest time in all of our teams. Our players are exposed to 4-5 different coaches thru the season with special training sessions set up with outside specialists such as Coerver Coaching Trainers. This allows the teaching to remain fresh and the coaches to share their knowledge with the entire club versus just one team.
Ages U9 and U10 - CUTTING PLAYERS
Impact USA Nike will not "cut" a player at this age and will provide all of the same resources, professional coaching and focus to all players in this age group. We provide a good mix of separating the high and low skill levels for games as well as teams of parity to encourage player development. We enter the teams in friendly games to allow different skill level groupings of players. The emphasis in friendly games is on developing individual and team soccer skill and abilities with less concern for winning or losing the actual game .
HOWEVER, when we compete in tournaments, we play to
WIN.
We make sure that when the goal is to "win" (tournaments) we have our best teams assembled. We feel that creating high competitive expectations is healthy and positive for young athletes and learning to win is an acquired trait that only comes from winning games and competitions. This
winning attitude will serve our young athletes well as they mature and look to take on more difficult competitive challenges. This is also accompanied by demanding a high level of sportsmanship and respect toward the other teams players and coaches, when the games do not result in a win.
Parent Involvement
Our parents are critical to the success of the club and the team’s development. We ask our parents to fundraise, take managerial positions, volunteer during tournaments and support all activities of the club. Parents are always welcome to communicate with the coaches and leadership of the club. All ideas will be considered and good constructive communication is always appreciated.
Team Designations:
1. Elite - (Impact USA Nike Elite)
2. Premier - (Impact USA Nike)
3. Swoosh - (Impact USA Swoosh)
Nike Elite: State Wide team composed of our best players from all over the state. Capable of competing on a National and Region level with the top nationally ranked teams from all over the country. These teams will compete in the highest level Showcase Elite tournaments possible. (Ex...W.A.G.S., Las Vegas Shootout, Nike Invitational, Raleigh Shootout, Surf Cup, Jefferson Cup).
We form Elite level teams starting at age nine (9) for selected competition and training, so the players will begin to develop relationships with one another. However, they will not begin National Elite level competitive soccer until age eleven (11).
Nike: Local team composed of the best players from the surronding local area. Capable of competing for State Championship and Premier level tournaments. (Ex. Atlanta Cup, Germantown Invitational, Mead CUSA Cup)
Swoosh: Local team composed of players that have premier level player qualities, but need more time to fully develop his/her skills. A Swoosh team should be capable of competing in local area tournaments (Ex. Stones River Invitational, Kicks Invitational, Kaos Invitational)
