EvertonFL/St. Pete Raiders believes that all young players should receive a quality foundation to their soccer education. The U7 Academy Developmental Program will reinforce and expand on the U5/U6 Academy Developmental Program.

Players will practice once a week, under the guidance of our professional Recreation Training Staff. The program is structured so that all players will be given the same program at the same time by each coach. The focus is on the individual player. Technique (skills) will be emphasized. Every player will receive a ball, as part of their uniform package, to work on their skills at home as well as at practice.

On game day, the Director will place players into teams for games. This way there are no weaker teams or stronger teams on a regular basis. Children who cannot make a game are no longer letting a team down. There will be no, or few, substitutes on the sidelines. As a former player, I never heard a player saying that they played too many minutes. However, I constantly heard them complain of playing too few minutes. Kids want to play, not sit and watch others have fun. The games will consist of six 7 minute periods of "Open Soccer". Open Soccer provides each player the opportunity to be successful. The games will be played 4v4 still using the Parent Facilitators for the 1st half of the season, then expanding to the players doing throw-ins after Christmas.

The U7 Academy Developmental Program will provide soccer education and fun.