Micro (Ages 4-6)
 

At this phase, the emphasis is on fun and touches of the ball that build the ability to manipulate the ball with both feet. Players are introduced to the idea that a game of soccer can involve play that moves in every direction.

Introductory (Ages 5-7)
 

At this phase, the emphasis remains on fun while building confidence and motivation to play the game. From a technical standpoint, we stress passing and receiving, ball control, shooting, and 1v1 attacking play, with increased attention to basic motor skills and coordination.

Basic (Ages 8-9)
 

At this phase, the additional elements of competition and cooperation are introduced. Players' technical skills expand to include turning and advanced dribbling, with a growing emphasis on awareness, reactions, and speed. Some basic tactics — possession, combination, and build-up play — are introduced.

Advanced (Ages 10-11)
 

At this phase, players are introduced to the same theme-based, progressive training structure used by our older players, along with an increased expectation for training commitment. Players build on our full array of technical development goals by adding receiving, shielding, heading, crossing and finishing, and 1v1 defending to their skill sets. Additional tactical themes are introduced, including transition attack and defending, principles of defending, creating scoring chances, and zonal defending.

Pre-Academy (Ages 12-14)
 

At this phase, players have a solid technical foundation and a good understanding of the game. A large part of the player development plan shifts to address the physical changes players of this age experience. Our program places a new emphasis on aerobic and anaerobic training, along with increased training in Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ). All technical aspects of the game continue to be developed, with renewed focus on passing and receiving, ball control, receiving and turning, and 1v1 play as players adapt to varied levels of size and coordination brought on by growth. Tactically, all major themes are trained, with pressing, switching play, and counterattacking introduced, and players are asked to demonstrate increased determination and self-control.

Academy (Ages 15-19)
 

At this final phase of development, the overriding emphasis is on training against the complete set of tactical themes, along with the increasing importance of the mental side of the game — including an ever-growing demand for concentration and precision. Players are taught to play with high levels of confidence, motivation, and determination, while recognizing their place on a team through respect and commitment. Overall training loads increase to help build the strength and endurance required to play soccer at the highest levels.
 

It's important to note that each player's individual progress and soccer journey may vary from the framework above. We don't see age as the primary indicator of development phase — a player's demonstrated technical skill matters more. Our club is uniquely positioned to take this flexible approach because of our large number of teams at each age group, which lets us place every player in a development environment that maximizes their potential.

Senior Teams & MLS/College/Pros (19+)

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As illustrated on our Player Pathway Pyramid, when our players graduate from the Youth Academy (Light Green Stages) at the U19 level, or are ready for a greater challenge, they have the opportunity to move on to our Senior Teams (Dark Green Stages), where their development continues. Our Second and Third Teams compete in the historic SFSFL, and our First Teams compete in USL League Two and WPSL. From there, the Pyramid continues on to the pro level. Multiple First Team Glens on both the men's and women's sides have gone on to top colleges and professional clubs in NWSL, MLS and more!
 

Check out our list of alumni below, Glens who have advanced from our Pathway Pyramid to the pro level or to college soccer: