Three Star Season
During each season in Academy, the Lightning program will provide three opportunities to each player to earn a maximum of three stars – to be worn on their team bag during the season.
Each Star is earned by showing perfect proficiency in a specific technique or requirement set forth by the club. Stars are earned, not given. It is important to remember, that earning stars is a mark of excellence and achievement, and the lack of Stars does not signify anything about a player. Simply stated, the stars represent outstanding achievement by an individual player.
To achieve the three stars for the Spring season in U9-U12 Boys and Girls Academy, the players must accomplish the following:
- Star One: Pass their mid-season technical test with a perfect score of 100%.
- Star Two: Successfully execute a minimum of two one vs. one moves in 3 consecutive matches.
- Star Three: Successfully perform with maximum effort in 3 consecutive matches.
Details for each Star is listed below.
Gold Star – defined by the Mid-Season Technical test. Spring season tests will take place the week of April 18th.
Silver Star – during each match the player and coach will confirm that two successful one vs. one moves were achieved. The match day will be recorded. Each match will then be recorded in the same manner and after 3 consecutive matches – the player will receive their Star Two. Only the coaching staff can certify successful moves. Moves are defined as – Scissors, Matthews, Step Over, Sole Role, Roll and Push, Pull and Push, Cruyff, Pull Back, and Maradonna.
Red Star – Maximum effort during match is evidenced by the following, high work rate, sense of urgency, intense challenges for the ball, movement for your teammates, getting back on defense, winning every 50/50 ball, playing with intensity. What maximum effort is not is standing still, not getting back on defense, quitting, giving up after being beaten, not challenging for balls, not winning 50/50 balls. If a player exhibits maximum effort during a match it will be recorded by the coach. After three consecutive matches with maximum effort – the player will be awarded Star Three. If a player has to be reminded during a match to perform in any of the areas above - they will not be eligible for a maximum effort award.
