Fall 2026 Season Information >>

The Strikers FC Academy Program is designed to help young players develop confidence, creativity, and technical ability in a fun and positive environment. Through engaging training sessions, small-sided games, and high-energy coaching, players build strong fundamentals while developing a lifelong love for the game.

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Our Academy focuses on maximizing touches on the ball, encouraging individual growth, and creating an atmosphere where players can learn, compete, and smile every session.

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Fall 2026 Training Schedule >>

Dates: August 24 – October 12, 2026
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Fort Missoula Turf Fields

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No training on Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026

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Parent Q&A Meeting >>

We will host a parent Q&A meeting under the Fort Missoula Pavilion on: Monday, August 24 at 4:45 PM

Families are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Academy program, meet coaches, and ask questions about the season.​

 

Program Philosophy >>

The Strikers FC Academy Program is built around player development in a fun and supportive environment. Training sessions emphasize:

• Individual technical development

• Ball mastery and confidence on the ball

• Small-sided games and decision making

• Creativity and attacking play

• Building teamwork and sportsmanship

• Creating an enjoyable soccer experience for every player

 

Our goal is to help every Academy player become more comfortable with the soccer ball while developing a passion for the game.

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Training Format >>

To simplify training groups and maximize player development, Academy players will train by gender:

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• Boys Training Group: North half of the turf field

• Girls Training Group: South half of the turf field

 

All groups train at the same time and location to help build club culture, friendships, and continuity throughout the program.

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Coaching Staff >>

Boys Academy Coaches

• Kyle Sillars

• Ian Marshall (TBD)

Girls Academy Coaches

• Laura Young

• Ruby Redshaw (TBD)

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Training Logistics >>

Equipment

• Players may wear cleats or turf shoes

• Players do not need to bring a soccer ball

• Strikers FC provides all training equipment

 

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• All drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Fort Missoula turf field gates

• Parents are welcome to watch from the bleachers inside the turf complex

• Parents should remain off the playing surface during training sessions

 

Weather Policy

If weather impacts training:

• An email update will be sent before 2:00 PM on training days

• If weather changes during training, alerts will be sent through PlayMetrics

 

Academy Program Options >>

Strikers FC offers multiple Academy participation options to fit player goals and schedules.

 

Available Options

• Academy Travel Team Program

• Two-Day Academy Training Program (Mondays & Wednesdays)

• Monday-Only Training Option

• Wednesday-Only Training Option

 

Families needing to adjust registration options should contact:

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Academy Director, Chris Essman:  chris.essman@strikersfcmt.org and copy

Club Registrar Jagger McFarland at: jagger.mcfarland@strikersfcmt.org

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Academy Travel Team Program >>

The Academy Travel Team Program is available for U9 players and provides additional competitive opportunities through tournament play.

 

Eligible Birth Years >>

• U9 Travel Team Option:  August 1, 2017-July 30, 2018

• Non-Travel Academy Option: U9-U11 Born January 1, 2018-December 31, 2015

 

The Academy Travel structure allows travel and non-travel players to continue training together when appropriate while maintaining strong coach-to-player ratios and a development-first environment.

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Travel Team Formation >>

Travel teams will be formed after the first few training sessions so coaches can evaluate players within the training environment.

These sessions are not formal tryouts.

 

Expected Teams >>

• Two girls teams

• Two boys teams

 

Teams at these ages are not divided by ability level. Training together helps create unity, club culture, and shared development across the program. While Strikers FC aims to keep rosters consistent throughout the season, adjustments may occasionally be necessary due to player availability or tournament requirements.

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Fall 2026 Travel Team Events >>

Players who register for the travel program are expected to attend scheduled tournaments and events.

 

Scheduled Tournaments >>

• Zootown Cup: September 18–20 Missoula, MT

• Glacier Premier Cup: October 2–4 Whitefish, MT

• Sleeping Giant Tournament: October 9–11 Helena, MT

 

Uniform Information >>

All travel team players will need official Strikers FC uniforms for games and tournaments.

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Uniform Contact Joe Larson: joseph.larson@strikersfcmt.org

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Families who have not yet ordered uniforms or have questions regarding sizing or ordering should contact Joe directly.

Training shirts will be distributed at the start of the season. Additional information regarding pickup will be shared closer to training.

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Non-Travel Academy Program (U9–U11) >>

The Non-Travel Academy Program is designed for players who want high-quality training without tournament travel commitments.

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This option includes:

• Two Academy training sessions per week

• Technical development and small-sided play

• Supplemental training opportunities for players involved in other programs

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The Non-Travel Academy Program does not include games or tournaments.

Players may still participate in games through:

• The Strikers FC Micro Program

• Competitive Program teams

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This flexibility allows players to combine Academy training with other soccer opportunities or simply focus on skill development in a positive environment. Families interested in joining additional Strikers FC programs are encouraged to reach out so we can help find the best fit for their player.​

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Fees >>

Academy Only - Both Monday and Wednesday: $260

Academy Only - Monday Only: $130

Academy Only - Wednesday Only: $130

Academy Team Option: $700

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Freestyle Fridays >>

• Small-sided 7v7 free play in a format that is less structured/formal than regular practice and games

• Teams will be made each Friday based on the players who attend on that given Friday 

• We will form teams based on age group and gender, but may need to consolidate groups to form teams each week

• This program is optional but encouraged 

• There is no additional charge for Freestyle Fridays

• Dates: August 21, 28, September 11, and 25​