⚽ Blount United Soccer Academy
- Licensed coaches and directors
- Proven curriculum for player development
- Training twice per week
- Games on Saturdays in the Elite Soccer League
- Free jersey included
- Individual and team photos included
- Introductory program for young players
If you've got a young soccer enthusiast (ages 5-8) in your family, the Blount United Rush Soccer Academy is a fantastic way to introduce them to the beautiful game! This is their introductory program designed specifically for little ones who are just starting out.
What I love about this program: It's led by licensed coaches and directors who use a proven curriculum. That means your kid isn't just running around. they're actually learning proper fundamentals in an age-appropriate way. The coaches, especially Academy Director Anna Bowerman (who's been leading this program since 2018), know how to combine fun with skill development, which is basically the holy grail when you're dealing with 5-8 year olds.
The schedule is practical for families: two sessions per week, Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm, at Vulcan Fields. That's two hours of the week that becomes your kid's soccer time, and they get to hang out with other kids who love the game too.
Here's the best part for budget-conscious parents: $99 for the entire season. That's incredibly reasonable compared to some of the other youth programs in the area. And they throw in a free jersey and photos (both individual and team), so you're not shelling out extra for memorabilia.
The season runs through spring with games on Saturdays in the Elite Soccer League. Games are played at Nicholas Ball Park in Knoxville and at Vulcan Fields right here in Maryville, so you've got options for where you'll be cheering from the sidelines.
If you want to register or have questions, reach out to Anna at dag@blountunited.com. She's been running this show for years and clearly loves what she does. the program feels like it was built with genuine care for young players' development and, more importantly, their enjoyment of the sport.
Pro tip from a homeschooling mom: This is a great option even if you're not in a traditional league system. The smaller group sizes and focused instruction work really well for kids who want to learn properly without getting lost in a crowd.