The TSJFA model puts players’ development first with the educational focus and purpose of instruction on the finer detail of technical execution, tactical understanding and individual ability to adapt, make decisions and apply lessons to the game of Futsal. The St. James Futsal Academy values individual, small group and team development, teaching both the inner workings of the game of Futsal and individual roles and responsibilities as a player and team member.  Athletic and mental performance will be addressed holistically in each phase of the Academy program. Each training session, competition and team activity will test and push the players technically, tactically, physically, and cognitively.

The TSJFA program conforms with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s PLAYER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES to inspire and educate youth soccer players to engage in soccer activities that are fun, comprehensive and aligned with a long-term pathway to soccer excellence. As such, instruction will focus on the following curricular themes:

1. OFFER EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS THAT PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES TO DEVELOP TECHNICAL ABILITY;
2. PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS THAT CHALLENGE STUDENT-ATHLETES TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT DEVELOP PHYSICAL FACULTIES;
3. STIMULATE SELF-REFLECTION, PURPOSE AND FOCUS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE;
4. DEFINE AND DEMAND PERSONAL AND SMALL-GROUP RESPONSIBILITY;
5. EMPOWER STUDENT-ATHLETES TO MAKE REAL-TIME, AUTONOMOUS GAME DECISIONS;
6. ENCOURAGE STUDENT-ATHLETES TO ADAPT TO THE DEMANDS OF THE GAME:
7. SUPPORT THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS & DESIRES OF EMERGING STUDENT-ATHLETES.

The St. James Futsal Academy is the preeminent educational and performance resource center for youth futsal players in the United States. Student-athletes will have the most comprehensive futsal development experience in the country with services for beginners and those at the advanced level.  

The goal is to make youth futsal player development a measurable and educationally-meaningful experience for the child and his/her family, with a deliberate focus on “learning by doing” and holistic training, mentorship and competition.

Academy training sessions are held once a week in the late summer and through most of the fall. Once the outdoor soccer season ends, Academy players will begin training twice a week in order to prepare for league and tournament competition. At the end of the winter season, the Academy reverts back to one session per week through the end of April.

The St. James Futsal Academy is located at The St. James in Springfield, Virginia and utilizes (4) hard court surfaces in the CourtHouse, a 33,000 square foot facility. 

The Academy also operates programming at the Dulles Sportsplex in Sterling, Virginia, and will utilize the Sportsplex to support individual and team training sessions throughout the 2019-20 futsal year.

The St. James Futsal Academy is led by Gus DONOLO, a leader in the training and development of youth futsal players and teams in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Coach Donolo directs all aspects of the Academy, which includes but is not limited to, the following:

1. Promoting technical excellence and nurturing emerging talent through active participation and engagement in The St. James Futsal Academy's educational process;
2. Engaging futsal coaches in regular and ongoing professional development opportunities; and
3. Addressing the needs and goals of individual student-athletes by identifying strategies that develop players as people, athletes and leaders.

Player and team selection is based on performance and evaluation of candidates in each age group on a weekly basis with Coach Donolo and members of the technical staff.