Elite FC offers the U8 Training Academy for kids that are U8 or born between Jan 1, 2014 and Dec 2015.  The academy kids go to regular tryouts with the older kids, but their session is more of a fun training than a tryout.    There is a girls and a boys academy group.   

The Elite FC U8  Academy is designed to allow all players the opportunity to play and learn from each other throughout the season.  Divided into equally skilled pods (small groups), the pods are combined to form teams that play in the Ohio Champions League.  Competition is mainly made up of teams from the northwest Columbus area.  All Academy teams play an 8 game season.  Practices are held twice per week in Marysville and each session lasts 75 to 90 minutes.  All trainings are conducted by professional coaches

Fall season begins in early August and runs through the month of October.  Academy teams play in the OCL Fall tournament held in Columbus. 

During spring season, the teams play in the OCL tournament and one other tournament that is within 2 hours of Marysville. 

Skill development is key at this age.  All players train together in an environment that promotes individual growth and teamwork.  Although winning is a goal, it is not the most important part of playing.  Improvement of individual skills, further development of the 'team' concept and having 'fun' are the main objectives of the U8 Academy.