JOY GAP YEAR 

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THE PROBLEM

Most players arrive at college trained but not developed. They have skills but not fluency. They can execute drills but struggle to read the game at speed. The gap isn't fitness or technique—it's the thousands of missing pickup hours their international counterparts accumulated naturally. American youth soccer gave them structure. What it didn't give them was the game.

THE SOLUTION

Joy Gap Year is a play-based immersion program that develops what traditional training cannot: game intelligence, composure under pressure, and the ability to make teammates better. Think of it like a language immersion year—except the language is movement, and fluency comes from playing, not drilling.

Safe. Experienced coaching staff. Structured environment. Small cohort of 24.

Proven. 15 years of Joy methodology. Players at every level from college to professional.

Effective. Development through play—backed by motor learning research.

Fun. Players leave loving the game more, not less.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

September 1 – August 1 (with holiday break)

DEVELOPMENT

15-18 hours of session time per week

NFPL futsal season (Nov-April)

Turf sessions (2-4x weekly)

Small-sided games, structured play

COMPETITION & EXPOSURE

NPSL (Men's First Team)

UPSL (Men's Second Team)

WPSL (Women's Team)

2-4 College showcase scrimmages

 

JOY PLAYERS

Players developed through Joy of the People methodology:

Z

Milwaukee Torrent Captain, MVP Offensive Player – St. Cloud State

Phil Caputo

Joy AC, First Team All-American – St. Cloud State

Dare

US Youth National Futsal Team

Eman

Waldorf → Mannheim, Germany (Liga 3)

Msango Akale

Spokane Velocity

 

WHO THIS IS FOR

Players who love soccer but sense something is missing. Late birthdays and late maturers who need time to grow into their game. Club players who trained hard but never found fluency. Athletes preparing for college soccer who want to arrive ready—not just eligible. Cohort limited to 24 players.

DETAILS

Tuition

$8,200

Housing

Separate (homestays available)

Location

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Duration

September 1 – August 1

Eligibility

High school seniors & post-graduates

 

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

Learn more about the program and apply. In-person and virtual options available.

joyofthepeople.org/gapyear

Joy of the People  |  St. Paul, Minnesota  |  joyofthepeople.org