NEWS: The Academy @ Venado MS will be CLOSED on Thursday, Dec. 24th for Christmas Eve and Thursday, Dec. 31st for New Year’s Eve.

Venado Middle School

OUTDOOR COVERED COURT

VMS

4 Deerfield Ave
Irvine, CA 92604

View Map & Directions

AcademySchedule

Rookie: K–2nd
Tuesdays or Thursdays

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Beginner: 2nd–5th
Tuesdays or Thursdays

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Intermediate: 4th–8th
Tuesdays or Thursdays

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Instructors

The Academy at Venado Middle School is led by SoCal Elite’s coaching staff. The outdoor courts environment is designed to keep players, parents and staff safe and to work within COVID-19 guidance. All players are required to practice physical distancing, bring their own basketball and participate in non-contact training drills. Parents, staff and coaches must wear masks at all times, and players can also wear a mask if they so choose.

Map & Directions


Parking is available in the front parking lot or on Deerfield Ave

The Academy's classes or League are on the court with the covered roof by the outdoor basketball courts.


Available Memberships


Weekly Pass @ VMS

Basketball training classes at same time & place.

$85 per month

  • Auto-Debit Recurring Program: paid by Credit Card (monthly recurring fee) – commit to (1) month and you will be charged for additional months after, unless cancelled.
  • Only valid at Lakeside Middle School Outdoor Courts for your registered class time.
  • Classes start the day you register!
  • COVID-19 return-to-play guidelines and protocols are followed: Read More

Reminder: To change, pause or stop your membership (3 days or 72-hr notice), you MUST email: [email protected]

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The Academy @ VMS News

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Additional Information

The Weekly Academy is a great place to enhance your game and works well for those players who are transitioning from the rookie to youth SoCal Elite Leagues, as well as those players who have game but want to take it to the next level.

All Skill Levels Welcome

Whether your child has been playing for years or is just now trying out basketball, our Weekly Basketball Academy has a group level to fit his or her skill level / experience (Rookie, Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced).

Year-Round Program

Our Weekly Basketball Academy is year-round (Monday – Friday), except for major US holidays.

Basic Basketball Fundamentals

SoCal Elite’s Weekly Basketball Academy focuses on the basic fundamentals of basketball: ball-handling, shooting, footwork, passing, defense, and much more!

Rookie Level

Our Rookie level staff will break the game down to a beginner’s level and focus on ball handling, footwork, passing and above all else, having fun! It is the perfect compliment for those players who are playing in any of our SoCal Elite Rookie Leagues.

Bring Your Own Basketball

Participants are required to bring their own basketball to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe. Please write your child's name and phone number on the basketball.

Professional Coaches

All of our basketball trainers are professionally trained and have high-level basketball experience.

Lower Hoop Heights Available

Lower hoop heights (8-9 ft.) are available for lower grade levels.


What Others Say About The Academy

SoCal Elite offers an academy in several convenient locations. My son has participated in that for several seasons and I saw his skills improve with SoCal Elite’s coaching. Now that he is 9, he’s been playing in their club team for over a year. Each stage of development, SoCal has been there all the way. I couldn’t recommend it more if you and your kid both love the sport of basketball. You won’t regret it.

Rob S. – Parent

SoCal Elite’s Academy/Clinics are amazing – Coach Matt and Brandon are the best by far and continue to shine with their drills and discipline. Our son (7 years old) as a rookie couldn’t even dribble the ball, but in only 4 months, he can now dribble as well as the rest of kids. His overall happiness alone is what keeps us coming back.

Daniel L. – Parent

My son has attended the clinic for at least 2 years. From having no experience to thinking he is the best at his school. It is funny to me but I am proud that he is proud and is confident! Yes, the head coach can be tough but he knows when to pull back. The other coaches are more relaxed.

Twinkies T. – Parent

SoCal Elite is providing a higher level basketball that previously could not be found in Irvine. The upsides: lower costs, high level professional coaching, tournament experience, great/fun practices, very competitive and an organization that cares about its athletes. This is my son’s second full season with SoCal Elite and we have been very pleased with our experience.

Mayra C. – Parent


About The Academy

SoCal Elite Basketball

SoCal Elite’s Weekly Basketball Training Academy has been running for over 10 strong years. The Weekly Basketball Academy is a year-round clinic with four different skill levels: rookie, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Our coaching staff breaks down the game for each level and works on the players’ skills and understanding from both an individual and team perspective. Each level is progressively more challenging but also more fun. Our highly experienced and expert coaching staff will help motivate and improve your son or daughter’s game in a competitive and fun environment.

The Academy is for boys & girls Kindergarten thru HS.

Note: Our coaching staff will evaluate and place your son or daughter in the correct level after his or her first workout. The levels are not age-based but skill-based. When attending the first workout, if you are unsure, pick the lower level. If that level is too easy, he or she can always stay for the next level’s session.