Player Development
Player development is first and foremost. This philosophy is based on the theory put forth by the US Youth Soccer Association that we “must develop the player before building the team”.
We will promote youth player development through our small-sided indoor and outdoor soccer training and games that includes all the qualities found in the 11v11 game.
The “small-sided” environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players.
It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the player.
“Constant development of the game is imperative, football growth lies in the grassroots.” UEFA
Following U.S. Youth Soccer guidelines
Small sided games, including Futsal 5v5 are a major part of our program as they allow the players to work hard, be competitive, and feel confident in trying new ideas.
· More small sided games- therefore more touches
· More 1 v 1 situations
· Higher level of commitment required
· Sessions structured to prepare players for the next level of development
For Young players to have every chance of reaching their potential, they need:
1. Consistent access to qualified and experienced coaching
2. To learn from, train with, and play against players of similar ability
3. To develop individual focus, commitment and motivation
Spotsy Premier seeks to provide children ages 3-18 a full range of opportunities to enjoy and develop at levels appropriate for their age, ability and interest. It is recognized that children play the game for different reasons and that our club will provide a variety of programs and activities which serve the needs and interests of all children.
Competitive Players
Age-Based Curriculum
Competitive Fee structure
Training for individuals and teams
Improved Soccer Education
Coaches & Parents meetings
Club Player Skill tests and challenges
Club Sponsored Summer Camp
Club Tournaments including 5v5 Futsal, 11v11 College Showcase
Home facility with Natural grass outdoor (small sided and FIFA approved playing indoor surface)
Competitive Play and Technical and Tactical training program-ages 10 thru 18
Training for our competitive travel players will be offered up to three times per week. It is estimated to take about 10,000 hours of training and competition to reach a high level of proficiency in any sport. In soccer, this process will take a minimum of ten years. Talented and motivated young players must be given the opportunity to train more frequently under qualified coaches and with other talented and motivated players. Therefore, outside of regular training sessions, optional practice opportunities in including Street Soccer – pick ups will be provided throughout the year. Youth players still need to continue to grow and develop playing small sided games including Futsal even after they have decided to move on to full sided 11v11 games
Development Academy
Emphasis is on providing youngsters with training in a fun environment through such vehicles as skill games, our own soccer festivals and tournaments and NO TRAVEL.
This program also provides the young player to play games against other children from other programs in our Club run activities. This program places emphasis on the individual attacking skills each player must attain in order to excel. While the emphasis is on individual skills there will also be a focus on team play and understanding the triangle and diamond formations through participation in various small sided games including 3v3, 4v4 and Futsal.
Definition of Success
- HOW well can the player execute the techniques during the game
- HOW skillful is the player- in other words, how often does the player execute the correct technique, correctly, in any given situation
- HOW prepared is the player for the next level of competition- psychologically, physically, technically and tactically
Why Small sided games
It should be policy that every young soccer player plays small-sided games. These systems accelerate development of technical ability and game intelligence.
We are constantly improving their techniques and skills by giving them a far greater number of ball contacts. The emphasis on control, passing and shooting skills are the fundamental building blocks of soccer. It is fun for all the players, they are all involved, they attack and defend. The number of passes is increased and therefore the one-touch control, one-touch pass, sequence is used all the time.
It also gives a good indicator of players’ fitness because they are constantly running and playing the game. It is soccer-learning at its best, fun, creating match situations like with both the triangle (3v3) and the diamond (4v4) constantly in use throughout the full-sided game, and, therefore, a learning environment.
Small pictures are clearer for children; space and options are more compatible with their abilities. 3v3/4v4 and Futsal 5v5 are the small sided games you can have that has all the basic element of a real 11v11 soccer match.
Development is Key
During early youth development children must learn to develop skill with the ball. Ball mastery is probably the single most important ingredient for having fun in soccer. The better they are the more fun the game becomes. Small sided games provides an excellent environment for 1v1 situations and it happens over and over again through the course of a game and is the equivalent organized version of street soccer that gives players the creativity and variety of playing experience.
To help develop players’ understanding of functional play roles of all positions in all areas of the field.
1. Training “attack vs. defense”
2. Teaching all players all “positional” roles, in attack and defense
3. Developing players’ understanding of off-ball requirements when in possession
4. Training players’ roles in defending principles and transition
5. Developing players’ understanding of the principles of play- that each player has a role in the attack and defense with the immediate goal being possession of the ball.
So Where Do We Stand Now?
We seek to promote youth player development through all small sided soccer games including Futsal 5v5 for all ages U7 and beyond. Through the formation and participation in leagues and tournaments we seek to provide the best environment for youth players to achieve higher levels of play and gain an even greater enjoyment of the game, even after they have decided to move on to full sided 11v11 games.
The “small-sided” environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players.
U.S. Youth Soccer endorses “Small-sided Games”
Reasons that our young soccer players play small-sided games .
· Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
· Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated
decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
· Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
· Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach!
· Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game!
· Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
· Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.