The Future of Club Soccer:
Implementing a Club Wide Curriculum
By Don Norton, Jr.
Director of Coaching
Highland/NJ Rush
“At a young age, winning is not the most
important thing. The important thing is to
develop creative and skilled players with
good confidence.”
Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)
“I never look at the result. I mean, which player scored the most
goals, and even which one runs the fastest. These factors can
only have meaning according to the relevant stage of progress of
the young player. I watch how the players run; for example,
whether he runs lightly. Creativity with the ball is also important
and, of course, the willingness to play as the love of the game. I
think that those factors are crucial in forecasting how a player
will present himself in the future.”
-Wim Jonk - AFC Ajax’s Head of Youth Academy
Here are a few things I try to remember before
stepping on the field.
72% of participants quit youth sports in the US before the age
of 13.
Top 4 reason why they quit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Coach doesn’t understand me.
I don’t play enough
Practices are not fun
There is too much emphasis on winning
-Karl Dewazien , DOC California YSA- North
Here are a few things I try to remember before
stepping on the field.
The number one reason a child comes to practice:
“TO PLAY”
The one thing that a coach working with players ages 6-10 must teach the
players is:
“TO LEARN TO LOVE TO PLAY SOCCER.”
-Karl Dewazien , DOC California YSA- North
Love of the ball
Peter Rudbaek, the Danish FA’s technical director, had a “grassroots
moment” many years ago when he was the head coach of Aalborg BK.
Peter had just won the coach of the year award when he met his fiveyear-old neighbor in the street. In a loud, enthusiastic voice, the
youngster said: “Congratulations Mr. Rudbaek. This makes you the
third best coach in Denmark.” Peter thanked the boy and then asked:
“Out of interest, who are first and second?” Without hesitation, the
diminutive neighbor declare: “Mr. Sepp Piontek (Demarks national
coach at the time) and Poul, my coach.” In the child’s small world, his
football teacher was more important than the best club coach in the
country. However, it was the inanimate object under the boy’s left arm
that was more significant to him than any coach, no matter how
famous or how personal. It was his ball that fascinated him – it was the
ball that was at the center of his universe.
- Andy Roxburgh, UEFA Technical Director, UEFA Grassroots newsletter no. 12 Dec. 2011
Youth Club Philosophy
Core Principles:





Develop the Person, Not Just the Athlete
Individual Development
Intrinsic Motivation, Enjoyment and Natural Ability
Playing Philosophy
Staff in Harmony with the Club’s Philosophy
-Implementing a club wide curriculum by Jacob Daniel, p5
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of ABC youth soccer club is to help foster young player’s
physical, mental and social growth so they can reach their potential
in life through their participation in soccer. The club will provide the
highest quality staff, facilities, environment and curriculum to give
players the tools to succeed.
The club’s vision is to develop a reputation for producing well
trained athletes and gain the respect of the national soccer
community as a true soccer academy. College coaches, national
coaches and professional coaches will recognize the standards of
excellence embodied by the club and expect those who graduate
from the club to be quality players with a solid soccer foundation
and good citizens.
-Implementing a club wide curriculum by Jacob Daniel, p4
A Mission Statement
• Holds a club accountable
• Communicates core values
– No verbal abuse towards referees
– Equal playing time
– Playing different positions
– Training philosophy
• Gives direction or purpose to club members
• Posted on club website for all to see
Why implement a curriculum guide for your
Soccer Club?
-Fun Stuff: Coaching the little ones U4-6 by Arne Barez Success in Soccer
May 2001 p. 32
YOUTH SOCCER
US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 8-9
“A club must have a model for the development of all
players. The core for planned development is a sound
curriculum. True player development occurs when each
player’s daily training and playing environment is of the
highest quality.”
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 8
The curriculum should consist of the four components of soccer
used to develop player performance. To tie the four components
together for both the player and the team as a whole, the
principles of play must be evaluated.
-Ideas for implementing the US soccer curriculum
by Stan Baker.
“A curriculum is a plan for teaching the subject. It is an attempt to account for all the
learning guided by the coach. The process of learning is made easier if both the
coach and the player know what the coach is trying to achieve.”
Coach
derived
objectives
Coach’s
evaluation of
player
performance
Player’s
learning
experience
Coach’s
reservoir of
soccer
training
Soccer
Skills
Soccer
environment
Coach’s
knowledge of
evaluation
methods
Coach’s
knowledge of
the game
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 12
Curriculum
 No lines, no lectures, no laps.
 Be flexible.
 Every activity WITH a ball.
 Know age-group characteristics.
 How to write a training session plan.
“A coach should not feel confined by a curriculum.”
-Plan all training sessions in advance.
-Every training session:
Technical
Tactical
Physical
Competition
Age Appropriate
Small sided games
- Free play
- Coach as facilitator
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 12
Small sided game video
Curriculum
“An integrated club-wide curriculum is the key for optimum
player development. There must be a line that connects U-6 to
U-19, a line that everyone in the club understands and follows.
Without a curriculum, the player development process becomes
disjointed, difficult to monitor and evaluate, causing players to
graduate with skill gaps. A deficit in one stage of the
development process will tend to inhibit acquisition of more
complex skills at a later stage.”
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 13
Curriculum
Stages for the Ages
• U-6
Me and My Ball
• U-8
Me and My Partner
• U-10
The Start of Us
• U12+
Us
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 27
Curriculum U-6
The Fundamental Stage
Egocentric - a me, my, mine mentality.
Young children do not play together; they play next to
one another.
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 55
U-6 Curriculum
• Fitness: Introduce the idea of how to warm-up and movement
education. Begin education about nutrition with players and
parents. Balance, walking, running, how to start and stop, jumping,
hopping, rolling, skipping, changing direction, bending, twisting and
reaching.
• Technique: Dribbling (stop and start) and shooting. Experiment with
qualities of a rolling ball.
• Psychology: Sharing, fair play, parental involvement, “how to play”
and emotional management.
• Tactics: Where is the field? The concept of boundary lines, at which
the goal to shoot and playing with the ball wherever it may go.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 56
U-8 Curriculum
Igniting the Passion Stage
“Igniting a passion for the game must be the number
one objective for coaches of this age group. The aim of
the coach is to keep their soccer experience fun,
enjoyable and to foster a desire to play. This love of the
game keeps people in the game for a lifetime.”
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 59
U-8 Curriculum
•
•
•
•
Technique: Experiment with the qualities of a rolling or spinning ball.
Introduce ball lifting, juggling, block tackle, receiving ground balls with the
inside and sole of foot, shooting with the inside of the foot, toe passing and
shooting and dribbling while changing direction. Introduce the push pass.
Fitness: Agility, eye foot and eye hand coordination, balance, leaping,
bounding, tumbling, catching, throwing, pulling, pushing, warm-up activities
and movement education. Continue education on sports nutrition with players
and parents.
Psychology: Encouraging working in pairs, sportsmanship, parental
involvement, how to play, emotional management, creativity, dynamic
activities, participation of all players and a safe and fun environment. There is
still a short attention span unless the player has peaked (keep interest high).
Like to show what they can do-encourage trying new things. Developing selfesteem – activities should foster positive feed back and attainable positive
success.
Tactics: Back line and forward line, 1v1 attack and choosing to dribble and
pass. Introduce the names of positions (fullbacks and forwards). Institute
games of 2v1, 1v2 and 2v2, playing with the ball with a purpose and promote
problem solving.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 61
“If we concentrated less on results at an early
age, and more on technical development, and
this idea of kids falling in love with the game,
they would be much better off…”
-John Hackworth, Philadelphia Union
U-10 Curriculum
The Learning to Train Stage
“In this stage children gradually begin
to change from being self-centered to
self-critical and develop the need for
group games. This is a flux phase in a
youngster’s soccer career. The
motivation to learn basic skills is very
high at the age.”
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 64
U-10 Curriculum
•
•
•
•
Technique: Experiment with the qualities of a bouncing ball and running with
ball, passing with the inside and outside of the foot (emphasis on quality push
pass), instep drive, receiving ground balls with the instep and outside of foot
(body behind the ball), receiving bouncing balls with the instep (cushion) and
the sole, inside and outside of foot (wedge), fakes in dribbling and turning
with the ball. Introduce heading and crossing. Practice throw-ins.
Psychology: Keep soccer enjoyable to foster a desire to play using selfmotivation. Working in groups of three, four or five, stay focused for one
entire half. There is an increase in responsibility, sensitivity, awareness of how
to win gracefully, fair play, parental involvement, how to play, communication
and emotional management.
Fitness: Factors are endurance, range of motion flexibility, rhythm exercises
and running mechanics. Any fitness activities must be done with the ball.
Introduce body resistance exercise and the idea of cool down.
Tactics: 1v1 defending, roles of 1st attacker and defender, 2v1 attacking, what
it means to get goal-side, small group shape in pairs and threes (emphasize
support on both attack and defense), playing on and around the ball as a
group with purpose, playing a variety of positions to develop the complete
player, introduce the principles of attack and set plays.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 67-68
U-12 Curriculum
For the Love of the Game
“Many players at this age are deciding if they want to
commit deeply to soccer, stay in the game with a parttime commitment or drop the sport all together.”
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 70
U-12 Curriculum
•
•
•
•
Technique: Moving throw-in, master the qualities of a bouncing spinning ball.
Experiment with the qualities with a flighted ball, feints with the ball, receiving
bouncing and air balls with the thigh and chest, first touch receiving, heading to
score goals and for clearances while standing or jumping, outside of foot passing,
receiving with either foot, short passing with both feet, bending shots, crossing to
near post space and penalty spot space and heel and flick passing. Introduce half
volley and volley shooting, chipping to pass and slide tackle.
Tactics: 2v1 defending, 2v2 attacking and defending, roles of 2nd attacker and
defender, man-to-man defense, combination passing, playing on and around the
ball as a group with purpose, verbal and visual communication for all positions,
halftime analysis, general work on all restarts, wall pass at a variety of angles,
passing combinations on the move and rotation of all players through the team everyone plays in each position. Reinforce the principles of defense.
Psychology: Keep it fun and enjoyable to foster a desire to play, self-motivation.
Focus on teamwork, confidence, desire, mental skills, handling distress, how to
learn from each match, fair play, parental involvement and emotional
management (discipline).
Fitness: Fitness work continues to be done with the ball. Strength can be improved
with body resistance and aerobic exercises. Also focus on agility and speed (sharp
turn), acceleration, deceleration, reaction speed, range of motion exercises,
proper warm-up and cool-down (include static stretching in the cool-down) are
highly recommended.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
-US Youth Soccer Player Development Model pg. 73
Facilities
Issues That Can Side-Track Your Curriculum
Planning your Season
Too much training, too many games, too many tournaments
 U-6 - 1 day per week, 45 minutes.
 U-8 - 45-60 minutes
 U-10 - 60-75 minutes
 U-12 – 75 minutes
 U-14 – 75-90 minutes
My 10 Rules for every training session
Training Session
1. Arrive 20-25 minutes before every session, well groomed and
wearing appropriate soccer gear. I have always told my players
that if they arrive on time, they are late. They know that means
they need to get to training before it is scheduled. (I do realize
young players don’t drive themselves ...) When I blow my whistle
all my players have water, their socks are pulled up, shin guards
on and their shirt is tucked in. They are ready to train.
Training Session
2. Check the field to make sure that it is safe to train
upon. I always walk around and check all areas of the
field and make sure that the goals are properly secured
and that there are no holes in the nets. The
environment that my players train in must be safe.
Training Session
3. Carefully empty the ball bag, bibs and lay out all my
cones for that day’s session. I never waste time putting
cones down during training. Having cones laid out
makes for a smooth transition from one activity to
another, saves valuable time, and shows my
commitment to the session. We all ask a lot from our
players and we must give back just as much. Being
prepared for every session is a given. And yes from
time to time I will stop play and quickly “adjust” the
distance of the cones that I laid out.
Training Session
4. I welcome every player with a smile and a
handshake. I am a role model. The words I choose
when speaking are important. I know that my
player’s experience in training and in the games can
have a lasting impact on them.
Training Session
5. Start every session on time. I bring all my players
together and they know that “if I can’t see your face,
you are in the wrong place.” I take the sun and position
my players so that there no distractions. I give a very
brief age-appropriate talk about the day’s activities and
off we go. “No lines, no lectures and no laps.” In every
session we play small-sided games. I try to have a
relaxed tone to my sessions, meaning players are never
afraid to make mistakes and are encouraged to “try
moves.” Training is where mistakes are made,
confidence is born and a love for the game blooms.
Training Session
6. Have my training session written down on a notecard
that I carry with me. Coaches of all levels across the
world carry them. If I need to refer to it, and I often do,
it’s there for me.
Training Session
7. Deliver coaching points to my players using the PIP method.
Positive -- “I loved your run down the flank." Information -“Don’t forget to lock your ankle and get your hips square when
shooting.” Positive – “Keep up the good work.” I try to never
“over coach,” meaning I don’t stop play often and strive to
always have a theme and flow to training. I am always reminded
of Alex Ferguson’s quote that “talking too much is a big danger
for a coach. The words get lost in the wind.”
Training Session
8. Have our assistant coach lead parts of every training session. I
value “my colleagues” knowledge and want him to know that I
respect his talents. Former Scottish national team head coach
Craig Brown spoke at my SFA course and said “I never referred to
our assistants as my assistants, but as my colleagues as a sign of
respect.” There is no better way to show him (and the players)
your confidence in his abilities than to have your colleague lead
parts of training. No egos allowed; it’s not about me, but always
the team. The beauty of the game is that every coach brings his
own style and unique perspectives to training and games. I
believe that a player needs to hear different voices throughout
his soccer career.
Training Session
9. Bring all players together at the end of training and very
briefly summarize a few points about the session and make
some “house-keeping” points if needed. I always want to leave
my players on a positive note. Coming to training and playing the
world’s greatest game should always be something that all
players relish. I am the last person to leave the field.
Training Session
10. Evaluate the session in my Log Book later that day. I grade
myself regarding what went well during the session, were my
objectives achieved and what could I have done better. We all
learn from our mistakes and every coach has had training
sessions that they wish they could do over. Even though we have
a plan for our training being flexible is important. Sometimes our
players lead training in a different direction that is to be
expected. I begin to prepare for the next training session.
“Let us say that you and I coached two teams with kids
that are 10, 11, and 12 years-old and all are about
equally good. You try to teach them to play good
football, a passing game with tactical basics while I tell
mine to only play long balls and try to shoot. I can assure
you that at first I will always win against you, by using
your mistakes. Intercept a bad pass and goal. If we
however continue with the same training methods
during a three year period, you will most likely win every
game against us. Your players will have learned how to
play while mine haven’t. That’s how easy it is.”
Laureano Ruiz
(Former Head Coach and Youth Academy
Coordinator F.C. Barcelona)
Coaching in the Game
Always remember soccer is a player's game and not a coach's
game. Youth soccer must always be about player development
and enjoyment. It must never be (just) about winning and losing.
Our youth players should never play a game afraid of making
mistakes.
Unlike other sports, soccer coaches cannot script out the exact
play in front of them. Those coaches can signal for a bunt, screen
pass or jump shot. We can’t. During the game we should value
our player’s creativity, flair and imagination just as much as their
hard work and commitment. We must allow our player’s the
freedom to think for themselves and display their talents within
a team concept without constant harping from the touchline.
Coach, but don’t over-coach.
Coaching in the Game
4. Keep a small note pad and pen with you so that you can
record your observations. This will help you to remember those
key points to stress to your team moments before the game, at
halftime, after the match and to guide your upcoming training
sessions. Note everything from injuries to equipment needs!
Coaching in the Game
5. Your notebook pad will ensure that you don’t forget a
coaching point during the match. In time, it can grow to become
a valuable resource guide. After some reflection, write down
additional thoughts about the match later that evening or the
next day. Keep your note pad(s) going for all your training
sessions as well.
Coaching in the Game
6. During the match quietly observe your strikers, midfielders,
defenders and goalkeeper. How are my players performing
individually? As groups, collectively? Do they complement each
other other’s play? What are their technical, tactical and physical
levels. How do they (and you) respond to the countless game
situations that arise every match such as different scores,
formations, styles of play, changing tempos, skill levels, field
conditions, and time management, etc.
Coaching in the Game
7. Again, how your players respond to what the game presents
them will determine the focus of your comments at halftime,
after the game, and will be a factor in your preparation for
upcoming training sessions. With very young players, your
comments are always directed to their ability to master the ball
and enjoy the game in safe conditions.
Coaching in the Game
8. Explain to the parents at a mandatory preseason meeting that
they are not to make negative comments or yell instructions
from the touchline during the game. These types of comments
serve no purpose and are a distraction to players and coaches
and are disrespectful to referees. They also do nothing to
promote soccer in this country and make the world’s greatest
game less enjoyable for players, coaches and referees.
Coaching in the Game
9. At halftime take your players to an area just close enough to
your team bench, but where there are no distractions. The coach
always takes the sun on his/her face. Don’t speak until you have
every player’s undivided attention. As I say to my players, “If you
can’t see my face, you're in the wrong place.” Make a few brief
points about the first half. Speak slowly and clearly using words
your players will understand. The younger the player, the shorter
the attention span.
Coaching in the Game
10. Be positive. Make sure all players sip water or a sports drink.
Stress two or three areas that the team needs to focus on for the
second half. Again give good information. Young players tend to
have an abundance of emotions and are eager to learn. Give
them positive feedback about their play and what they can do to
improve it rather then solely a pep talk.
Coaching in the Game
11. From time to time players will give a comment or idea
at halftime. Respect these comments and the spirit in which
they are offered. After all, they are competing on the field
and can see things that no one else can. The more our
players feel a part of the team the better. If a player is
struggling, look to briefly take him/her aside after you have
spoken to the team and offer some words of
encouragement. It only takes one shot; pass etc. to go from
a poor first half to the second-half hero.
Coaching in the Game
12. Strive to give all players equal playing time. Gradually rotate
your players during the season to different positions. This will
(hopefully) force the left-footed players to use their right foot by
placing them in a situation that requires them to use their right
foot. Rotating your players takes them out of their comfort zone
and demands them to think differently about their role on the
field.
Coaching in the Game
13. Gradually they will begin to better understand the everchanging roles and responsibilities within the game. Rarely does
one player play solely one position from youth to senior adult.
Some of the world’s best defenders were once strikers, etc. In
today’s modern game defenders must be able to attack and
strikers must be able to defend. If they have never been exposed
to other positions they are being denied a chance to further
develop a more well-rounded game. Also for young players it is
fun to play new position and this adds to their enjoyment of the
sport.
Coaching in the Game
14. Are the players communicating or just talking at each other?
There is a big difference. We want our players to rapidly
communicate valuable information to each other for the entire
match. That information must be precise. Many times when
things aren’t going well players talk at each other instead of
talking to each other. In Scotland they have a saying that when
the game ends the players should be “daffy.” Meaning they
should be mentally fatigued as well as physically spent.
Coaching in the Game
15. Sportsmanship matters. When a player is injured the ball
must be kicked out of play immediately. Players should never talk
trash. When the game ends everyone shakes hands. This type of
behavior promotes the game we all love and want to grow in this
country. It also teaches our children valuable life lessons.
Inappropriate language and behavior before, during and after
the match by coaches, players and parents can never be
tolerated.
Coaching in the Game
16. Respect the game and everyone associated with it. If a coach
is out of control during the match how can we expect his players
to play under control?
Technical Content and Coaching
• The majority of clubs have a consistent system of
play, the 4-3-3 being frequently mentioned (52%),
followed by 4-4-2 (28%)
• 66% of the clubs focus on individual progression
rather than team development; however, most
training sessions are organized with the team
• All clubs have defined learning objectives and most
work with 3 age groups: under 12, 13-15 age, 16 and
above age group
-ECA report on Youth Academies in Europe
Technical Content and Coaching
• Team sessions: U-12 41-42 weeks, 3x per week 4-5 hrs per
week; ages 13-15 44 weeks, 5x per week, 7 hours per week;
16 and above 5x per week, 7-9 hours per week
• Individual sessions: U12 once per week, 30-60 minutes and
> 12 at least 2x per week, 90 minutes to 2 hours per week
• Game time: U12, 22-26 matches of 50-60 minutes; 13-15
age group 30 matches of 70 minutes; above 16 30 official
matches 90 minutes
• Number of tournaments decrease over the years (from 10
to 6 per year), whilst international tournaments increase (1
to 2 per year)
-ECA report on Youth Academies in Europe
Parent Education
Advice for parents:
“Parents are always asking me, ‘Can you watch my boy play? Do
you think he can go pro? Do you think he can get a scholarship?’
…They should be more concerned that their children are having
fun.”
“I go to youth games, U-10, U-11 –in the United States and
Mexico - - and the parents are screaming, ‘Go up! Go back! Do
this! Do that!”
He finishes mimicking the parents’ gestures and shakes his head.
- Jorge Campos, Soccer America.com 8-28-13
Educating Parents
“We must not forget to make special efforts to educate parents. Those
famous rides home in the family car could involve conversations that chip
away at the tremendous strides we make in teaching good soccer. Are we
able to conduct soccer education for parents? Consider how easier it
would be to advance possession – based, risk – taking, attacking soccer
without the shouts from the sideline to “Boot it! Get ride of it! Send it!”
Can we perhaps add them to our email list so that those who do not
prematurely hit the delete button may be exposed to wholesome soccer
writings? This also may serve to demonstrate to parents that they play a
pivotal roll in the success of their children’s development and a club’s
vision.”
-The Substitute Coach by Lou Mignone, NSCAA Soccer Journal, Nov./Dec. 2012 p. 54
Educate Parents
Communication with parents/guardians:
-Coaching clinics
-State coaching license programs
-Emails
-Handouts
-Web information
Dutch Video 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
Quality training for youth players
Educating youth coaches
Training – “Guiding” the children
Coaching in the match:
– Before, during and after
5. Age Characteristics
6. Youth Philosophy
7. Website (design your training)
Dutch Video 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
FUN
Tips for training children
Organization of a session
Players “Enjoy their soccer”
Let players make decisions
Age appropriate sessions
Continuing education courses for coaches
• * You are a role model to your players. The
words you choose, your appearance, it all
matters. Young players are influenced by their
coaches and often continue those same traits
if they become coaches. There is no better
feeling in life than to have former players
come back and thank you for making a
positive difference in their life.
The major challenge is finding the right balance
between technical and tactical development of the
players. Within the different age groups with the
increasing speed of the game, it is even more
important to focus on technical development in all
age groups (in the youngest age group, all the
individual creativity unwinds through fun and play
without coaching interferences, the middle age
group sees introduction of more specific technical
development for defense, midfield and forward
positions and, in older age groups there is more
focus on tactical playing systems).
Suggested Readings
 US Youth Soccer Player Development Model
 US Soccer Curriculum
 ECA Report on Youth Academies in Europe
 US Youth Soccer - How to Write a Training Session Plan
 Implementing a Club Wide Curriculum – by Jacob
Daniel, Georgia Soccer Director of Coaching May 2008
 Our Competition is the World - Ideas for implementing
the United States Soccer Curriculum – by Stan Baker
“TRUTHS” about children and sports
Fun is pivotal – if it’s not “fun”, young people won’t play a sport.
Skill development is a crucial aspect of fun - it is more important than winning even among the
best athletes.
The most rewarding challenges of the sports are those that lead to self-knowledge.
Intrinsic rewards (self-knowledge that grows out of self-competition) are more important in
creating lifetime athletes than extrinsic rewards (victory or attention from others). 1
During childhood allow the children to have a good time playing the game while instilling the
passion to love playing soccer on their own. Only a passion for the game can lead to success.
“Success is something players take ownership of and in time it becomes personally meaningful.
Success is a process, not a product. The process of doing one’s best is the key to success. The
determining criterion of success is whether a player gave his or her best that day. Doing one’s best
is the most important statement a player can make about the importance of an activity and the
meaning it has. With years of experience comes self-knowledge and self-awareness. So players
learn over time what it means to do your best, to give 100%.” 2
“Winning isn’t everything, but trying is!” -Rainer Martens, sports psychologist
--------------------------------------------------------------------1 Ewing, M.E. & V. Seefeldt V. (1990). – American youth sport participation.
2 Fine, Aubrey H., Ph.D. & Sachs , Michael L., Ph.D. – The Total Sports Experience for Kids.
Special Thanks
Sam Snow – Director of Coaching US Youth Soccer
Rick Meana - Director of Coaching NJ Youth Soccer
Lou Mignone – Director of Coaching West Orange United FC
Steve Davis – Director of Coaching NY Rush
Tom Turner – Director of Coaching Ohio North Youth Soccer
• “Like any teacher, a soccer coach must decide
what skills will be introduced during the year
and in what sequence.”
• Seasonal Planning Required
• Implementing a Club Wide Curriculum (May
2008) Jacob Daniel, DOC Georgia Soccer
• ECA
• 96 clubs from 41 countries participated in the
ECA (European Club Association).
• Youth survey. www.ecaeurope.com
• “Nurturing talent and future players should be
the main role of a club. If each club has its
own traditions and if there is no single recipe
for success. The case studies clearly show that
the most effective Youth Academics are those
which pursue their vision and their objective
with perseverance. It is not only a question of
size; it is a question of spirit and belief.”
-ECA report on Youth Academies in Europe