Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Guide

Transcription

1 Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Guide LUYSA provides this guide to Coaches in age groups U6 through U10 to clarify questions and/or concerns. Copies are ed to Club Age Group Coordinators and Coaches before the commencement of league play. Should there be a question/concern that is not addressed in this Guide, please contact your Club Age Group Coordinator. The guide may be downloaded from the LUYSA website located at

2 Table of Contents Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION... 3 KEY LUYSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS 2011/ Calendar of Events... 5 Welcome to LUYSA Grassroots... 6 CSA - Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)... 7 LUYSA Coaching Resources... 8 BCSA Coaching Clinic(s) & Reimbursement Policy... 8 LUYSA Coach Mentorship Program... 9 LUYSA Friday Night Coaches Education Sessions LUYSA Coaches Pick-up Soccer Matches What are Small Sided Games? Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer Rules & Guidelines Roles and Responsibilities for Coaches Coaching Small Sided Games Small Sided Games Team Structuring Process - U6 to U Grassroots Stages of Development Standard LUYSA Warm-up Session Plan Key Technique Coaching Points LUYSA RESPECT Program Medical Consent Form Grassroots Player Placement Recommendation Form... 24

3 Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION Our Mission: The Mission of the Langley United Youth Soccer Association is to foster, promote, and develop the skills, knowledge, and enjoyment of the game of soccer. Our Vision: Langley United Youth Soccer Association envisions a future where soccer continues to be the number one participatory sport in the community. It is our vision that Langley United Youth Soccer Association is recognized nationally as a model organization, providing the best in soccer developmental programs for all skill levels from grassroots to recreational to the elite high performance player. Our Values: In carrying out the work of the organization and in all its relationships, Langley United Youth Soccer Association will: 1) Demonstrate respect, honesty, and integrity 2) Conduct itself in a fair, credible, and trustworthy manner 3) Be responsive to the needs of those it serves 4) Pursue excellence in its programs and operations 5) Promote safety for all its participants 6) Reflect democratic principle and practices in all its activities

4 KEY LUYSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS 2011/12 Director of Grassroots Soccer Scott Moye Technical Director/Head Coach Mark Parker Director of Coaching Arnout Stams Registrar/Administration Nicole Reid U5 Coordinator Scott Moye U6 Coordinator Dave Kilby U7 Coordinator Michelle Harcourt U8 Coordinator Rich Shimmin U9 Coordinator (Boys) Nicole Perry U9 Coordinator (Girls) Melinda Read U10 Coordinator Andrew Wilson Whitecaps Ticket Coordinator James Stumph Gyms Coordinator Scott Moye Other Executives: President Betty Boucas 1 st Vice President 1stvp@luysa.com Dave Kasper 2 nd Vice President 2 nd vp@luysa.com Roger Gilbert 3 rd Vice President 3rdvp@luysa.com Brian Leonard Treasurer treasurer@luysa.com Doedy Reisler Director of Equipment equipment@luysa.com Martin Buehler Director of Fields fields@luysa.com Candiss Thavonesouk Director of Referees referees@luysa.com Joe Lee Director of Communications communications@luysa.com Steve Campbell Director of Volunteers volunteers@luysa.com Vacant Director of Youth (U13-U18) youth@luysa.com Shelly Chandra

5 Calendar of Events The follow is a rough guide as to important dates and events that occur throughout the Fall Soccer Season: Mid August - Registration closes, and age group coordinators begin to recruit coaches, build teams, set schedules, and other preparations. End of August/Early Sept -Rosters are released to coaches; equipment pickup dates are sent out; coaches are allowed to begin training; Early September - Two nights during week Initial Player Assessments (U7 only); attended by Club Technical Director, Director of Grassroots, Age Coordinator, Staff Coaches and Players. 2 nd week of September Pre-season Coaches meetings are held; BCSA Coaches Clinics (Grassroots Handbook, and Community Coaching Children) are held; Dates for both are released in late august. 2 nd & 3 rd weekends of September Scheduled games begin (age group dependant) Mid October U6 to U9 teams move to indoor training (gym schedule is released in early Oct.) Mid/Late October Photo night 1 st week of December Gyms are no longer available for training until after the holiday break. Game schedules end the first weekend of Dec. 2 nd week of December Mid Season Coaches meetings 2 nd week of January Gyms are available again for training (unless notified by gyms coordinator) 2 nd or 3 rd weekend of January game schedules begin (weather dependant) End of February Coaches year-end Player Evaluations are due in to the age group coordinators Early March LUYSA s Year-End Mini World Cup Tournament; windup packages are distributed at tourney, season ends after event. Late March Equipment return dates are released to coaches.

6 Welcome to LUSA Grassroots The Langley United Soccer Association would like to thank you for volunteering to coach within your soccer community! LUSA is built upon the effort of our volunteers like you, and our success in fostering the game of soccer, and developing young boys and girls of Langley is directly related to that dedication. LUSA, with its Grassroots program is considered a leader in player development across BC and Canada. The program is based upon the Canadian Soccer Association s (CSA) LTPD (Long Term Player Development) program. Our grassroots program is the base that we build our club upon. On the following page, you ll find a description of the CSA s LTPD program, and its benefits. The LTPD model is designed to optimize Canadian excellence and lifelong wellness through soccer. By ensuring fun playing experiences for children, a suitable player development pathway for youth and opportunities for lifelong participation for all players regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, LTPD provides a framework for the growth of the beautiful game in Canada. Further along the manual, you ll find many other resources that will assist you in coaching and managing our children s first soccer experiences, as well as enhancing your own abilities as a coach and a leader in our community. Please take the time to read through this informative coaching manual, and take advantage of some (or all) of the resources we provide to our coaches. The game of soccer is constantly changing. If all of the coaches in our club can have the most current and up to date support and information, then every athlete will have the opportunity to have maximum enjoyment of the game of soccer. Good Luck & have fun out there!!! Scott Moye Director of Grassroots Soccer Langley United Soccer Association grassroots@luysa.com

7 CSA - Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is a CSA soccer-specific adaptation of the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD) developed by Canadian Sport Centres. LTAD is a scientific model for periodized athlete training and development that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth in athletes, and it has already been adopted by major sports organizations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. Like the LTAD program, LTPD is designed to: 1. Promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. 2. Provide a structured player development pathway. 3. Describe best practices for elite player development. 4. Create long-term excellence. Benefits of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) LTPD is a program for soccer player development, training, competition, and recovery based on biological age (i.e. physical maturity) rather than chronological age. It is player centred, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported. LTPD: Eliminates gaps in the player development system. Guides planning for optimal athlete performance at all stages. Provides a framework for program alignment and integration, from volunteer club coaches to national and professional teams. Follows scientific principles and practical coaching experiences. Benefits for players & parents: Better understanding of what makes a good soccer program. More players learning at their level and having fun. Appropriate game and league structures (e.g. size of balls, goals, field etc.). More opportunity for players to realize their athletic potential. More coaches who are knowledgeable in leading safe, effective practices. Benefits for coaches & clubs: Information and education on effective coaching and practice methods. Guidelines for appropriate game structures. Guidelines on appropriate competition levels. Established pathways for player development for all levels of ability and ambition. Affirmation of best practices for coaches and club administrators. Benefits for all: Competitive behaviour is fostered in players, while over-competitive behaviour is discouraged in adults (e.g. coaches and parents). Players, parents, coaches, and administrators understand that players are unique and therefore different in interest and aptitude. Players stay involved in the sport throughout their lives (as players, coaches, referees or club administrators). Soccer grows, and lifelong wellness is promoted for players of all ages, genders, and levels of ability and disability.

8 LUSA Coaching Resources BCSA Coaching Clinic(s) & Reimbursement Policy In the ongoing efforts of advancing coaches within the club, LUSA is committed to financially assisting coaches in achieving their recognized Canadian Soccer Association and BC Soccer Association Coaching Certification. Therefore the following reimbursement procedure has been implemented. All coaches wishing to attain certification should the following procedure for approval to ensure they will be reimbursed. Coaches MUST have prior written/ confirmation from the Technical Dept to receive reimbursement. 1. Send an to requesting approval for attending a course. These applicants will be looked at on an individual basis, taking the following criteria into consideration: Is the course age appropriate? Will the coach benefit from taking the course? Will the players benefit from the coach taking the course? 2. Upon attaining approval, the coaches will apply / register through BC Soccer via the online registration process. 3. Post course completion, the coach will submit documentation supporting attendance / successful completion and LUSA will reimburse the applicant. LUSA holds the right to decline financial support and also holds the right to withhold reimbursement if a participant is unsuccessful in meeting the assessment criteria. The following programs are considered valid for coach training upon approval from the Technical Department, and interested coaches can contact LUSA s Technical Director and/or Director of Coaching. * BCSoccer has recently revamped their Clinic and Certification system. Please visit for more certification info, or alternately detailed program & course info can be found on LUSA s website.

9 LUSA Coach Mentorship Program LUSA Volunteer Coaches can apply to be involved with the LUSA Coach Mentorship program. Interested participants would become actively involved in dialogue, and apprentice coaching duties with the LUSA Club Head Coach and Staff Coaches. The level of commitment is at the discretion of the participant and should be discussed with the Technical Head Coach. Expectations Initial meeting with LUSA Head Coach (Mandatory) Overview of Mentorship Program Overview of Coaching Principles and Athlete needs assessment Overview of Technical Material Question and Answer Enrollment in Appropriate BCSA Coaching Clinics Apprentice Coach Duties The apprentice coach will be invited to attend any or all player development sessions most pertinent to the coaches current coaching position. The apprentice coach will work alongside staff coaches who conduct the LUSA player development programs. Through this involvement the coach can expect to gain valuable knowledge and material that can be used to improve current coaching standards Apprentice Coach will receive Practice Plan samples to use in team practices Apprentice Coach will hear the valuable feedback being provided to the players, and learn the various coaching techniques used to run a successful practice. Feedback Sessions If the apprentice coach wishes they can arrange for evaluation sessions where the club head coach views the coach in a team practice session. The apprentice coach will receive written feedback on the practice and given constructive points on how to improve. Any coach wishing to be involved in the LUSA coaching mentorship program should contact LUSA's Technical Director or Director of Coaching

10 LUSA Friday Night Coaches Education Sessions LUSA offers periodically throughout each Fall season, an informal meeting/session where Staff Coaches present a variety of coaching topics. It provides and opportunity for coaches to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Presentations may include video, discussion, Q&A, on-field demos, among others. The sessions will begin in late September or early October and will be posted to the LUSA website. Topics may include (but not limited to): -dribbling & ball control -finishing -SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) -Indoor/gym specific training -Team & Individual Defending -Team Attacking *Visit for more detailed info on our Coaches Education Series LUSA Coaches Pick-up Soccer Matches As another team-building program, LUSA arranges drop-in pick-up style soccer matches. These will be held in tandem with the Friday Night Coaches Education Series. This program serves as another informal opportunity for coaches to get to know each other and share ideas while getting a good run in! Coaches of ALL playing abilities are welcome. Dates & times will be posted to the LUSA website as well as ed to all volunteer coaches.

11 What are Small Sided Games? Small Sided Games Soccer embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is vital if children are to develop a lifelong love for soccer. The principles and rules of Small Sided Games are similar to those in 11 aside Soccer, except that the pitches are smaller and there are fewer players on each team. Depending on the age group, number of players, size of pitch, and goal size the game can vary from 3v3 for the youngest to 8v8 for the oldest groups at the age of 12. Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer The opportunity to repeatedly touch the ball Repeatedly experience basic tactical challenges The ability to actively participate is fun, we know players develop when they enjoy themselves Player retention should be the number one priority of all youth coaches Tactical awareness from a positioning point of view is easier communicated The game is not as complicated as the adult 11 v 11 and easier to understand Players have fun and personal growth within and outside of the game due to enjoyment, as a result of smaller fields and simplified rules Individual participation and development is fostered due to the players receiving more playing time Due to individual involvement the general health and fitness increases Confidence and self-esteem is promoted as a result of responsibly presented to players from scoring or attempting to stop the opponents from scoring Playing small sided games players are encouraged to use freedom of expression By playing and exploring the game, children will find gravitate to positions they prefer and feel comfortable with. Due to the limited numbers and small field a player can rotate to being a forward, midfielder and defender during the course of the game The focus is on the PLAYER and PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, not team success. The so called dominant player is prevented from holding onto the ball due to the smaller area of play Contrary to belief, Small Sided Games increase participation numbers Eight to ten 4v4 fields can be accommodated on a full sized field. The shift to small sided games for is based on educational research on the way children learn best Children s academic education is progressive, so should their soccer education be

12 Rules & Guidelines The following charts illustrate the Small Sided Games structure within the LUSA: Game Format: Age Group # Players Tiers U6 3 aside None U7 3 aside (*+GK) Development & Community Streams U8 4 aside (*+GK) Development & Community Streams U9 7 aside (includes goalkeeper) Development & Community Streams U10 7 aside (includes goalkeeper) Development & Community Streams U11 8 aside (includes goalkeeper) Gold, Silver, Bronze, & House U12 8 aside (includes goalkeeper) Gold, Silver, Bronze, & House (*+GK) - Goalkeeper is optional, if no goalkeeper then smaller goal is recommended for specific guidelines consult under the Grassroots Development tab view Official Small Side Rules. Squad Sizes: Age Group Minimum Maximum U U7/U U9/U U11/U Field sizes should conform to the table as set out below: Age Group Min Length Min Width Max Length Max Width U6 25 meters 18 meters 30 meters 22 meters U7/U8 30 meters 20 meters 36 meters 25 meters U9/U10 40 meters 30 meters 55 meters 36 meters U11/U12 60 meters 42 meters 75 meters 55 meters

13 Goal sizes should conform to the table as set out below: Age Group Goal Height Goal Length Option U6 5 ft / 1.524m 8 ft / 2.438m Anything smaller U7/U8 5 ft / 1.524m 8 ft / 2.438m Anything smaller U9/U10 6 ft / 1.83m 12 ft / 3.657m none U11/U12 6 ft / 1.83m 18 ft / 5.486m none Ball sizes must conform to the table as set out below: Age Group U6 U7/U8 U9/U10 U11/U12 Ball Size The duration of the games must conform to the table as set out below: Age Group U6 U7/U8 U9/U10 U11/U12 Duration 3 x 15 minutes 3 x 15 minutes 2 x 25 minutes 2 x 30 minutes Half Time 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes U6/7/8 will be played in a jamboree format w/split squads rotating through multiple opponents within a gameday session. A more detailed explanation will be provided at the preseason Coaches Meeting.

14 Roles and Responsibilities for Coaches The intent of this document is to give the coaches an awareness of what is required to be a successful coach. Aside from the basic coaching of the players, there are many items that your club asks you to be aware of and to commit to before taking on the job as coach. To be a successful soccer coach you will: Have read and understand the LUSA RESPECT/Code of Conduct. Have read and understand your clubs Policy and Procedures. Have read and understand the Rules and Regulations specific to the age group they are coaching. Have the ability to communicate (or have a designated parent) with team players/families via , and phone. Have a team manager to assist with league and parent communications. Have equipment, as provided by your club, in good condition (i.e., soccer balls, cones) at all practices and games. Thoroughly read and be prepared to reply to all club correspondence within 48 hours of receiving. Carry to games (or have a designated parent) a cellular phone to communicate last second changes. (most changes are released via and LUSA website) Know the field closure website for your district; check field status and advise players before 7 pm Friday. (available on LUSA website) Support and follow the direction of the Player and Coach Development Program. Attend, or have a team representative attend all coaches meetings. Attend, or have a team representative attend your clubs Annual General Meeting. Ensure that each player is given an awareness of, and exposure to development programs that are available to their teams age group. (Academy, etc.) Abide by the clubs allotted practice times and locations.

15 Coaching Small Sided Games Keeping Small Sided Games Soccer Simple Small Sided Games Soccer provides the best environment for youth players to develop soccer skills and techniques. When coaching remember to keep the game simple, overcomplicating things can lose the flow of the game which can in turn inhibit a player s development. Encourage the players to discover the love of the game through the game. Performance on game-days is less important than encouraging players to experiment with the skills they practice, and having fun. Mistakes will be made and kids will fall in the mud and trip over the ball. Focus on building confidence and accent the positives at all opportunities. OK, I have a team, now what do I do? The first thing you should do is to read through the rest of this manual. You should then contact your team as soon as possible. This first phone call or is a good time to let the parents know that you will need some help in the way of assistant coaches, a team manager, a phone person or two, a first aid person, someone to help put up and take down nets and someone to bring refreshments to the games etc... (and anything else you can think of!) Don t try to do all these tasks yourself the season will be much more enjoyable if you can concentrate on coaching the kids. You ll find that most parents love to be involved in their children s team in some capacity. Your Age Group Coordinator or the Director of Grassroots is also a good source of information for anything that you are not sure of. His/her name and contact information can be found on LUSA s website. Risk Management Due to the risk of incidents involving adults and youth under their direct supervision, the BCSA has devised a procedure under the risk management policy whereby all volunteers are required to complete and submit two (2) RCMP Criminal Record check forms. The intent of this procedure is to ensure protection of our volunteers and our youth. RISK MANAGEMENT FORMS can be found online at (under RESOURCES tab). Please be assured that maximum confidentiality will be maintained. You are not authorized to coach until you have submitted the completed Risk Management Forms. The BCSA recently mandated that record check only need to be done every two (2) years. All new coaches, managers, and volunteers must submit these forms. Coaching Clinics & Education LUSA offers a number of programs for our coaches of all levels to gain the experience and knowledge to be an effective leader of your children out on the field. From BCSA Coaching Clinics, to informal Friday Night Coaching meetings, to our newly re-vamped Coaching mentorship program. Visit the LUSA website (under the COACHING tab) for more info.

16 Equipment Before your first practice you will be supplied with soccer balls, cones, and a set of colored pinnies. Portable Pug nets may be distributed at the U6/7 level. Jerseys, shorts and socks will be available from LUSA s Director of Equipment. Your age group coordinator will let you know when you can go to pick them up. Inform parents that it is mandatory to wear cleats and shin pads to all practices and games. For insurance reasons, you cannot allow a child to play or practice without them. Before games, a referee will check to make sure that cleats are in good condition (no jagged studs) and that shin pads are being worn. If you have a spare pair of shin pads, keep them in your car (you can bet on it that someone will forget their shin pads at some point in the season.) Team Meeting At your first practice let all parents know that you are going to have a team meeting (some people do this at their house with hot dogs and snacks for the kids, and a few pops for the parents too). Make sure you introduce yourself and tell them a little bit about yourself (soccer or coaching background, game philosophies, etc ). If you haven t done so already, now is the time to get volunteers for assistant coaches, manager, phone persons, etc Handout copies of LUSA RESPECT Pledge to each player and parent. Go over each point in these and ask for parents help to teach their kids these values. Let them know how you plan to coach their children stressing the importance of Fair Play, Good Sportsmanship, equal playing time, fun before winning, etc You can talk a little about your goals for the season. Keep it simple; teaching the rules of the game, teaching and improving basic soccer skills and teaching values of Fair Play and Good Sportsmanship are examples. Talk about your expectations of the children s behavior (respect for teammates, coaches, opponents. officials and abiding by the rules of the game) and what to do if problems occur. Getting some input from parents is a good idea- let them offer suggestions for disciplinary action and make sure everybody agrees. It is important that you talk to them about attendance and lateness. Ask the parents for a quick phone call or to let you know if their child will not attend the game or practice. Let your parents know that your practice will start on time and the kids are expected to be there and ready to go at that time. It is best to ask them to be there 5 to 10 minutes early even then some will still be late. Also, ask them to be there 15 minutes before practice ends or you may end up waiting for them to show up long after practice is over. Your best means of communication will be through , have a list ready and collect all of the contact info. Tell the parents that most of your correspondence will be through , and that they will be required to check for messages before practices and games for last minute updates.

17 Practices At the U6-U9 level, the first 4-6 weeks of practice are held outdoors. You may use any community field not being used. No need to schedule. Once the weather turns in October, practices move indoors to school gyms. Gym slots are assigned by LUSA s Gyms Coordinator. Every effort is made to accommodate coaches requests. But it is not guaranteed. Note: Coaches should visit the LUSA website and submit their GYM SLOT REQUEST FORM. The children are in your care while at the park, you cannot leave the park until all the children are picked up by their parents or guardian. It is handy to have a cell phone for the times when a child s parents do not show up on time! Volunteers Assistant coaches help run the team in practices and games and fill in when the coach cannot make it. (U6-U8, handle half the team on game-day) Team Manager helps with the paperwork getting a Team Directory completed and a copy to each family. The Medical Emergency forms (page 19) need to be completed and copies given back to the coach. Practice and game schedules need to be printed or distributed. The manager also helps with getting the uniforms to the kids. The coach or manager s the team for changes in the practice or game schedule and last minute cancellations. Be sure to remind parents that volunteering is required in any way possible we are all responsible for our kids positive soccer experience, and the coach is NOT expected to do everything. Learn to delegate! Games The games will start in early September and continue to mid March. There will be a 4-6 week break around the Christmas holidays. Your Age Group Coordinator will provide you your schedule prior to your first game, as well as post it to the LUSA website. Small Sided soccer is played on smaller sized fields with smaller nets and with fewer players on the field (three aside in U6 to eight aside in U12). The coaches are to be on the field to help guide the children up to, but not including, the U9 level. (U8 coaches are allowed on the field until the Holiday break, afterwards coach from the sidelines) Be sure to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the Rules and Regulations specific to your age group. From time to time Rules and Regulations are updated so please check on the LUSA website regularly for the latest version. These guidelines are also covered in the preseason coaches meetings.

18 Small Sided Games Team Structuring Process - U6 to U10 Under 6 At this age group, all registered players are grouped into teams and assigned a coach based on home address, school catchment, and then player requests. Minor adjustments can be made to accommodate parents and/or coaches under certain circumstances, not guaranteed. The Club and technical staff reserves the right to make adjustments to avoid powerhouse teams and blowout scores. Under 7 Starting in U7, all registered players are split into two STREAMS (groups); Development and Community. This is done via 2-4 LIVE evaluation sessions run by LUSA s Technical Director, Director of Grassroots and Select staff. Players are observed and evaluated during a number of small-sided games. Players are evaluated on the following criteria: enthusiasm, physical development & soccer specific development. Keep in mind, that these are NOT TRYOUTS. Once the players have been split into the two streams, the teams are formed in each stream in the same method as in U6. Address, school, and requests. Development teams play each other, and Community teams play each other, but never cross-stream. There is opportunity for players to move streams (in both directions) early on in the season. It is up to the volunteer coaches to report players who may be misplaced (dominating in the Community side, or struggling in the Development side) to their Age Group Coordinator, who will then request a staff/tech coach to attend a practice or game to observe and make a recommendation. Movement between streams is only done in either case if a player is losing interest because of a lack of a challenge, or from struggling and not enjoying the game. Under 8 thru Under 10 Teams are carried over each subsequent season based upon the previous year. Minor adjustments are made to each team and roster based upon Technical Staff recommendations & the Volunteer Coaches year-end player evaluations. This allows players who developed over the previous season to continue to develop and be challenged, as well as for players who struggled the previous year to have the opportunity to find success in a more appropriate training environment. For a more detailed explanation of the Streams concept and the evaluations, please visit the LUSA website and read the document Why LUYSA holds Evaluations. Questions and concerns can be directed to LUYSA s Technical Director & Director of Grassroots. *(NEW) Beginning in the 2012/13 season, LUSA has implemented an Academy Prospects program at certain age groups. This trial program was described at the recent parent meetings in early September. For more info, please contact MARK PARKER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR at technicaldirector@luysa.com

19 Grassroots Stages of Development U6 to U8 Characteristics of Development:. Coordination difficulties.. Like to move.. Short attention span.. Sensitive to criticism.. Egocentric seeks individual attention.. Enjoys being successful and being praised for it.. work well in small groups Training Recommendations:. All sessions should have lots of activity and movement.. General coordination activities (running, tumbling and fun games).. Familiarity with the ball (running, turning, changing direction with the ball). U9 to U10 Characteristics of Development:. improved coordination. displays strength. enjoys physical contact within training/games. increased attention span. capable of problem solving. sensitive to criticism. enjoys team sports. like to be recognized for their sports ability Training Recommendations:. running with the ball. dribbling (feinting). ball control. passing. shooting Note :All the above should be practiced in motivational exercises and small sided games.

20 Standard LUSA Warm-up Session Plan *many more session plans are available upon request from LUSA s technical director, director of grassroots, or staff coaches. Players are all spread out in a 30m x 25m rectangle, each with a ball. X X X X X X X X X X A. While jogging around box, on command, throw the ball in the air and catch it knee it & catch (can progress to multiple juggles) trap it with feet head it (can progress to multiple juggles) B. While jogging bounce ball high with both hands and spin 360 and catch drop to ground sitting and catch running fast/slow (on command) C. Dribble the ball around box while using one or both feet inside and outside of both feet change speed (red light, yellow light, green light) perform turns (pullbacks, inside/outside cut) machine-guns (tap top of ball with ball of feet repeatedly) machine-guns while moving (forwards, backwards, sideways) perform advanced turns (scissors, cruff, maradona, etc.) *Encourage and play with each progression for 2-3 minutes, until you observe success and/or player interest waning *Coaches MUST use judgement when using progressions. Select options that are age and skill appropriate. The players must be allowed to achieve success before progressing.

21 Key Technique Coaching Points Dribbling -On balls of feet. -Knees bent, Body over ball -Head up -Keep ball under control and close to feet Running with the ball -Run with the ball using laces -Keep ball close enough to avoid breaking running stride. -Cover ground as quickly as possible. -Look up after each touch on the ball Turning -Keep ball under control close to feet -Quality of disguise and execution of turn (Change of direction) -Knees bent for balance and speed out of turn -Accelerate away lifting head up (Change of speed) Passing -Head up to observe intended target -Plant non kicking foot to the side of the ball -Look at the ball when striking the ball -Kicking Foot Strike through ball using one motion keeping ankle locked & foot firm -Follow through target keeping the ankle locked and foot firm for power and accuracy -Use both feet and different surfaces Receiving -On the balls of the feet ready to receive the ball -Move into line with the ball -Select surface to control the ball -Control the ball with the selected surface ensuring a good 1st touch out of feet to set up next action and to enable the head to look up Shooting -Head up observe goalkeeper -Plant non kicking foot to the side of the ball -Look at the ball when striking the ball -Kicking Foot Strike through ball using one motion keeping ankle locked and foot firm -Follow through towards target keeping the ankle locked & foot firm for power and accuracy -Use both feet and different surfaces *Note: to teach & correct technique, proper methodology should be used; coaches should participate in BCSA Coaching Clinics as offered by LUYSA.

22 LUYSA RESPECT Program Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life," - Fifa President Joseph Blatter Langley United Youth Soccer Association's RESPECT program is based upon the FIFA program under the same name. We are the first club in Canada to implement such a program and has received numerous accolades from local & provincial government representatives and sports organizations. (see links below) LUYSA's RESPECT Program is based on the idea that RESPECT is the collective responsibility of everyone in soccer to create a fair, safe, and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. This not only includes players, but also parents, coaches, referees, spectators and everyone else involved in "The Beautiful Game". From encouraging our kids from the sidelines, recognizing the officials authority on the pitch, to shaking your opponent's hand after a match. RESPECT is the basis that we encourage out players and members to enjoy the game. All players, coaches, and parents are encouraged to read and sign our LUYSA RESPECT PLEDGE (click to download or visit The RESPECT program can be explained to young children with one simple golden rule... "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". As coaches and parents, we can not only remind our children of this simple rule, but also keep it in mind ourselves when on the sidelines and communicating with other parents, players, coaches and officials. The RESPECT Pledge can be easily printed on stuck up on a child wall, or attached to the family refrigerator for a continual reminder of the "golden rule". Judi Vankevich - The Manners Lady, participated in LUYSA's season kick-off bbq in 2010, and brought her unique and entertaining program to our club and demonstrated to our kids that RESPECT and good manners can and SHOULD be a part of all our lives. Please visit her website for more info on Judi and her programs The Manners Club.

23 Medical Consent Form This form must be completed by a parent or guardian, before your child can participate in a LUYSA club activity. This form should be completed for each child every year. Coaches are to have these on file at the field/facility at all games and practices. Child s name: Date of Birth: Address: City: Post Code: Telephone Number: Name of Doctor: Doctor s Address: City: Doctor s Telephone No: Child s Medical Number: Any specific medical conditions requiring medical treatment and/or medication? Any allergies? Yes No If Yes, give details: Any medical information that you feel we need to know about your child? Parental Consent (to be signed for competitors under 18 years) I, being the parent / guardian of the above named child hereby give permission for the LUYSA Team Manager, LUYSA Team Coach or any other LUYSA representative to treat and give the immediate necessary authority on my behalf for any medical or surgical treatment recommended by competent medical authority. Name: Signature:

24 Grassroots Player Placement Recommendation Form Grassroots Player Placement Recommendation TEAM NAME: COACH: CURRENT TEAM LEVEL: Developmental Community First Name Player Details 2012 / 2013 Last Name Placement Recommendation Development al Community Remarks

25 COACHES NOTES:

26 COACHES NOTES: