Young children are being introduced to formal competition long before they are technically, tactically, physically or emotionally ready.

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2 US Soccer has introduced the Academy program for soccer clubs to provide a developmental playground to produce a whole new breed of soccer players, who will have had adequate time and training on the ball to face any challenge and solve any related problem put before them in their soccer playing futures. The underlying principle of Academy is to keep the game fun, engaging and challenging without results being paramount. Player participation and development is paramount.

3 1 Young children are being introduced to formal competition long before they are technically, tactically, physically or emotionally ready. 2 3 Organized sports lose 70% of their participants by age 14. Kids, universally, cite adult-related reasons for quitting sports. They want to participate for action, involvement, excitement and friendship. Too often, the adults, parents and coaches create an atmosphere that kids do not enjoy over a period of time.

4 The needs of the child, while playing soccer, should be placed above the needs, convenience and self-interest of the adults. True player development focuses on the development of the player, not the development of the team! - Ron Quinn Ron Quinn is an associate professor and director of the sport studies program at Xavier University, where he is also head coach of the women's soccer team

5 Children grow at different rates. Balance, center of gravity, length of limbs, body mass, and gross and fine motor control all play a part in a child s ability to move effectively. Within the same age group, some are shorter or taller than others, some have better balance, and others fall down quite often. As a result, we cannot pass false judgement on a child whose development is a little slower than the rest of the team.

6 Mostly technical repetitions Simple combinations and decision making activities Individual basic skills with an emphasis on keeping ball possession Lots of balance and coordination exercises

7 The kids should not be in stressful environments at this age. As it is now, it is way too focused with parents and coaches dominating. The game is always about players first. It should be about them and not about the parents, coaches and adults. Claudio Reyna, Youth Technical Director U.S. Soccer

8 According to US Youth Soccer, Players who are pushed up often have holes in their game as they progress in age. It is appropriate for a player who develops early to be superior on the field (in the proper age group) in order to develop leadership on the field.

9 Characteristics for player assessment Psychomotor Development motor skills - balance Cognitive Development knowledge thinking & decision making Psychosocial Development how they interact emotional stamina

10 The Fun Is Playing Encourage players in skill development and performance. Winning is not the motivation. Decrease the competitive pressures. Know the Game and the Laws Soccer looks simple, but its complex to play, coach and officiate. It is free-flowing with ever changing situations and constant problem solving by the players. There are only 17 laws in soccer take the opportunity to understand the basic laws to help understanding and increase enjoyment of the game. Support the Team, Not Just Your Youngster Give encouragement to the entire team. Avoid giving directions while they are playing and constantly yelling at a player. The players have to be able to make decisions on the field for themselves, some will be successful and some will not, but it is part of the selfdiscovery of the game. Practice Good Sportsmanship Always show sportsmanship and enthusiasm. Encourage and cheer good play by both teams. Young players learn by the example set by the sidelines.

11 Let the Players Play Soccer is a players game. Youngsters participate for their enjoyment, not ours. Let the Coaches Coach Respect the coaches and their decisions. The concern is the whole team, not just your player. Avoid undermining comments or criticizing a coach in public or in front of your child. Let the Referee Judge the Game Support the referees. The calls are final, and no coach, player or parent has ever changed a ref s decision. Be a Supportive Soccer Parent Soccer teaches discipline and responsibility, so be on time. Be concerned with your player s long-term development of skills and tactics than with short-term winning and losing. Focus on skill accomplishments and effort.

12 GIRLS U8/U9 Girls Shannon Healey U9 Girls Sam Schuller U10 Girls Sky Chris Edwards U10 Girls White Andrew Kirk BOYS U8/U9 Boys Brian Williams U9 Boys Mike Yarussi U10 Boys Sarit Catchatoorian

13 DATE OPPONENT OPPONENT OPPONENT OPPONENT LOCATION 7-Sep SGCSA GUSA AWAY 14-Sep Steele Creek North Meck AWAY 21-Sep BYE BYE BYE BYE 28-Sep SGCSA Porter Ridge CUFC (supplemental NESBIT teams) 5-Oct FCCA Steele Creek Weddington Indian Trail NESBIT 12-Oct CSA NORTH GUSA AWAY 19-Oct Lake Norman AWAY 26-Oct FCCA CUFC AWAY 2-Nov Weddington Porter Ridge CSA GCCSA AWAY 9-Nov Lake Norman CSA Indian Trail Porter Ridge NESBIT / CSA

14 C = Sky A = Navy B = White

15 Because individual development is the focal point of Academy soccer, the Academy Director has the flexibility to move players to the team that allows for the greatest personal success. TEAMS

16 Because individual development is the focal point of Academy soccer, the Academy Director has the flexibility to move players to the team that allows for the greatest personal success. Players will play within their appropriate age team. This general rule is 100% about appropriate long-term development. TEAMS

17 Because individual development is the focal point of Academy soccer, the Academy Director has the flexibility to move players to the team that allows for the greatest personal success. Players will play within their appropriate age team. This general rule is 100% about appropriate long-term development. TEAMS A player who demonstrates consistent growth in development may be given the opportunity to play up. A player s success on the field is the primary focus, though.

18 Because individual development is the focal point of Academy soccer, the Academy Director has the flexibility to move players to the team that allows for the greatest personal success. Players will play within their appropriate age team. This general rule is 100% about appropriate long-term development. TEAMS A player who demonstrates consistent growth in development may be given the opportunity to play up. A player s success on the field is the primary focus, though. A player who shows the need for additional development may be asked to join another team in order to experience greater personal success on the field and psychologically hope of reintroduction to previous team is the goal.

19 Players playing with their best friend. Fast tracking a player for the next level. Parents being on the sideline with their closest friends.

20 Through August 14: Monday and Wednesday Team Training U8 & U9 teams from 5:45pm 7:00pm Field 7 U10 teams from 7:00pm 8:15pm Field 7 Beginning August 19: Mondays Pool Training with Technical Director Richie Wall Wednesdays Team Training SAME TIME ***times may be subject to change

21 Practice: Gray shirt Navy Blue soccer shorts White socks Shin Guards Cleats Soccer Ball NO JEWELRY Game Day: Appropriate Color Jersey Navy Blue soccer shorts Game Socks Shin Guards Cleats Soccer Ball NO JEWELRY

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23 The kids safety is our priority. The second goal is to preserve the fields due to high usage. If it has rained or there is a threat of a serious storm, the decision to close the fields will be made by 1 hour before the first practice begins. It will be posted on the website as a FIELD CLOSURE. Additionally, we will try to get the word via and text through the team managers.

24 In matches, players look for reassurance because we let them know that we are there, but they are not developing individually. We have got to begin letting them use creativity, make mistakes and achieve their own personal and team constructed success. U.S. Youth Soccer