SOUTHS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB INC. Junior Development Plan 2013 Player and Coach SSF and Divisional

SOUTHS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB INC. Junior Development Plan 2013 Player and Coach SSF and Divisional Adopted 1 January 2013

The purpose of the Junior Development Plan is to provide both Club (Management Committee; Director of Football; Junior Director of Coaching or Small Sided Football Director of Coaching) and Members (primarily Team Leaders/Group Leaders, Players and Parents) a reference as to how Souths United Football Club will promote player and coaching development, acknowledging the key criteria for delivering to Football Federation Australia s National Curriculum, for both Junior Small Sided Football (SSF) and Divisional age groups. These plans will provide guideline for training programs for U6 and U7 Age Groups and; more specific direction for the development approach for U8 U11 and divisional Age Groups. These plans have been developed in association with the Junior Directors of Coaching and the Vice President Juniors SSF, Vice President Juniors Divisional and; are aligned with: the Club Junior Policy Football Brisbane Competition criteria Football Queensland Football Federation Australia s National Curriculum (and specifically as it relates to the TIC Program: At the individual player level the team tasks lead to individual skills and competencies that are position specific and partly depend on the style of play / formation. These are defined by Technique, Insight and Communication. o Technique (technical ability, skills) The Ball first touch Rules playing out Direction creativity o Insight (awareness, vision) Opponents decision making Space handling speed Time game reading o Communication Teammates tempo change Score game cleverness Pressure leadership Technique, Insight and Communication are distinguishable but in football (training) not separable. DEVELOPMENT GOALS AGE GROUP TIC Learning to master the ball U6 U7 Getting a TIC for football Learning to act with the ball U8 U9 TIC purposefully Learning to play together purposefully U10 U11 TIC Learning the positions and basic tasks U12 U13 in 11 v 11 TIC Learning how the basic tasks link U14 U15 together TIC Learning how to play as a team U16 U17 TIC Performing / winning as a team U18 U19 TIC The size and colour of the 3 characters TIC indicate which of the 3 aspects, Technique, Insight and Communication is being emphasized (not isolated) in training during that particular development phase. 2

UNDER 6 AND UNDER 7 Coaching Structure Group Leader Team Leaders The number of teams will dictate number of Group Leaders required. If 8 teams, look at having 2 Group Leaders (4 each) A Team Leader will be allocated to each U6 & U7 team (of between 4-6 players each) Refer Club Handbook for role descriptions for Group Leader and Team Leader General Approach to Establish Effective U6 & U7 Coaching Structure & Training Plans COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Group Leaders and Team Leaders at least one week before they start to train (refer Handbook for the meeting date and time). This session will include: Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football Director of Coaching (SSFDOC) Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders Overview of the first training day procedure The Group Leader does not have to be highly experienced with football but does need to have good inter-personal skills and an appreciation of diversity in children s sporting capabilities and behaviours at such a young age. Each player in each team may be assigned a numbered singlet/bib (ideally in the colour of their team s jersey) to be worn at each training session. This will help to identify teams/groupings of teams during training; allocating drills to certain groups and; when executing SSF training games. Group Leaders, Team Leaders, Managers and Parents are to be informed as to the expectation of player development in accordance with FFA National Curriculum; the TIC program and; training schedule for this age group. This will be covered in the aforementioned compulsory meeting also. Each team leader will be involved in each training session. Each group of teams will have a Group Leader who may or may not be one of the team leaders. Group Leaders will liaise with the SSFDOC regarding the overall direction for the age group. Group Leaders (and Team Leaders as required) will meet on a regular basis with the JDOC and/or SSFDOC. Team Leaders in these age groups are required to complete the Grassroots Certificate Course. Both Group & Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development Plan for these age groups. Player Development FFA TIC Program Learning to master the ball U6 U7 4 x 4 No formation / tactics consist of only very general instructions Getting a TIC for football General Description: Very short concentration span All want to have ball Quickly distracted No ability yet for team play Not able to pass / make combinations (do not try to Able to understand very simple rules change this) Able to understand very basic coaching like stay inside the field do not use your hands go with the ball to the goal etc Learning through trial and error The biggest challenge is discovering how to control that rolling and bouncing round thing with your feet. 3

Relevant Training Content All sorts of FUN games involving ball mastering / running with the ball (if possible, each with a ball) All sorts of small sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4) Various games should last no longer than 10 minutes and appeal to children s fantasy No queue exercises No Stretching Number of sessions per week: 2 (though Souths United Football Club only offers 1 session per week, however encourages ball skills work in players own time) (+ game) Maximum duration per training session = 45mins to 1hour U6 & U7 Training Program 2013 OVERVIEW 6 grids of approximately 15m x 12m. 2 teams of 6 players (maximum 12) per grid. Groups of players to rotate every 8 12 minutes for 3 or 4 rotations. Each week teams start in different grid. Session to conclude with a game (maximum 6 v 6) for at least 20 minutes GRID DRILL PROGRESSIONS 1 Ball Control: Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players) Each player has a ball. Basic dribbling/ moving with ball and learning to control the ball with different parts of the body eg. Inside of foot, outside of foot, top of foot, bottom of foot. Encourage use of both feet. At coach s command stop or move the ball with different part of foot or body. (Ball can be stopped using knee or even sitting on ball). Change of direction Acceleration Weaving in and out between players/ cones 5 touches then swap/pass ball with another player (have to look for partner) 2 Specific Dribbling: Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players). Each player has a ball. Using skills learnt in Ball Control dribble around cones. Focus on one type of ball control/ dribbling each round or each day depending on skill level. Change style of dribbling course slightly each week. 3 Passing Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players) One ball for 2 or 3 players, depending on drill. Pass between cones or try to hit cones. Concentrate on using inside of foot only. 4 Dribble and Pass Grid size: approximately 15m x 12m (12 players) Combination of drills 2 and 3. Place one player behind goal/ target to receive the ball and then join next line. 5 Receive and Pass Encourage players to receive the ball using the inside of their foot then pass to next player. Basic instruction is Stop the ball with your foot and then pass it to your friend Cones closer together Slalom instead of zig zag (tighter turns) Acceleration at different points of course (eg after every red cone player has to speed up) Alternate feet Look for friend running in other direction (makes player get eyes up off ball) Alternate feet Smaller target Longer distance Moving ball (light touch then pass) Cones closer together Change dribbling course (not recommended in one session, every few weeks ok) Acceleration at different points of course (eg after every red cone player has to speed up) Alternate feet Smaller goal/target Longer distance to goal/ target Alternate feet Change distance Make a small goal for passing Change angle of receiving and 4

6 1 v 1 Divide your 15m x 12m grid into 2 grids 12m x 7.5m and place a small goal at each corner so each team has 2 goals to play towards. Play for 1 minute (or 1 or 2 goals) and then change players. Remember only 4 players can play at one time and we want to discourage standing around not playing so keep changing. Other players in group can be ball collectors to chase stray balls. The main coaching point is to encourage the player to dribble/ run with the ball not just kick it Try to match ability of opponents. passing (eg into a triangle) Smaller goal Only one goal Left (or weaker foot only) for scoring or for all touches. General Note: Most progressions will be too difficult for this age group. The Group/Team Leader/s is to try to set the drill up so it is successful, i.e. everyone can do it and it is fun. Drills should be based on fun rather than technical competency. For example passing between 2 cones should not be as much about having the correct technique but should be a fun game of getting the ball between the 2 cones/ markers. Ask the players to count how many times they can do it without missing or count to 20 and ask them to do as many as they can before you call Stop to make it more fun. UNDER 8 Coaching Structure Team Leaders A Team Leader will be allocated to each U8 team Refer Club Handbook for role description for Team Leader General Approach to Establish Effective U8 Coaching Structure; Player Development & Training Plans COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Team Leaders at least week before they start to train (same night as U6 & U7) (refer Handbook for the meeting date and time). This session will include: Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football Director of Coaching SSF (SSFDOC) Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders Overview of the first training day procedure Team Leaders in this age group are encouraged to undertake formal coaching courses and gain junior coaching qualifications that will assist development and progression through the junior divisional ranks. It is envisaged that Football Brisbane will conduct a Development Program in line with FFA s National Curriculum. When details are made available to the club regarding a Development Program, identified players will be invited to attend. Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development Plan for this age group. Under 8 Player Assessments In accordance with the aforementioned (expected) Football Brisbane Development program, and Souths United s internal Development Approach, assessment of all Under 8 players will be held on a designated competition day within the first month of competition. Assessment will be performed by the JDOC and 5

SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and will be based on performance during small sided game activity. Players will be identified and assessed according to abilities: 1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3. Those identified as 1 could possibly train with the Under 9 Development squad later in the season and will be included by invitation only and on authorization from parent/s and/or guardian. IF FQ run a Talent Program in 2013, those identified as 1 would be nominated to attend. If known on sign-on, advise parents. Teams will be based only on friendship groups. U8 Team Leaders to be encouraged to complete the Junior Certificate. Player Development FFA TIC Program Learning to act with the ball purposefully U8 U9 7 x 7 1-3-3 formation / basic tactical instructions / everyone plays all positions. TIC General Description: The players now understand that the game s purpose is winning by scoring more goals than their opponent Now playing 7 v 7 on a pitch, feeling for team play, direction and opponent is developing Bigger goals with goalkeepers automatically appeals to aiming and shooting Still a lot of individual play but the players start to understand that acting with the ball purposefully is necessary in order to be successful Preference and talent for a specific position starts to show (but encourage everyone to still play in every position regularly) Relevant Training Content Ball mastery (during the warm up) Running with the ball, 1 v 1, shooting, passing and receiving, first touch in various short FUN games Variations of 4 v 4 and 7 v 7 No queue exercises No Stretching Number of sessions per week: 2-3 (+ 1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 1hour UNDER 9 UNDER 11 Coaching Structure Team Leaders A Team Leader will be allocated to each U9 U11 team Refer Club Handbook for role description for Team Leader General Approach to Establish Effective U9-U11 Coaching Structure, Player Development & Training Plans COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Team Leaders at least one week prior to the start of training (refer Handbook for meeting date and time). This session will include: Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) and/or Small Sided Football Director of Coaching (SSFDOC) Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders Overview of the first training day procedure 6

Each team will have a Team Leader to perform coaching activities and will be supported by coaching peers and direction from the JDOC and/or SSFDOC. Team Leaders in these age groups are encouraged to undertake formal coaching courses and gain junior coaching qualifications that will assist development and progression through the junior divisional ranks. The Club will offer the opportunity for players in these age groups to be assessed. This gives the players an opportunity to play with similar ability players against teams of similar ability on a weekly basis. It is envisaged that Football Brisbane will conduct a Development Program in line with FFA s National Curriculum. When details are made available to the club regarding a Development Program, identified players will be invited to attend. Team Leaders are to be aware and work toward the principles of the associated internal club Development Plan for these age groups. (Refer to the Club s Junior Player Assessment Policy Under 9 - Under 11 for more details). Parents will be asked at sign-on to indicate a preference into which type of team they would like their child placed: Highest level Skill based (may not get to play with friends) Friendship based. Under 9 Under 11 Player Assessments In 2009, Football Brisbane introduced a tiered structure to both the Under 9 and Under 10 competitions. In 2011, this was extended to the Under 11 competition and will continue until further notice. This allows players to be placed in teams that will play against players and teams of similar ability and experience each week. It also allows players to be grouped together to progressively develop in line with their capabilities and potential. This approach enables growth of the players and provides a balanced competition when playing against teams of a similar level each week. There are three tiers within each of these age groups. Briefly these are described: Komodo Dragon Goannas Geckos more competent players requiring minimal/no direction from the coach competent players requiring direction from the coach new players or players that need more time to learn the game. Assessments for these age groups will be held during the couple of weeks immediately after sign-on, per the schedule set by the Vice President - SSF. This will allow time for the JDOC, SSFDOC and Vice President SSF to place players in teams before formal training starts. This process will be conducted in association with the designated Age Coordinator as required. Failure to attend the assessment session/s may impact on which team the player is placed. The following pre-assessment activities will be responsible to the JDOC and SSFDOC: Confirm with the Club Administrator by 31 December 2012 whether each age group needs their own timeslot for these assessments. Organise assistants recruited from JDOC and SSFDOC Panel of coaches and identified coaching pool for each assessments Provide different coloured, numbered bibs for easier identification of players Assessments will be performed by the JDOC and SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and will be based on performance during small sided game activity and may include skills exercises. Players will be identified and assessed according to abilities: 1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3. Those players identified as 1 would form the basis of the Development squads. IF FQ run a Talent Program in 2013, those identified as 1 would be nominated to attend. If known on sign-on, advise parents. 7

Team Announcements After consultation between assessment staff and the Vice-President SSF, the JDOC and SSFDOC will select those players capable of playing at a higher standard and those that will benefit from playing at a lower level for that season. Players will be assigned to a team. Where possible, players will be placed into a team with friends of similar capability (though this is not guaranteed). Team announcements will be advised via the club s website and also on the Clubhouse verandah s exterior windows on the initial training night. Notification of team coaches and managers (where known) will also be advised. Training nights, times and locations along with maps of the fields indicating the position will also be available. Appeal Process The Club, JDOC, SSFDOC, Vice-President SSF and where applicable, age coordinators, are careful to ensure that players are playing in the correct team. However, some parents and players may still be disappointed with the final team make-up. The Club asks that parents talk through the concerns with their child and only then, contact the SSFDOC by email with their concern. (ssfdoc@southsunited.org.au) Players and parents need to take into account that the assessment process is undertaken by independent, qualified and experienced coaches. Development Squads/Teams Under 9 - Under 11 Age Groups: Under 9: Parents will be offered the opportunity to accept the Club's offer for their child/ren to participate n the Development Squad. This squad may also include Under 8 players identified by the JDOC and/or SSFDOC. Players will attend extra training sessions on a user pays basis. Players will participate in various Carnivals throughout the year. This may include specifically identified carnivals identified by the club where the carnival/competition will benefit the development and experience of the players in this squad. All carnival participation will be on a user pays basis. In 2013, the U9 Development Squad Team/s will participate at minimum in the 2013 Souths United Leprechaun Cup and potentially, the 2013 Logan City Cup, 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. Under 10 Under 11: Parents will be offered the opportunity to accept the Club's offer for their child/ren to participate n the Development Teams. Players will attend extra training sessions on a user pays basis. Final teams will participate in selected Cup/Championship competitions, such as (but not limited to) 2013 Souths United Leprechaun Cup, 2013 Logan City Cup, 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. This will be on a user pays basis. Details will be made available when they become known. There may also be opportunities to attend other carnivals throughout the season. Again, this would be on a user pays basis. Development blocks Two blocks of 4 6 weeks (one to run in Term 2 and the other in Term 3). Development training sessions during this block will consist of one night per week for invited U8 s, Under 9 s, Under 10 s and Under 11 s. Final timings and cost for these blocks will be determined prior to sign-on day, however it is anticipated that players participating in the Development Squad will be charged a Player Development Levy of approximately $50. 8

Player selections and opportunities: Komodo Dragon players and selected Goannas. Criteria for selection will be based on assessment performed in the couple of weeks after sign-on weekend and through training and game observations conducted by the JDOC and SSFDOC. Team Leaders will be asked for any subsequent nominations where they feel a child/ren may have potential for participation in the program. The JDOC and SSFDOC will assess this child/ren accordingly during the initial development program session. U11 s: Approximately 16-17 players will be selected for participation in the development squad with a view to provide depth and further development for U12 Div 1 the following year. See section for U11 U12 Transition for further information. It is envisaged that the club will enter an Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 team in the 2013 Souths United Leprechaun Cup, 2013 Logan City Cup and depending on competition criteria, will also consider entry to the 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. Club participation at these two carnivals will be reserved for Development Squad teams only (in the first instance). Other SSF club teams wishing to participate at these competitions will need to first seek approval from the Management Committee. Player participation from club teams must not be at the detriment of the Development Squad team and must not cause any player/parent distress should a player be part of the said Development Squad and SSF Club Team. This will be on a user-pays basis. The Club Administrator will write to GCCC seeking confirmation as to what age groups and restrictions will be in the competition in 2013. This information will be required prior to announcing to development squad/parents. Development squads may be considered for participation in other carnivals throughout the season. Carnivals The club is considering holding carnivals in various age groups. Selected clubs will be invited to participate. Carnival details for the 2013 Leprechaun Cup are now available on the website. Participation in external carnivals will be at the discretion of the JDOC, SSFDOC and Development Squad (age group) Team Leader (Head Coach) who will also make recommendation to the Vice President: Juniors SSF. The Club Administrator will complete associated entry criteria for approved carnivals. This will be on a user-pays basis. (Refer also to the Club s Junior Policy with regards to general participation in Carnivals, not specific to Development Squads) Player Development FFA TIC Program Learning to act with the ball purposefully U8 U9 7 x 7 1-3-3 formation / basic tactical instructions / everyone plays all positions. TIC General Description: The players now understand that the game s purpose is winning by scoring more goals than their opponent Now playing 7 v 7 on a pitch, feeling for team play, direction and opponent is developing Bigger goals with goalkeepers automatically appeals to aiming and shooting Still a lot of individual play but the players start to understand that acting with the ball purposefully is necessary in order to be successful Preference and talent for a specific position starts to show (but encourage everyone to still play in every position regularly) 9

Relevant Training Content Ball mastery (during the warm up) Running with the ball, 1 v 1, shooting, passing and receiving, first touch in various short FUN games Variations of 4 v 4 and 7 v 7 No queue exercises No Stretching Number of sessions per week: 2-3 (+ 1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 1hour Learning to play together purposefully U10 U11 9 x 9 1-3-2-3 formation / limited tactical instructions / talent for specific positions more clear (but still flexible). TIC General Description: More and more understanding and feeling for teamwork Understanding for acting without the ball (running to or off the ball) develops Preference / ability for specific positions becomes clearer and clearer Understanding of individual role in relation to teamwork is developing With 8 outfield players a tighter and more strict task allocation is required Perfect mental and physical ability for developing motor skills Relevant Training Content Functional game skills in possession of the ball: Passing and receiving, running with the ball, 1v1, first touch Defensive game skills: 1v1; block tackle; sliding tackle Skills transfer: Executing the game skills in corresponding game-related situations (1v1, 4v4, basic positioning games) Training games: Various small sided games to develop ball possession objectives Transitioning: o Learning the general principles in training games Dynamic stretching in warming up Number of sessions per week: 3 (+1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 75mins COACHING CLINICS & OTHER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Coaching Clinic 2013 It is proposed to run at least two Coaching Clinics in 2013. The first clinic will be hosted by Souths United in collaboration with our partner, Success Football Academy, and will run during the last week of the 2013 January school holidays (21-25 January 2013) for ages 6-16. The coaching director for this clinic is Vedran Becirbegovic, who is also Souths United s SSFDOC. This will be on a userpays basis. Promotion and awareness of Clinic details will be done via Souths United Website; contacting 2012 participants via email, publishing on Football Brisbane website and; advising other clubs of its availability. Date of second clinic will be advised during the course of the season. The Club Administrator will also liaise with St Laurence s whether they have any functions booked for the dates of our Clinics (will impact how car park is managed during these clinics). 10

U11 U12 TRANSITION What happens with the Under 11 players moving into Under 12s in 2013 and how will this be managed at Souths United Football Club? In Under 12's, all players are graded into teams based on their capability demonstrated at pre-season grading sessions and the pre-season grading games. Teams are then placed in divisions that suit their abilities. In Under 12's, we move away from players being selected in teams with their mates to grading them into teams based on ability. These teams will play competitions against southside clubs similar to what occurs in U11. Souths United will be applying to have a team in the Under 12 division 1 competition due to the strength of our Under 11 players. Under 12 division 1 is the highest competition in this age group offered by Football Brisbane (exception is BPL). There is no Brisbane Junior League (BJL) competition in Under 12's. Therefore no clubs in Brisbane will have a BJL team in Under 12's. The BJL competition includes the best teams in Brisbane from those clubs who have teams that meet the criteria for competition at this level. BJL teams play clubs from both south of the river as well as north of the river. The BJL competition starts in Under 13's and is dependent on where teams come on the points table/competition ladder in Under 12's. The top 3-4 teams in each Under 12 competition (South, West and North) are invited into the ten team competition. There is no other way of getting into this competition other than performing well in Under 12 division 1 and no clubs are guaranteed of being in the competition. Another option for the better and highly skilled players is to trial for the Under 12 Brisbane Premier League or Under 12 Australian Premier League (APL). This competition is administered by Football Queensland. The southside clubs for these Leagues are: BOYS BPL Brisbane Force Logan Lightning Capalaba Qld Lions Eastern Suburbs Rochedale Ipswich Knights Wolves FC BOYS APL: Souths United catchment club is Brisbane Strikers GIRLS APL (only): Souths United catchment club is Brisbane Strikers, however for all APL girls age groups (U13, U14, U15, U18), Souths United will host these teams in partnership with Brisbane Strikers. Teams will be known as Souths Strikers. Each of these age groups is important with linking with our state teams and W-League Team/s in the future. There are currently State Teams/National Championships in the U/13, U14, U/15 age groups and the U/18 competition will be the springboard for the W-League competition. It is expected that by 2014, there will also have an Open Women s Competition in the Australian Premier League. In the South East Corner, there are 10 Clubs that will be competing against each other on a week to week basis. This will include identification rounds to allow Football Queensland s Technical Department to select state teams and W-League players of the future. The Ten Teams are Wide Bay Revolution, Sunshine Coast Fire, Moreton Bay United, The Gap (Brisbane City), Redlands United FC, Central Brisbane FC (Brisbane Olympic FC), Souths United (Brisbane Strikers), SWQ Thunder, Western Pride and Palm Beach Sharks. 11

BPL, BJL APL Selection Schedule Selection trials for these teams are held in October/November/December each year and dates will be published on the Football Brisbane and Souths United websites. These competitions are only for the best players in Brisbane and are the stepping stone for Queensland representative teams or higher. GENERAL INFORMATION Souths United is committed to the continuing development of all our players and coaches and will be nominating our teams in the highest division possible with a view to placing teams in the BJL competitions for all age groups available where outcomes of divisional achievements enable their eligibility. Souths United currently has representation of a number of teams in the BJL competition and has representation in the APL competition for girls in all indicated age groups. It is the direction of the club to continue to evolve our participation in the higher level competitions and will look to expand the girls competition to as many age groups within the divisional level to feed into a stronger APL selection for future years. While there is no APL representation for boys at Souths United, any opportunity to participate at this level of competition will be encouraged. This will include proactive talented player identification and seeking training and game experience with Brisbane Strikers, where opportunity arises. Consultation with the JDOC and/or Vice President SSF and/or Vice President Juniors is both encouraged and welcomed to discuss player development and direction opportunities. For further details, please refer to the clubs Junior Policy 2013. 12

JUNIOR DIVISIONAL UNDER 12 UNDER 16 Coaching Structure Head Coach Assistant Coach At minimum a Head Coach will be allocated to each Junior Divisional and BJL team Minimum qualification is Junior Certificate. Youth and Youth C licence attainment is encouraged. Where possible an Assistant Coach is encouraged to provide assistance to the Head Coach. An excellent opportunity for developing coaches. Seeking / holding of Junior Licence is encouraged. General Approach to Establish Effective U12-U16 Coaching Structure, Player Development & Training Plans COMPULSORY Session will be held for all Coaches (refer Handbook for meeting date and time). This session will include: Presentation by the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) Provision of Team Training kit to Team Leaders Overview of the first training day procedure Each team will have a Head Coach to perform coaching activities and will be supported by assistant coaches (where possible), coaching peers and direction from the JDOC. All coaches are encouraged to undertake formal coaching courses and gain junior coaching qualifications or higher that will assist development and progression through the junior divisional and BJL ranks. Under 12 Under 16 Player Assessments/Gradings Preliminary assessments for these age groups for Division 1 (Under 12) and BJL teams (Under 13 Under 16) are held November/December each year. Final assessments and preliminary team selections occur during the first 2-3 weeks immediately after sign-on, per the schedule set by the Vice President - Juniors. This will allow time for the Junior Director of Coaching, Vice President Juniors and Age Coordinators to place players in teams before formal training starts. The following pre-assessment activities will be responsible to the JDOC: Confirm with the Club Administrator by 31 December 2012 whether each age group needs their own timeslot for these assessments (minimum 2 sessions/age group). Dates will be advised before/at sign-on and are outlined in the Souths United Handbook. Refer also the website. Organise assistants recruited from JDOC and SSFDOC and identified coaching pool for each assessments. Wherever possible, consistency of Assessment Staff for an age group will be maintained. Assessment Staff do not assess their own children but may assess the other players in the age group. Provide different coloured, numbered bibs for easier identification of players Assessments will be performed by the JDOC and SSFDOC with assistance from experienced coaches and will be based on performance during small sided game activity. Players will be identified and assessed according to abilities: 1, 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3. Please note that during assessments the following format will occur: All players to arrive 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time. Each player will be individually numbered prior to commencement. Players will be asked to participate in a number of games. Players may be asked to change groups at various times throughout the sessions. This is not indicative of their skill level and players and parents should not read anything in to this. 13

All players will be treated as numbers throughout grading. Players will receive scores for their performance during grading. The scores will determine which team a player is graded into. In some instances, the Junior Director of Coaching (JDOC) reserves the right to include prior knowledge of a player when a player is on the cusp of a team. This knowledge may be first hand or obtained through written assessments from the previous year s coach etc. Exceptions to the assessment session process are when players sign-on after the grading sessions have been completed. These players are invited to trial with a team at the discretion of the JDOC. Players are then assessed by the coaching staff of the team (and if possible, the JDOC) and an assessment is made as to the player s ability and a recommendation as to which team the player should be graded into. Those players identified as 1 would form the basis of the BJL/Division 1 Teams for each age group. All Under 12 to Under 16 must attend assessments each year to ascertain their current level of skill and overall capability to enable appropriate team selection and level of competition that team is to be placed. Selection considerations include: Individual abilities, Positions played and; Composition of the team. Non-attendance at assessment sessions may have an effect on the preliminary team in which a player is placed. Where numbers warrant, this may include teams being formed through composite age groups (in a higher age group). Preliminary Teams After consultation between assessment staff, the make-up of the preliminary teams will be at the discretion of the JDOC. Players will NOT be informed individually into which team they have been placed. Preliminary teams will be listed and displayed on the Clubhouse verandah s exterior windows as well as the Club s website. Notification of team coaches and managers (where known) will also be advised. Training nights, times and locations along with maps of the fields indicating the position will also be available. Preliminary teams are not final. Movement of players up and down divisions can occur up until the completion of the Football Brisbane grading games but before the first fixture. This does not apply to BJL and APL teams. Where an age group has multiple numbers of teams, the lowest division team (s) will have larger number(s) of players since it is administratively significantly easier to move a player up a division than apply for permission to move them down a division. Pre-Season Training The Club may offer prospective BJL and Division 1 players pre-season training. This does NOT replace the assessment process that occurs after sign-on however the JDOC, after assessment of a player and in conjunction with the relevant coach and Vice-President Juniors, can, if desired, give a player a guarantee that he/she will be selected for a particular team. Such players will be notified in writing or by email with an offer of a position within a certain team. The notification will request acceptance by a cutoff date and payment of a non-refundable deposit to confirm the position. Appeal Process The Club and its coaches are careful to ensure that players are playing in the correct team. However some parents and players may still be disappointed with the final outcome. The Club asks that parents talk through the concerns with their child and only then, contact the JDOC by email with their concern. (jdoc@southsunited.org.au) 14

Players and parents need to take into account that the assessment process is undertaken by independent, qualified and experienced coaches. Carnivals The club is considering holding carnivals in various age groups. Selected clubs will be invited to participate. Carnival details for the 2013 will be made available on the website when known. It is envisaged that the club will enter teams in the 2013 Logan City Cup and, will also consider entry to the 2013 Gold Coast Champions Cup. Souths United may look to host a 2013 Onyx Cup suitable to U12 U16 age groups; however this is still to be determined. Participation in external carnivals will be at the discretion of the JDOC and the Head Coach who; will also make recommendation to the Vice President: Juniors. The Club Administrator will complete associated entry criteria for approved carnivals. This will be on a user-pays basis. (Refer also to the Club s Junior Policy with regards to general participation in Carnivals, not specific to Development Squads) Player Development FFA TIC Program UNDER 12 UNDER 13 Learning the positions and basic tasks in 11 v 11 U12 U13 11 x 11 1 4 3 3 formation: Extending tactical instruction explaining the positions and basic tasks TIC General Description: Ideal mental and physical conditions in this age group The start of playing 11 v 11 on the whole pitch with real game rules demands a big reorientation on almost all aspects that were learned in earlier phases First high point in the learning of motor skills, well built/ideal proportions, good coordination Socially aware, critical of own performance and that of others Likes to compete and compare Imitates Idols Almost all aspects that were learned in earlier phases. Focus on learning the positions and basic tasks in playing 11 c 11 in a 1-4-3-3 formation Relevant Training Content Functional game skills and skills transfer (special attention for passing drills and heading) Position related to the team s output (basic) Training games 1 4 3 3 formation: Perfection per position Functional game skills and skills transfer in possession of the ball Defensive functional game skills and skills transfer Transitioning Learning the general principles in training games and 1 4 3 3 game training Dynamic stretching in warming up: Number of sessions per week: 3 4 (+ 1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 75 minutes. 15

UNDER 14 UNDER 15 Learning how the basic tasks link together U14 U15 11 x 11 1 4 3 3 formation: Choice / specialising for a position + corresponding tactical instruction TIC General Description: Pre-adolescence: Obstinate, rebels against authority and provokes conflicts Sudden big increase in height limits physical capacity (injury prone) Self-overestimating and self-absorbed Stagnation or regression of coordination (clumsy) Development of other interests and hobbies, reassesses the place of football in his / her life and sometimes puts it into another perspective In this phase the intellectual learning ability is bigger than the physical learning ability Relevant Training Content Functional game skills and passing drills (basic) Positioning games (basic) Training games (basic) 1 4 3 3 game training (basic) Transitioning: In training games, positioning games and 1 4 3 3 game training. Dynamic stretching in warming up Dynamic stretching and core stability exercises Number of sessions per week: 4 (+ 1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 75 90 minutes. UNDER 16 Learning how to play as a team U16 U17 11 x 11 1 4 3 3 formation: Extending development on one position related to the team s output TIC General Description: Post-adolescence, pre-maturity Return of good coordination and technique More balanced, more sense of reality, less emotional / aggressive For boys: Production of testosterone has begun, conditioning is now possible Critical of own performance, able to share responsibilities and to make sacrifices for the team Relevant Training Content Positioning games (specific / advanced) Passing drills (specific / advanced) 1 4 3 3 game training (advanced) Training games. Transitioning: In training games, positioning games and 1 4 3 3 game training.. Dynamic stretching and core stability exercises. Football Conditioning: Number of sessions per week: 4 6 (+ 1 game) Maximum duration per training session = 90 minutes. 16

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Coaching Clinic 2013 It is proposed to run at least two Coaching Clinics in 2013. The first clinic will be hosted by Souths United in collaboration with our partner, Success Football Academy and will run during the last week of the 2013 January school holidays (21-25 January 2013) for ages 6-16. The coaching director for this clinic is Vedran Becirbegovic, who is also Souths United s SSFDOC. This will be on a userpays basis. Promotion and awareness of Clinic details will be done via Souths United Website; contacting 2012 participants via email, publishing on Football Brisbane website and; advising other clubs of its availability. Date of second clinic will be advised during the course of the season. The Club Administrator will also liaise with St Laurence s whether they have any functions booked for the dates of our Clinics (will impact how car park is managed during these clinics). HIGHER DIVISIONS (BJL, Division 1 and Division 2): Increased focus on individual development, positional play and team performance will be delivered through qualified coaches under the guidance of the JDOC and DOF. This may necessitate additional training and development sessions and recommendation to attend Coaching Clinics to hone individual player development. (refer criteria outlined for these clinics attendance would be on a user-pays basis). LOWER DIVISIONS (Division 3 Division 9): Players selected in the lower divisions for each age group will continue to be provided development opportunities through appointed coaches, observations and sessions conducted by the JDOC or guest coach. Players are also encouraged to attend the indicated Coaching Clinics (on a user-pays basis) that are hosted by the club. Players in the lower divisions are encouraged to take advantage of the associated competition level that will assist in players reaching their potential while enjoying a positive playing atmosphere appropriate to their current skills and capability. These divisions can provide foundation to higher divisions as their skills and experience develops and improves over each season. AUSTRALIAN PREMIER LEAGUE GIRLS TEAMS: Players selected for APL will be developed through the associated development APL program outline under the guidance of the Football Queensland State Technical Director and in association with Brisbane Strikers Technical Director, Souths United Director of Football and; appointed APL Coaches and Assistant Coaches. The philosophies of both Souths Strikers and Brisbane Strikers and their coaches will be highly complementary to each other. This will aid the development of the players, embracing the FFA National Curriculum as well as adding their personal principals, experiences and expertise. The philosophy is based around a pro-active and aggressive approach to winning matches with skilled and athletic players (who have qualities including: Technique, Insight, Communication, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Forward Thinking, Positioning and Awareness). All squads will endeavour to create goal-scoring opportunities and win as many football matches as they possibly can. The team will be the aggressor and shall dictate the style and tempo of a game and pursue goals relentlessly until the game is won. 17

The team will use the 1-4-3-3 formation as the starting point, which will encourage the focus on playing out, building up, attacking, transitional moments and basic defending principles. The players will be training within a purposefully planned environment that will develop these qualities through the replication of game specific moments. Elite Player Pathway Socceroos Senior Men s Team U23 Olyroos U20 Young Socceroos U17 Joeys QAS/SAP/Skilleroos FIFA WORLD CUP A-League and W-League APL Matilda s U19 QAS Community Clubs Assessments: It is envisaged that player assessments will be completed on at least 2 separate occasions throughout the season. On the first occasion, player/parent interviews will be conducted during a training session. The final assessment is at the conclusion of the season and this will be posted to the player. For further details, please refer to the clubs Junior Policy 2013. 18