SPYA Soccer Curriculum

SPYA Soccer Curriculum The SPYA soccer curriculum is not simply a reference to a series of booklets and drills, although these valuable tools will be utilized as part of our curriculum. Our intention is to promote a culture within our organization dedicated to promoting a developmental program to be enjoyed by our children, coaches and parents. We emphasize fun and fundamentals as well as preparing all of our participants to succeed in whatever level they seek to attain in the beautiful game of soccer. The curriculum examines many of the challenges facing organizations involved in providing a consistent and progressive soccer development program. The curriculum also provides weekly guidelines for our in-house, recreational and travel programs and references pages in the UK Elite coaching manuals to assist coaches with planning their sessions. In addition to the materials presented in the curriculum we provide scheduled coaches clinics with UK Elite clinicians to further endorse the curriculum content and our commitment to our children s development through the continued education of our volunteer coaches. We have worked closely with our training partner UK Elite and in particular Patrick McCarry and Steve Roper of UK Elite to incorporate our philosophy with their expertise and experience with soccer development programs. We also actively promote and support the educational directives of the NSCAA (National Soccer coaches Association of America) and openly encourage our coaches to gain further education through this national body. Tim Shanahan SPYA Soccer Commissioner

An Introduction: Why Young Children Play Soccer The vast majority of young children will participate for the following reasons: Having Fun There can be little doubt that at this age the main aim for the child is to have fun. If they are having fun they will be motivated to listen and to learn. If they are not having fun they will simply not want to play and may not want to attend soccer practice again. This has clear implications for the style of session that we deliver for the children. Surely our primary aim is to keep the children interested for as many years as possible and to impart a love of the game. We do this through exciting and stimulating practices. Being With Friends The social benefits of soccer cannot be overestimated. In this environment the children make new friends and can develop their relationship with established friends through a common interest. Often the presence of friends and the opportunity to interact is more important than the game itself. This is sometimes difficult for adults to remember despite the fact that games such as golf often provide a similar outlet. Excitement of Competition There are many exciting games in this book for the children to enjoy. There is an element of competition in each of them, which will without doubt motivate the children to participate enthusiastically. However, the coach will play a very important role in shaping the children s attitude towards competition. An important lesson for children to learn is how to cope with winning and losing. Therefore, the way the coach reacts to the winners and losers of different activities will be noticed and absorbed by the children. If winners get a big high five and the losers are ignored what are they to conclude? This is especially the case if it is the same children winning and losing each time. Learn and Improve Skills This might not be the initial factor that motivates the children to play. However, within a short period of time many of the players will acquire a ball and take enough interest to start practicing various skills at home. They take pleasure in mastering skills that they have been taught so that they can show their family, coach and friends a level of competence. The positive reinforcement that follows improvement further encourages this development. It is crucial that the coach considers these factors when planning and delivering a session. If the children are improving, having fun and keep coming back to play soccer then the coach must be succeeding. This should be our yardstick!

Current Challenges in the Youth Soccer System A focus on winning rather than development still characterizes the preparation of the developmental athlete. The best coaches often work at the elite level. Volunteers or Level 1 coaches coach at the younger age groups (5-12 years). However, this is ironic because it is this stage that is the most critical to Long Term player development. Coaching at these levels requires knowledgeable and experienced coaches who can correctly perform and demonstrate skills for the children. Individuals coaching at these levels should also be well acquainted with the psychological, cognitive and emotional development patterns of children and adolescents. The damage done due to incompetent coaching during these early years (5-12) cannot be fully repaired during the subsequent stages Due to the shortcomings of player development during the 5-12 year old stages, many athletes will never reach their optimal performance levels or genetic ceilings/potential. Due to the shortcomings of player development during 5-12 year old stages many players will drop out or may move to a more appropriate program. The system of competition often inhibits optimal training and performance. Competitive calendar planning is often not based on technical knowledge but on traditions and improvisations. A high ratio of competition to training activities inhibits optimal athletic development, especially in team sports. The level of high school coaching and play can have a demoralizing effect on serious club players and there can be a temporary regression in their play.

Redefining Success in Our Small Sided Program Player Development 1. How many players are currently in our program? 2. Is the number of players increasing or decreasing? 3. How many Premier players have we lost to other teams? 4. How well are the players within an age group integrated? 5. What is the level of attendance at practice? 6. How many scheduled practices actually went ahead? Team Development 7. How many teams are currently in our program? 8. Is the number of teams increasing or decreasing? 9. How many tournaments are our teams attending? 10. Which tournaments are the teams attending? Why? Coaching Development 1. How many small sided teams have access to professional trainers? 2. How many coaching clinics were provided for the parent coaches? 3. What was the level of attendance at the clinics? 4. Have the coaches been provided with coaching resources? 5. Is there provision within the club for licensing?

Long Term Player Development Model A Clearly Defined Vision Individual Reflective Learning A Standardized and Progressive Curriculum The Quality of Competition LONG TERM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT The Quality and Frequency of Training The Quality of Facilities Parental Support The Support and Encouragement of Coaching Staff

A New Vision for the SPYA Youth Soccer Program (Travel & Recreation) The vision is long term player development The focus should be firmly on enjoyment and skill development. The aim is to ensure that all the children want to come back and play the following year. This is the true yardstick of a successful season. There should be no emphasis on winning in the small sided program. The aim is to provide the players with an appropriate curriculum that will develop all the necessary skills and techniques to succeed in the 11 a side game. The curriculum is standardized and therefore provides equal opportunity to every player in the small sided program There is very little emphasis on team tactics at the small sided level (and indeed until U14/U15) other than to give the players an idea of where they should be moving. The players should be provided with the opportunity to play in different positions at the small sided level, including GK. Each player should play at least half of a game at the small sided level Parents should encourage the players at all times but never coach from the sidelines. The philosophy should be e-mailed out to all parents involved and ideally presented in team meetings. The philosophy is for the benefit of every player in the club and is not exclusive to an individual team.

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for In-house Programs Season Fall Spring Fall Spring Age Level Kinder Kinder U-7 and U-8 U-7 and U-8 Soccer Soccer Week 1 Ball Ball Possession Possession Familiarity Familiarity (Individual) (Individual) Week 2 Dribbling Dribbling Dribbling Dribbling (Close control) (Close control) (Running with the ball) (Running with the ball) Week 3 Dribbling Dribbling Attacking Attacking (Direction Specific) (Direction specific) ( 1 v 1) (1 v 1) Week 4 Dribbling Dribbling Possession Possession (Turns) (Turns) (Small group) (Small group) Week 5 Dribbling Dribbling Possession Possession (Changing Speed) (Changing Speed) (Small group) (Small group) Week 6 Passing Shooting Shooting Shooting (Inside of foot) Week 7 Shooting Passing Defending Shooting (Inside of foot) (Pressure & stance) Week 8 Defending Defending Defending Defending (Pressure & Stance) (Pressure & Stance) (Pressure & Cover) (Pressure & Stance)

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Recreational small-sided Programs Season Fall Spring Fall Spring Age Level U10 U10 U12 U12 Week 1 Possession Possession Possession Possession (Individual) (Individual) (Individual) (Individual) Week 2 Dribbling Dribbling Dribbling Dribbling (Running with the ball) (Running with the ball) (Running with the ball) (Running with the ball) Week 3 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking (1 v 1) (1 v 1) ( 1 v 1) (1 v 1) Week 4 Possession Possession Possession Possession (Combinations) (Combinations) (Small group) (Small group) Week 5 Receiving Possession Possession Possession (on the ground) (Long Passing) (Small group) (Small group) Week 6 Possession Shooting Shooting Shooting Long passing Week 7 Defending Defending Defending Shooting (Pressure & stance) (Pressure & stance) (Pressure & stance) Week 8 Shooting Defending Defending Defending (Pressure & stance) (Pressure & Cover) (Pressure & Stance)

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Recreational large-sided Programs Season Fall Spring Fall Spring Age Level U14 U14 U16 U16 Week 1 Receiving Receiving Receiving Receiving (under pressure) (under pressure) (Driven Balls) (Driven Balls) Week 2 Possession Possession Possession Possession Long Passing Long Passing (Switching the play 2) (Switching the play 2) Week 3 Possession Possession Possession Possession (Switching the play) (Switching the play) (Switching the play 2) (Switching the play 2) Week 4 Possession Possession Possession Possession (Transition) (Transition) In the In the Week 5 Shooting Shooting Defending Defending (Pressure,cover (Pressure,cover & balance) & balance) Week 6 Crossing & Crossing & Defending Defending Finishing Finishing (In the midfield (In the midfield & defensive 3rd) & defensive 3rd) Week 7 Defending Defending Crossing & Crossing & (Pressure, cover, (Pressure, cover Finishing Finishing & balance) A balance) Week 8 Defending Defending Attacking Attacking (In the midfield (In the midfield (Final third) (Final third) & defensive 3rd) & defensive 3rd)

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Travel small-sided Programs U9 and U10 FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON U-9 U-9 U-9 U-9 U-10 U-10 U-10 U-10 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Week 1 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual (Shielding) (Turns) (Shielding) (Turns) (Shielding) (Turns) (Shielding) (Turns) Week 2 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 1 v 1 Week 3 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Dribbling 2 v 1 Dribbling 2 v 1 Dribbling 2 v 1 Dribbling 2 v 1 Exploit space Exploit space Exploit space (Exploit space) Week 4 Attacking Possession Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession Attacking Attacking 2 v 2 Receiving 2 v 2 2 v 2 2 v 2 Receiving 2 v 2 3 v 2 Week 5 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Short Passing Short Passing Receiving Short Passing Short Passing (Small Group) Receiving Receiving Week 6 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Long Small Group Small Group Small Group Small Group (Small Group) Long Passing Small Group Passing Week 7 Attacking Attacking Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Breakaways Shooting 1 v 1 1 v 2 1 v 1 1 v 2 1 v 1 1 v 2 Week 8 Attacking Defending Defending Attacking Defending Attacking Defending Attacking Shooting 1 v 1 Marking Breakaways 2 v 2 Shooting 2 v 2 Shooting Week 9 Defending Defending Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking 1 v 1 Tackling 1 v 2 Shooting Shooting Breakaways Shooting Breakaways Heading Week 10 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Travel large-sided Programs U11 and U12 FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON U-11 U-11 U-11 U-11 U-12 U-12 U-12 U-12 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Week 1 Possession Possession Possession Passing Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Individual Individual Individual movement 1 v 1 2 v 2 1 v 1 2 v 2 (Shielding) (Turns) (Shielding) (Turns) (Combinations) (Combination) Week 2 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession Possession Possession Possession 1 v 1 2 v 2 1 v 1 2 v 2 Receiving Receiving Receiving Receiving Week 3 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession Possession Possession Possession 3 v 2 3 v 3 3 v 2 3 v 3 Driven Passing Lofted Passing Transition switching play Week 4 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession Possession Possession Possession Shooting Crossing & Shooting Crossing & Transition Switching play Long Passing Shape Finishing Finishing Week 5 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Attacking Attacking Attacking linking (Using width) Receiving (Using width) Receiving midfield Playing Out of Crossing & Shape & Forwards Defense Finishing Week 6 Possession Defending Possession Defending Attacking Attacking Attacking Defending Transition 1 v 1 (Transition) 1 v 1 Shooting Crossing & Shooting 1 v 1, 2 v 2 Finishing (Volleys) Week 7 Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending 2 v 2 3 v 3 2 v 2 3 v 3 1 v 1, 2 v 2 2 v 3, 3 v 3 2 v 3, 3 v 3 Third Week 8 Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending third Third Third midfield third Third Heading in the third third Heading in the third Week 9 Attacking Team Attacking Team Team Team Team Team Link Specifics Link Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics and Forwards & Forwards Week 10 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Travel large-sided Programs U13 and U14 FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON U-13 U-13 U-13 U-13 U-14 U-14 U-14 U-14 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Week 1 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking 1 v 1, 2 v 1 2 v 2, 3 v 3 2 v 2, 3 v 3 4 v 4 3 v 2, 3 v 3 4 v 3, 4 v 4 3 v 2, 3 v 3 4 v 3, 4 v 4 (Combinations) Week 2 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Movement of Link & Using width Crossing & Offensive runs from Central Offensive runs from Central Forwards Forwards Finishing Week 3 Possession Possession Attacking Possession Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Receiving shape Heading Shape With Fullbacks Crossing & With Fullbacks switching play Finishing diagonal balls Week 4 Possession Possession Possession Possession Team Team Team Team Switching Transition Long Passing Play Transition Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Week 5 Possession Possession Team Team Possession Possession Possession Possession Receiving Role of central Specifics Specifics Shape Transition Shape Transition ers Week 6 Defending Defending Defending Defending Possession Possession Possession Possession 1 v 1, 2 v 2 2 v 3, 3 v 3 2 v 2, 3 v 3 Third Receiving under Speed of Play Receiving under Speed of Play Pressure Pressure Week 7 Defending Defending Defending Defending Team Team Team Team Third Third Dealing With Long Balls Third Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Week 8 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Defending Defending Defending Defending Playing Out of Heading Playing Out of Offensive Headers 3rd Diagonal Balls crosses Defense Defense Runs Centrally Week 9 Team Team Attacking Attacking Defending Defending Defending Defending Specifics Specifics Centrally Shooting Link midfield & units Front Third Link Front third & Link 3rd & 3rd Week 10 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics

SPYA Soccer Curriculum Guidelines for Travel large-sided Programs U15 and U16 FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON FALL SEASON SPRING SEASON U-15 U-15 U-15 U-15 U-16 U-16 U-16 U-16 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Session 1 Session 2 Week 1 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 4 v 4 Week 2 Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Attacking Wide v Central Role of fullbacks Wide v Central Role of Fullback Wide v Central Role of fullbacks Wide v Central Role of Fullback Week 3 Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession Attacking Attacking Attacking Possession switching Crossing & switching play Crossing & switching play Crossing & switching play Crossing & play Finishing diagonal balls Finishing diagonal balls Finishing diagonal balls Finishing diagonal balls Week 4 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Week 5 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Shape Transition From fullback Transition Shape Transition From fullback Transition position position Week 6 Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Possession Receiving under Speed of Play Receiving under Speed of Play Receiving under Speed of Play Receiving under Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure Speed of Play Week 7 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Week 8 Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending & units counter attacks Diagonal Balls Crosses & units counter attacks Diagonal Balls Crosses Week 9 Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Defending Diagonal balls Front & Diagonal Balls Front & Diagonal balls Front & Diagonal Balls Front & Thirds thirds Thirds thirds Week 10 Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Team Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics Specifics

SPYA Soccer 2006 Weekly Reference guide (In-house) Kinder Soccer: Fall Spring Week Book # 1 Page Week Book # 1 Page #1 18, 19, 22 #1 18, 19, 22 #2 13 #2 13 #3 20, 21,36 #3 20, 21, 36 #4 25,26,27 #4 25, 26, 27 #5 18,20,21 #5 18, 20, 21 #6 28,29,30 #6 28, 29, 30 #7 29,38,43 #7 29, 38, 43 #8 27,35,36 #8 27, 35, 36 Under 7-8 s: Fall Spring Week Book # 2 Page Week Book # 2 Page #1 19 #1 19 #2 20 #2 20 #3 21 #3 21 #4 25 #4 25 #5 26 #5 26 #6 30 #6 30 #7 32 #7 31 #8 33 #8 32

SPYA Soccer 2006 Weekly Reference guide (Recreational small-sided) Under 10 s: Fall Spring Week Book # 2 Page Week Book # 2 Page #1 19 #1 19 #2 20 #2 20 #3 21 #3 21 #4 22 #4 22 #5 23 #5 23 #6 35 #6 30 #7 32 #7 32 #8 31 #8 33 Under 12 s: Fall Spring Week Book # 3 Page Week Book # 3 Page #1 39 #1 39 #2 54 #2 54 #3 53 #3 53 #4 41 #4 51 #5 42 #5 55 #6 51 #6 45 #7 52 #7 42 #8 45 #8 50

Under 14 s: SPYA Soccer 2006 Weekly Reference guide (Recreational large-sided) Fall Spring Week Book # 3 Page Week Book # 3 Page #1 40 #1 40 #2 42 #2 42 #3 50 #3 50 #4 43 #4 43 #5 52 #5 52 #6 55 #6 55 #7 46 #7 46 #8 47 #8 47 Under 16 s: Fall Spring Week Book # 3 Page Week Book # 3 Page #1 49 #1 49 #2 48 #2 48 #3 50 #3 50 #4 56 #4 56 #5 46 #5 46 #6 47 #6 47 #7 55 #7 55 #8 58 #8 58 Goalkeeping: Week Session Week Session #1 Footwork #1 Footwork #2 Positioning #2 Positioning #3 Shot stopping low #3 Shot stopping low #4 Shot stopping high #4 Shot stopping high #5 Breakaways #5 Breakaways #6 Dealing with crosses #6 Dealing with crosses #7 Distribution #7 Distribution #8 Punting and goal kicks #8 Punting and goal kicks