LUYSA Grassroots Soccer: A Parent s Guide 2015 Fall Season

Similar documents
Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Guide

Small Sided Soccer Club Development Manual

GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SOCCER Game Formats

Small Sided Soccer Development Manual

Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Technical Guide 2015 Spring

Summit Soccer Club Overview

Long Term Player Development Stage 3: Under 9 to Under 12 s Learning to Train Small-Sided Soccer - Club Development Manual

The Chiefs Way Academy: U9 U12

Player Development Initiatives Small Sided Standards & Birth Year Registration Frequently Asked Questions

KIWI HOOPS PROGRAMME PLAYER BASKETBALL NEW ZEALAND KIWI HOOPS PROGRAMME GUIDE.

Palatine Celtic Soccer Club. Inspiring Excellence in the Community Season

The Spartans FC Youth Section

Ashton on Mersey FC Club Vision & Coaching Philosophy Ages 4-16

SC Force Developmental Program Information Handbook

Age Group Overview, Curriculum & Development Philosophy

CENTENNIAL SOCCER CLUB

St. Charles Force Premier Program Information Handbook

Long Term Player Development. Small Sided Soccer / Mini Soccer Development Manual

TAMPA BAY UNITED ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM

Small Sided Soccer Club Development Manual

Judo Canada LTADM Steering Committee

MICHIGAN AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION MITE HOCKEY GUIDEBOOK

Midland Soccer Club Information Packet

February 9, Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club Members,

Acknowledgements. Sport Canada. Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) Contributors. Richard Way Istvan Balyi Steve Norris Colin Higgs Charles Cardinal

Haverford Soccer Club Travel Team Manual

US Soccer Federation Player Development Initiatives

Basic Coaching Concepts for Player Under the Age of Eleven The Golden Age for Soccer Skill Learning

INDIANA FIRE JUNIORS U8-U12 Youth Academy Player and Parent Guide

Charlotte Soccer Academy

Haverford Soccer Club Travel Team Manual

Introduction. Progressive Tennis

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MANUAL

Smyrna Soccer Club Player Development Program U8 Boys & Girls. Program Details

UABA Coaches Manual. Mission Statement: The Coaches:

CLUB OPERATING POLICY Rules and Regulations

Langley United. Player, Team, Coach Development Manual and Playing Philosophy

BASIC FUTSAL COACHING PREPARATION

TRAVEL TEAM TRYOUT PROCESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Player and Parent Commitment Letter for 2016/2017 Season

Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Technical Guide 2013 Spring

Squirt (10 & Under) FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Birth- Year Registration and Small- Sided Games Version 1.0 (February 1, 2016)

Genesis Football Academy Grassroots

Technical Handbook (Booklet 3 of 3)

STRUCTURE OF THE IIHF

The Calgary Foothills Academy Parent Handbook

VERMONT SOCCER LEAGUE Divisional Rules and Guidelines

BETHLEHEM TOMBOYS GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE TRAVEL PROGRAM POLICY ( )

BOXING CANADA HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM SELECTION POLICY 2018/2019 PROGRAM YEAR

Santa Monica United Football Club Parent-Player Agreement

CONTENTS 03 AMBITION 04 MISSION 05 GROW THE GAME 07 SERVE MEMBERS 09 SUCCEED INTERNATIONALLY 11 EFFECTIVE SPORT LEADER 13 SUMMARY

FAYETTE AREA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION PLAYER/PARENT REGISTRATION AND TRYOUT INFORMATION

Spokane Foxes Pumas FC Academy Coaches Manual 2017

Coaches Orientation. South Calgary Ringette Association September 30, 2016

14 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ,

OPDL FAQs. Why should I choose the Richmond Hill Soccer Club OPDL program?

Player Development Initiatives

SPYA Soccer Curriculum

Granby Rovers Soccer Club

RECREATION MANUAL (OUTDOOR)

Fair Play Policy. Key Factors/ Principles Leading to the Creation and Implementation of the Fair Play Policy

Top Flight Volleyball Club 2739 Alft Lane Elgin IL

Loudoun Soccer Development Academy. Letter of Commitment

COLLINS HILL SOCCER CLUB MEDIA GUIDE

Building the Playing Style Concepts

Minnesota Hustle Basketball Player/Parent Handbook 2018/2019

N.I.S.L. Player Development Guide. Under 8 Under 10 Created by the NISL Technical Committee for the benefit of the NISL Member Clubs

SOCCER PROGRAMS. for Vernon and Area Players

To understand how each player is evaluated please see the VLSC STEPS to player and talent identification.

Huntsville Futbol Club Tryout Packet

Kitsap Alliance FC. Meet The Club Evening 2017

WGBA Travel Parent Information

MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

Welcome to the RYSA Wildcat season! Congratulations for being selected for a RYSA Team!

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP s) MEDFORD BASKETBALL BOOSTER CLUB, INC.

Waterford Soccer Club Travel Team Policies

Strategic Plan. Updated January 2013

US Soccer Organizational Structure

Alabama Soccer Association. Youth Academy Rules & Procedures

A Developmental Approach. To The Soccer Learning Process

USSF Mandates/BRSC Implementation

FM Soccer Club Travel Program. Travel Soccer For those players looking for more...

Welcome to Titans Basketball Inc EST Introduction -Information and Guidelines 2018 STRUCTURE OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Johnston - Urbandale Soccer Club U8. Coaching Curriculum

CUFC 2014 Recreational Program Coaches Manual

MITES SOCCER LEAGUE MANUAL

WASHINGTON PREMIER FC COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Recreation Player Pathway

The City of Airdrie Minor Basketball Association Parent Handbook

Financial Agreement Jaguar FC Teams. LEAGUE/TOURNAMENT/UNIFORM fees will be invoiced separately August 1 & March 1

Athletics in New Brunswick STRATEGIC PLAN Enhancing Participation, Performance & Positive Experiences For New Brunswick Athletes

LEADING A SOCCER NATION CANADIAN SOCCER ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC PLAN

2016/17. CBR Minor Hockey. Initiation Program Intro to Hockey. Heather Flynn. CBR Minor Hockey 8/17/2016

Baldock Town Youth Football Club

14 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ,

GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SOCCER

Chippewa Strikers Soccer Club. Club Handbook

KAMLOOPS CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB: A STRATEGIC PLAN AND BUSINESS MODEL FOR 2012 TO 2016

DEVELOPMENTFORFUN,DEVELOPMENTFOREXCELENCE

Transcription:

LUYSA Grassroots Soccer: A Parent s Guide 2015 Fall Season LUSA provides this guide to parents in age groups U6 through U10 to clarify questions and/or concerns. Copies are emailed to Club Age Group Coordinators and all registered families 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 LUSA website located at www.luysa.com

Table of Contents Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION... 3 Welcome to LUSA Grassroots... 4 KEY LUSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS 2015... 5 Calendar of Events... 6 Volunteering... 7 LUYSA Grassroots FAQ... 8 What are Small Sided Games?... 11 Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer... 11 LUSA RESPECT Program... 12 Roles and Code of Conduct for Parents... 13 Small Sided Games Team Structuring Process - U6 to U10... 14 CSA - Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)... 15 Grassroots Stages of Development... 18 Vancouver Whitecaps Ticket Program and Kickin with the Caps... 19 Medical Consent Form... 20

Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION Our Mission: The Mission of the Langley United Soccer Association is to foster, promote, and develop the skills, knowledge, and enjoyment of the game of soccer. Our Vision: Langley United 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 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 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

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 has been recognized as a leader in player development across BC and Canada. Our programming is based upon the Canadian Soccer Association s (CSA) LTPD (Long Term Player Development) program. On the following pages, you ll find a description of the CSA s LTPD program, and its benefits, as well as an overview of the Fall Player Development Program. 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 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!!! Mike Stumph Director of Grassroots Soccer Technical Langley United Soccer Association mikes@luysa.com Joanne Briggs Director of Grassroots Soccer - Administration Langley United Soccer Association joanneb@luysa.com

KEY LUSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS 2015 Technical Director technicaldirector@luysa.com Mark Parker Assistant Technical Director assistanttd@luysa.com Gary Reid Director of Grassroots Soccer mikes@luysa.com Mike Stumph Technical Director of Grassroots Soccer joanneb@luysa.com Joanne Briggs Administration Registrar/Administration info@luysa.com Nicole Reid U5 Coordinator 2011@luysa.com Mike Stumph U6 Boys Coordinator 2010boys@luysa.com Colleen Jeffrey U6 Girls Coordinator 2010girls@luysa.com Colleen Jeffrey U7 Boys Coordinator 2009boys@luysa.com Robert Gray U7 Girls Coordinator 2009girls@luysa.com Lisa Atkinson U8 Boys Coordinator 2008boys@luysa.com Shann Lovegrove U8 Girls Coordinator 2008girls@luysa.com Corine Hamilton U9 Boys Coordinator 2007boys@luysa.com Kirsten Charlesworth U9 Girls Coordinator 2007girls@luysa.com Tricia Scott U10 Boys Coordinator 2006boys@luysa.com Melinda Di Lorenzo U10 Girls Coordinator 2006girls@luysa.com Melinda Di Lorenzo U11 Boys Coordinator 2005boys@luysa.com Rich Shimmin U11 Girls Coordinator 2005girls@luysa.com Rich Shimmin U12 Boys Coordinator 2004boys@luysa.com James Stumph U12 Girls Coordinator 2004girls@luysa.com Rachel Baldwin Whitecaps Ticket Coordinator & Director of Club Events jamess@luysa.com James Stumph Executives: President president@luysa.com Marcel Horn 1 st Vice President - Technical 1stvp@luysa.com Arnout Stams 3 rd Vice President 3rdvp@luysa.com Mike Thomson Director of Equipment equipment@luysa.com Kurtis Walper Director of Fields fields@luysa.com Richard Scott Director of Referees referees@luysa.com Joe Lee Director of Youth (U11-U18) richs@luysa.com Rich Shimmin

Calendar of Events The follow is a rough guide as to important dates and events that occur throughout the Fall Soccer Season: September 9 & 10 Pre - season coaches meetings are held. September 11 Rosters are released to Grassroots teams. Coaches will contact their team by email. Please check your junk mail folder periodically to ensure you get the message. September 12 & 13 Coaching clinics are being held by LUSA. Active Start, which is aimed at our U6 coaches, and Fundamentals, which is aimed at our U7 U9 coaches. September 12 Grassroots equipment pick up. For coaches and assistant coaches only September 14 thru September 18 Training begins; Coaches will contact their team and choose a night and a time that works best for the team. Practices are held on grass fields, at Langley Elementary School grass fields September 19 & 20 Games begin. Boys play on Saturdays, girls play on Sundays. September 28 thru October 2 Picture Nights. Early October U6 U8 Teams move their training into gyms. Early December Gyms are no longer available for training. Mid December Programming stops for Holiday Break. A confirmed date will be sent out in November Early/Mid -January Programming returns. Early March Year end jamboree, soccer season is complete.

Volunteering LUSA is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on the efforts of the many volunteers that step forward from our membership. We welcome help at all levels of the organization. Below are some (but not all) of the various ways you can contribute to our success in building LUSA into a leader in youth soccer in BC and across Canada. Team Related Activities: Head Coach Assistant Coach Team Manager Club Related Activities: Executive Position Age Group Coordinator Assistants to the above (as approved by Executive) Member of Executive recognized Committee Special Activities: Picture Day Registration assistance (fall, spring, academy, as needed) AGM Support Awards night Equipment sorting/distribution/returns (as needed by Dir of Equipment) Travel Teams Assistance Linesman If you are interested in volunteering within the club in any of the above (or any other way), please contact LUSA's Director of Volunteers at: info@luysa.com

LUYSA Grassroots FAQ When does the season start & end? Parents will receive the initial contact in Late August. Training begins the week of September 14th. At the U6 to U8 level, the program involves one weeknight training session and one weekend game day per week. At the U9/10 level, if field allocations permit, training may be increased to 2 practices and 1 game per week. The club and teams take a winter break around the first week of December, resuming in early January. The season continues until early-march, including a year-end windup. How and when are teams formed? Are there different tiers of play? LUSA s Grassroots (Mini) Soccer program is based upon the Canadian Soccer Associations guidelines & recommendations under the Wellness to World Cup and LTPD (Long Term Player Development) programs. At the U6 level, registered players will be placed onto teams based upon schoolcatchment/home address, and player requests. We try to honour all requests, but it is not guaranteed. Moving into the U7 level, players will be grouped into two like-minded Streams in each age group via an initial live evaluation by LUSA s technical staff. Keep in mind that these are NOT tryouts. The teams within each stream (Development & Community) will then be formed based upon a) school catchment, then b) player requests. Priority is to keep teams balanced and to avoid powerhouse teams. Coaches and players will be assigned and parents notified shortly there-after. For the U8-U10 levels, teams are carried over from the previous season with minor changes based upon the development of players and the changing registration of players (new players, and players leaving the game). Movement between streams also occurs based upon coach s evaluations of player development. Having three streams is dependent on registrations. Age Group # Players (on field) Tiers U6 4 aside None U7 4 aside (*+GK) Development & Community Streams U8 5 aside (*+GK) Academy, Development & Community Streams U9 7 aside (6 plus gk) Academy, Development & Community Streams U10 7 aside (6 plus gk) Academy, Development & Community Streams

Can my child play up a year with a sibling or friend? LUSA will to consider parental requests for their children to play up in an older age group for TECHNICAL development, not for social purposes. This must be approved prior to registration by the technical department. The player must be of the required technical, emotional, and athletic level. We also reserve the right to move the child back to their own age group at any time during the season for any reason but most specifically if they don't have the skill level to compete at the older age group or if they are having trouble fitting in. Safety and well-being of the child is of paramount concern. My child is small and born late in the calendar year; can he play down on a younger team? No. Due to insurance provided by BC Soccer through your registration fees, guidelines prohibit LUSA from allowing this. Every child must play in their birth year age group. Playing up one year may be considered on a player to player basis only and must be approved by the LUSA Technical Department. Changes to the LUSA Player Development Program are designed in part to eliminate the need for players to play up a year to develop at a higher pace. Medical exceptions as approved by BC Soccer are the only exclusion to this rule. Will my child play close to home? Games are generally held at Willoughby Community Park (beside Langley Events Centre). Training for U6 to U8 teams move indoors to assigned school gyms during the wet/cold months. As the first consideration (after the streams evaluations) is to try and place each player in their school catchment area. The earlier a child is registered the easier it is for the Club to facilitate the player placement. Waitlist players are not guaranteed location preferences; they will be placed where space is available. What days are the games and practices? Game days for U6 U10 Boys are Saturdays. Girls play on Sundays. U6-U8 Practices are outdoors (unassigned coaches discretion) until October then move indoors to gyms U9 and U10 training is on artificial turf, and schedule is released in early September. U6-U8 practice days are determined by the coach and the gym time available, usually Mon Friday and only one per week. The gym times are given to our club mid-september when the principals of the school release all extra time to the community. We request our needs but confirmation is not received until the schools needs are met first. The Director of Grassroots, a volunteer, works very hard to manage and accommodate all players in U6 U8 but with over 80 teams to allocate, it's obvious not all needs / requests can possibly be met. Players will not be permitted to switch teams due to practice/gym time conflicts. Please inform your coach(s) of any issues, and they can relay information to the Gyms coordinator. Gyms are not available during the month of December for school usage, and individual schools may at any time cancel specific nights for their own usage. Every effort is made to notify coaches in time, and find alternative gym-slots, but not guaranteed due to the various time restrictions and availability of other gyms.

Who coaches and manages the teams? You! LUSA s Grassroots program is primarily volunteer-driven. From the coaches, team managers, age group coordinators, and board members. LUSA holds preseason coaches meetings, provides a Coaches Guidebook, equipment, and runs BCSA Coaching Clinics throughout the year to help support and guide volunteer coaches through the season. LUSA staff coaches and experienced volunteers are always available as resources to learn from and provide guidance. Can we request a coach or team? Requests are always considered but not guaranteed. At what age can a player start? In order to participate in the full season program, the player must be 5 or turning 5 before Dec 31st. U6 stands for Under 6 years old, U7 = under 7 years etc. We also offer a U5 Parent & Tot program for children 4 years of age or turning 4 before Dec. 31st. This program is run 3 times a year, Fall, Winter, and Spring. It is an 8 week parent participation program run by our staff coaches and experienced youth players. Children are not placed on specific teams until the Spring U5 program, where parent volunteers are assigned to run and coach teams under LUSA staff coach guidance. This acts as a transition for players and parents (volunteer coaches) into the full season U6 program the following Fall. My son/daughter would like to get extra training, are there other programs available? In addition to our regular soccer program, LUSA offers advanced ACADEMY programs open to all players for a separate fee. (pending field availability) The Academy program schedule is released and available prior to the upcoming season. Please refer to the LUSA website for more information. It is run by LUSA s Technical Director, and staffed by our certified Academy coaching staff. LUSA also runs a TEAM ACADEMY program option. Individual teams can be assigned a LUSA staff coach (for a separate per player fee) for a number of training sessions. Whom do I contact with more questions and to get more information? All LUSA contacts can be found on the LUSA website (www.langleyunited.com) under the CONTACTS tab. Each division has its own volunteer Coordinator, as well as the various Directors in charge of programs and club operations. Please see the website and contact the appropriate person.

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. Standings are not kept, and game results or statistics are not recorded. 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

LUSA RESPECT Program Langley United 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) LUSA'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 LUSA RESPECT PLEDGE (click to download or visit www.luysa.com) 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".

Roles and Code of Conduct for Parents The intent of this section is to give the parents an awareness of what is required to be a supportive contributor to our children s soccer experience. Read and sign (along with your child) the LUYSA RESPECT Pledge (found on LUSA website, under the Forms/Docs tab) Fill out and submit the LUYSA MEDICAL CONSENT FORM to your assigned coach. Read and follow the BCSA EDUCATED PARENT document (found on LUSA website, under the Forms/Docs tab) Ensure your current contact info is provided to the coach and club Be on-time (or early) and have your child prepared and ready to play. Notify the coach or Team Manager of any known absences LET THE COACHES, COACH & the PLAYERS, PLAY. SHOW RESPECT TO ALL INVOLVED IN THE GAME, FROM THE COACHES, REFEREES, OPPONENTS, AND MOST OF ALL, OUR OWN KIDS.

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 1-2 LIVE evaluation sessions run by LUSA s Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, Director of Grassroots, and Select staff, as well as input from the previous Fall and Spring season s volunteer coaches. 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 for specific teams. 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 crossstream. 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 primarily 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; and to ensure that players are in the optimum development environment. 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 for LTPD resources. Questions and concerns can be directed to LUSA s Technical Director & Director of Grassroots.

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.

Competition in the early stages of LTPD One element of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) that frequently stirs controversy is the recommendation to eliminate league standings below U12. The controversy arises from the popular claim that standings, as well as league championships and trophies at these early ages, are essential to motivating young players to compete. The elimination of standings in children s leagues is not intended to reduce the intensity of competition among players in a game situation. LTPD recognizes that playing with competitive commitment and intensity is necessary to advance player development in ball technique, decision-making, mental concentration, and other skills and capacities. However, experience shows us that young children will compete even in the absences of league standings. All young players understand that soccer is a game for scoring goals and winning. Simple observation of children s soccer around the world shows that the absence of a trophy or league title does nothing to diminish each player s desire to compete each time they step onto the soccer pitch for a match. The important difference is that the elimination of standings below U12 diminishes the incentive for coaches at these levels to play to win the league because they are chasing a trophy and a league title at the end of the season. It also reduces pressure from parents to win, to perform, and to avoid mistakes. Why is this distinction important? When coaches in children s leagues chase trophies and titles, and when parents criticize and pressure their children, poor player development is the most frequent result. Coaches tend to play only their strongest players, leave their weak players on the bench, specialize players in positions prematurely, use game tactics aimed solely at guaranteeing a win (e.g. kicking the ball down the field, not trying to create controlled buildup), and promoting a general attitude of don t take chances don t experiment with your skills or decisions just play safe by kicking the ball far and away. These problems are more easily addressed in the absence of league standings. Coaches of children s teams are easily able to justify equal playing time for all players, experiment with positions and field alignments, and promote a general willingness among players to try their skills in a game setting without being preoccupied with failing their teammates and the overall effort to win the league. When standings are eliminated in children s soccer below U12, games are still won and lost, and competition still takes place among the players. However, it is now far easier for coaches to pursue a broad-based approach to player development rather than a narrow view of we must win three points today or we cannot challenge for the league title.

In this light, it should be clear that competition remains at the centre of the LTPD approach. Less skilled players are assured more playing time in the competitive environment so they can develop their competition skills, and all players gain experience in a variety of positions. Most importantly, and far more subtly, all players are encouraged to practice and experiment with their skills in a competition environment without fear of making a mistake that could cost a league result. Measured in the context of the physiological, emotional and mental developments that take place during childhood, it is essential that players be permitted and even encouraged to make mistakes. This is the only way they can achieve the practice required to refine their ball control and decision-making skills in a competitive setting. Some coaches will always want to win at all costs, regardless of whether or not there are league standings. This is an unfortunate reality of community children s sport. However, the LTPD approach to competition below U12 provides the best overall incentive for coaches and players to focus on broad-based player development instead of a win at all costs approach. *originally published by the CSA, at www.canadasoccer.com

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.. Works 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.

Vancouver Whitecaps Ticket Program and Kickin with the Caps LUSA is pleased to offer, through a special partnership with the MLS VANCOUVER WHITECAPS, tickets to all home matches at a price of $21 each (reg $38). See current schedule below, and contact James at whitecaps@luysa.com for ticket purchase or inquiries. In a special partnership with the Vancouver Whitecaps, LUSA players have been offered the opportunity to participate in the KICKIN WITH THE CAPS program: It provides: An opportunity for kids to experience a special role at a professional match, including interaction with players and coaches A positive experience for players, parents and coaches An opportunity for each club to reach financial goals and raise their club profile An excellent way to thank your executives, sponsors, coaches, or other partners Fundraising opportunities Based on a minimum ticket purchase of 250, activities can include: Whitecaps FC Player Escorts (11 players aged U6-U9) Visiting team Player Escorts (11 players aged U6-U9) Flag Bearers (minimum 12 players aged U12 and older) Ball Retrievers (up to 12 players aged U13 and older) minimum 12 years old Additional fundraising opportunities PLEASE CONTACT JAMES at: whitecaps@luysa.com for more info & to participate

Medical Consent Form This form must be completed by a parent or guardian, before your child can participate in a LUSA club activity. This form should be completed for each child every year, and submitted to your assigned coach. 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 LUSA Team Manager, LUSA Team Coach or any other LUSA 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:

PARENTS NOTES:

PARENTS NOTES: