AYSO National Coaching Program which we follow, is expertly designed, tested, and accredited not only 1 time, but 3 times by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). AYSO is the only coaching program in the US to receive this accreditation. It is a proven method for player development!!!
Below are the current programs we offer along with description of each:
PLAYGROUND SOCCER (4U or 3-5 year old) The Playground Soccer program introduces 3 year old players to soccer in a fun, pressure-free environment. (4 or 5 year old players are welcome in this group also and recommended if they have never played any sport)
There’s nothing that matches the joy of seeing a group of young children enjoying the experience in a soccer-themed environment. AYSO Playground is a development program for children 3 to 5 years old and uses soccer-themed activities and participation to develop a child’s early fundamental motor skills. This is the foundation of sports success and an active lifestyle.Please note This is NOT a mini World Cup experience. Don’t expect 60 minutes of soccer games. The program uses soccer as the "teaching thread" to develop fundamental motor skills such as balance, running, jumping and throwing for three year olds. This is the foundation of sports success and an active lifestyle. Let your little one learn the beautiful game the right way! It is for the development of Fundamental Motor Skills that will lead into future soccer-specific learning. This program was designed by child development and soccer experts to give your child a foundation for sports success. Your player will hop, skip, jump, run, throw, balance, kick… and play. Parent involvement is a critical component of this program and a great way to begin to nurture a new volunteer base as the kids grow. You’re not just getting the next generation of players, you’re getting the next generation of coaches, referees, Board Members, and other volunteers that makes your Region run!
SCHOOLYARD SOCCER (5U or 4,5 year old) The Schoolyard Soccer program builds on the Playground Soccer program. The objective of this program is to provide young players and their parents with a "pressure free" introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment. This will be a jamboree style which means that teams are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. One with One refers to the concept that each player will have a parent (or other adult) working with them on the field. A "Master Coach" will lead each session and will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair (player/parent) will then attempt the activity while the Master Coach circles between pairs providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the Master Coach will bring the players and parents back together as a group and recap what they have done, introducing the next game/activity. This program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators.
6U (5,6 year old) This program builds on the Schoolyard Soccer program. The objective of this program is to start introducing technical skills such as ball control, shooting, passing, etc. and prioritize skill development and ball mastery. Attacking objectives is to score, defending objectives is to prevent scoring. In other works LET THEM PLAY with little or no interference during games. This will be a jamboree style which means that teams are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. A "Master Coach/Coachs" will lead each session and will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration.The games are intended to be an opportunity for our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption.
8U (7,8 year old) In this age group, the players are egocentric and we introduce individual teams to start building relationships with other players. This age group is time for DISCOVERY!! The attacking objectives is to score and keep possession. The defending objectives are to prevent scoring and regain possession. Referees are also introduced (new refs and youth refs start in this age group) who will briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort will be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. We Let them play and enjoy. Scores are not kept and we want the score so high even the players do not know the score. We introduce goal kicks and corner kicks even though we have no goalkeepers at this age.
10U (9,10 year old) At this age group, we introduce goalkeepers along with offside and certified refs are required. This is the golden age for learning and the age to focus on specific techniques and skills, it a time for ADVENTURE! Tactical techniques are also introduced. Attacking objectives are Score, Advance Ball, Keep Posession. Defending objectives are Stop Them Scoring, Delay Opponents, Regain Possession.
12U (11, 12 year old) This age group we start focusing on positions, including introducing midfield. More tactical skills will be focused on, including fine tuning of technical skills of players in this age group. Strategy (including focusing on "TEAM" concept will also be in beginning stages of development.
14U and 19U (13-19 year old) All laws of the game apply, let the players be competitive and not the adults!!!