Our year-round program is intended to give young players (ages 3 to 11) a chance to grow a love for the game by teaching fundamentals in ball-handling, teamwork, tactical skills, and physical fitness. Players are encouraged to participate in two practices a week where we teach fundamentals thorough a mix of practice drills and scrimmages. Players may also choose to participate in league and tournament play which further reinforces fundamentals learned during practice. For new players (6 years and up), our goals are:
by the end of 90 days the player:
- Should be able to dribble a ball, make turns, stop a ball when and where they want.
- Should be able to push-pass a ball correctly, toe up, punching it with the heel, planted foot pointed where they want it to go.
- Should know to use their arms appropriately to shield the ball, to take the ball away from an opponent.
- Should be able to do a step-over or scissor on command and should be starting to recognize which is which when asked to perform them.
by the end of 6 months the player:
- Should have good command of the ball, directing it where they want it to go, rather than to follow it where it goes.
- Should have the ability to take a ball away from an opponent easily and shield a ball to keep possession from an opponent.
- Should be doing a step-over or scissor easily to go to goal when directed in a scrimmage situation.
by the end of one year the player:
- Should be a proficient player in most aspects of the game. Aggression and want of the ball should be at a higher level than most would expect from their age. Ability to see the field should be there and passing should be starting because the player sees the pass, not because a coach tells them to ‘pass the ball’. Shooting ability should be greatly improved. Defensive ability should be actively used; quick transition to offensive play should be there.
