THIS IN-HOUSE PROGRAM is developed and structured to teach youth players the game of soccer in a fun, yet demanding environment. It is important that these youngsters enjoy what they do in order to allow for an optimal learning experience. Most of the training is oriented toward technical skills training. It is important that young players learn to master the ball at an early age so that a wide base can be established and the process of progressive learning can go on.

WE AS ADULTS MUST understand that we deal with kids and that we should give them the opportunity to be a kid on the soccer field. Teaching and coaching takes place at the level that these players are able to comprehend. Learning is an ongoing process that takes place at all times, however, not everybody learns and develops at the same pace! As parents we must always be supportive to our children and use positive reinforcement no matter what happens.

PLAYERS FROM THE JUNIOR ADMIRALS DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM will have the opportunity to join the Erie Admirals U10 team when they have reached the appropriate age. The Junior Admirals Developmental Program has two levels of enrollment. Based on the age and skill of the player, he/she will be enrolled in U6-U7 or U8-U9 group. Within each age group the coaches will differentiate and take playing experience into consideration. The players will be divided into training groups based on their individual ability and development.

Soccer is different! Its foundation is based upon basic techniques and elementary principles required by all players. A young player's ability to perform the basic techniques of the game: creative dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting heading and tackling, is directly related to the application of simple principles of play and is critical to their development and future success. It is therefore vital that coaches use small-sided games such as 1v1, 3v3 and 4v4 in training. Small-sided games increase the number of touches on the ball, do not allow players to hide or be excluded, and provide simple but realistic soccer challenges and decisions.

For Parents:

* Team leadership is the coach's job, in any sport. Organizational help, on the other hand, is always welcome and enriches the life of the club (parties, tournaments, etc.)

* If you're disappointed in the final score or your child's performance, keep it to yourself. Instead, help the children deal with it positively.

* Do not to yell out personal, highly emotional negative comments during sessions. They only cause fear and aggressiveness.

* Never try to influence the coach's lineup even if it means your own child doesn't get as much of a chance to play.

* Your enthusiasm for the team and the league should never be dependent on your satisfaction with the coach's decisions.

* If you're still frustrated, set up an individual meeting with the coach and try to share and discuss your opinions and feelings in an objective atmosphere.

* Always stop to think about how you're acting on the sidelines, in practice or at a match, and improve your behavior if necessary.

Basic Training, in a long-term youth training program, covers the period between ages 5 and 10. During this period, we lay the groundwork for all training (Intermediate and Advanced) to follow. Basic Training also comes directly the "golden age of learning" (ages 10 to 12), when optimal physical and psychological conditions allow players to make amazing strides in a short period of time. But we can only take advantage of this window of opportunity if we've laid the necessary groundwork between 6 and 10. You can't build a house without a solid foundation!

Important:

* Children need regular opportunities for "free play," i.e. without special rules during their practice sessions. At these times, the coach (and parents) must stay in the background and give the players a chance to experiment, to gather playing experience, and to become more independent.

* At the 5 to 10 year age of development, the coach's job is to organize the practice session so that all the players can play and learn as much as possible, on equal terms. At this age, the players are gathering valuable playing experience. After getting the players started, the coach will step back and get involved only when it's absolutely necessary to help them.

* Games with big teams on big fields are not appropriate for this stage of development. They're not fun and they're not appropriate for learning. Small games (from 1v1 to 4v4) in small spaces are vital for youth training.

BRIAN HOLDFORD is the Program Director. Brian currently holds his NSCAA National Youth Diploma, which is designed for teaching players ages 5-12. He has been involved in this program for six years.