Nscaa Youth Club Development Program PDF

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT
1 YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT
Building Comprehensive Youth Soccer Clubs By Gareth Smith

2 Introduction – Gareth Smith
Experience
Director of Coaching, WDMSC
Assist. Men’s Coach, Drake University
ISA/USSF Coaching Education Instructor
Region II ODP, U.S. YNT
Qualifications:
USSF A, UEFA, USSF GK, National YL, NSCAA Premier,
Scottish F.A. Children’s License
Education:
Doctorate Education & Leadership (present)
MSc, Physical Education, Health and Recreation
BSc, Sports Coaching & Development
NSCAA National Convention 2013

3 Youth Development - Mentality
“The message that comes across to me is that the

clubs that take the development of young players
seriously can be the clubs to benefit the most.”
Liam Brady, Arsenal FC, Academy Director

4 Presentation Objectives
1. A professional approach to Youth Development

2. Identify guiding principles and “best practices”
3. Raise standards and expectations of player
develop at the youth level
“Though we are opponents on the field, we must all

understand we have a duty to collaborate and share
best practices for the greater good of the game”
Maarten Fontein, ECA,

5 U.S. Soccer Player Pathway
National Team
Professional Soccer - MLS
College Soccer – NCAA/NAIA
Elite Youth: ODP, USDA
YOUTH CLUB’s – The Foundation!

6 Youth Club Overview
• Over 5000 Youth Soccer Club

• Variety based on:
• Size and resources
• Mission, vision and culture
• Player development model
• Operational guidelines/structural maturity
“Though there is no single “best model”;

there are proven methods and “best practices
that increase the chances of success”

7 The Business Plan

8 Youth Club Components

Mission & Vision
1
Organizational Structure &
Infrastructure/
Leadership
Facilities 8 2
Club Assessment 7 Youth Club Development 3 Player Development

Plan
6 4
Parent Education Programming
& Integration
5
Staff Development
9 Mission & Vision
“Successful youth soccer club create a

vision, articulate the vision, passionately
own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to
fruition”

10 Mission & Vision – Why?
• Clarifies clubs purpose and passion

• Identifies membership being served
• Is player-centered!
• Community specific
• Is realistic, but ambitious!

11 Organizational Structure
“Every company has two organizational

structures: The formal one is written on charts;
the other is the everyday relationships in the
organizations.”
~Harold Geneen

Board of Directors
Executive Director
Director of
Coaching & Player Club Administrator
Development
Age Group Age Group Age Group Age Group

Special
Technical Director Technical Director Technical Director Technical Director
Programs
U5-U18 Rec. U9-U11 Academy U12-U14 Select U15-U18 Select
Team Coaches Team Coaches Team Coaches Team Coaches

Team Coordinators Team Coordinators Team Coordinators Team Coordinators

Benefits of a well defined organization:

• Identifies decision makers at each level
• Communicates chain of command
• Identifies official reporting relationships
• Clarifies roles and outlines distribution of
responsibilities (i.e., AGTD)

14 Organization – Board of Directors
• Overarching authority of the club

• Shape the mission and vision
• Provide proper financial oversight
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity
• Oversee policy and operational guidelines
• Identify individuals for key leadership
positions – then get out the way!

15 Organization – Executive Director
• Link between Board and coaching department

• Responsible for day-to-day operations
• Soccer and business background
• Assist in marketing, fundraising, and overall
administration of the Club
• Relationship with Cub Director is critical

16 Player Development Plan
• Link
“Its about more than just football…we must

educate all young people holistically, not simply
to focus on football”
~Guillermo Amor, F.C. Barcelona

17 Holistic Approach
Personal
Development
Nutrition Field Player

Education Development
Youth
Development
Classroom – Specialized
performance Programming
analysis
Psychological
Development

18 Player Development Philosophy
Guiding Principles:
• Develop the person, and then the player
• Player-centered decision making process
• Individual development before team
development
• Focus on long term development – the
journey requires patience, detailed
understanding, and a sophisticated plan

19 Philosophy – Critical Topics
• Player Development Philosophy -

• Do you know why you do what you do?
• Player placement –
• How do your select teams (i.e. age/ability?
• Style of Play
• How do you want your teams to play?
• League & Tournament play
• Paradigm shift – quality over quantity

20 Philosophy – Style of Play
• Articulate how the game should be played

• Train the way we want to play
• Have a conviction – brave and flexible
• Accept short-term loss for long-term
development (i.e. playing from the back)
“Understanding relationship between style of

play, training priorities, curriculum development
and player development is critical.”

21 Philosophy – Team Placement
Vertical (chronological) Vs. Horizontal (biological)

Category Vertical Approach Horizontal Approach
Placement Based on age Ability based
Skill Varied/mixed Homogeneity
Assessment/ Limited/none Continued assessment
Criteria
Progression Stay with age group Depends on development
Leadership No interaction Coordinated effort
Difficulty Simple Requires skilled leadership
Is age more important than ability?

22 Philosophy: Placement – Age Vs. Ability
Keys to implementation:
1. Develop a transition plan

2. Transparent assessment process
3. Regular parent education and feedback
4. Equality in staffing assignments
5. Staff communication – everyone “on the bus”
6. Frequent players assessment
(Newbury, 2012).
23 Club Programming

24 Programming – Things To Consider
Can you meet the players need at each stage?

• Age: youth to adults (e.g., 40+ 8-a-side)
• Gender: male, female, coed
• Level of Play: Rec, Competitive, Elite
• Identify the gaps – partner when necessary
• Type: league, camps, specialized programs
(Mental Skills Training, T.O.P.S., etc.)
• Systems alignment: consider external
programming to manage training volume

25 Curriculum – Why is it so important?
• Blueprint for coaching staff - continuity

• Age specific training priorities/objectives
• Connects each phase of teaching process
• Criteria for staff assessment/accountability
• Means to assess program effectiveness
• A ‘club way’ provides identity and image
“Failure to address one phase will limit a
players potential for all remaining phases”
26 Curriculum Example
WDMSC Programs: U11-U12 Programs
LTPD Training Priorities and Player Capacities
(1) Maintain a love for the game. (2) Emphasis on soccer specific technical skills, develop through correct repetition (with and without pressure) through
Small Sided Games (SSG). (4) Introduce basic elements of small group tactics (i.e. 2v1, 2v2).
TECHNICAL TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSONAL
(1) Dribbling; change of
direction, close control; ● Implement defense and ● All activities should involve ● Introduction to mental ● Character development
fakes/moves to beat opponents attack principles in SSG regular contact with the ball concepts: concentration levels, Accept discipline and structure
and shielding. (1) Defending: pressure and ● Continue to develop ABCs of confidence, and emotional ● Understand the relationship
(2)Passing: Short sharp passing, covering defender, basic movement Education. control, intrinsic motivation between effort and outcome.
instep drive, the chip pass, defense concepts ● Continue to develop speed, ● Understanding of the role and ● Interpersonal skills and
crossing. (2) Attacking: passing patterns, flexibility, power and endurance link between practice and game learning to work in a team
(3)Receiving : ground, basic combinations (wall pass) through fun games performance. environment
bouncing, and air balls with (3) Passing/possession: ● Warm-up (dynamic), cool- ● Sportsmanship: winning and ● Positive communication
instep (cushion) and sole- Supporting angles, showing for down (static) stretching is losing gracefully. ● Parental support
inside-outside of foot, thigh the ball, movement off the ball, mandatory. ● Goal setting (short term) on ● Commitment to
and chest control timing of runs ● Basic core stability and performance and homework improve/achieve goals
(4) Shooting; with laces, inside ●Technical/Tactical Training: strength development. related technical skills (juggling ● Personal responsibility and
and outside of foot, volley and combination of technical skills ● Flexibility training. etc.) character development.
heading to score - placement in game related functional ● Basic body awareness ● Homework: Dedication to
versus power. activities to goal (3v2, 4v3, 5v3 training outside practice.
●Goalkeepers: footwork, situations).
distribution, low dives
● Technical/Tactical Training: Game related
develop basic patterns of play - ● Implement basic systems of
5v0, 5v3, 6v4) to goal. play (2-3-2)
● Rotate players through
different positions
Low Training Priorities: (1) Winning/team results; (2) Team tactical development - specific positioning,.
27 Curriculum Implementation
• Provide clear and concise content

• Regular communication and education
• Formal and in-house education
• Utilize a range of curriculum tools
• Articles, video, graphic software, animations
• Encourage staff input and feedback
• Bridge the gap between theory and practice
“curriculum provides coaches with the blueprint to
train the right things at the right age and time”

28 Coaching Department
“The first mission of coaches is to try to help

players with their behavior; the second is to
show them how to be good players.”
-Albert Puig, FC Barcelona. Academy

29 Coaching Department
Keys to building a successful staff:

• Directed by one coaching authority
• Only recruit ‘team players’
• Provides specific roles and expectations
• Consistency and continuity are critical
• Place according to education/personality
• Controlled coaching turnover
• Transition and successor plan

30 Director of Coaching
Roles and responsibilities:

• Reports to Executive Director and Board
• Executes Technical Development Plan
• Designs coach and player education resources
• Recruit, develop and assess coaching staff
• Oversees all programming and levels of play
• Manages tryout process and staff placement
• Represent at State, Regional/National level

31 What does it take to be a DOC?
Key characteristics:
• Highly educated with strong administration
• Possess a ‘development first’ mentality
• High standards personally and professionally
• Diplomatic, responsive, perseverance
• Strong convictions on player development
• Life-long learner – education never stops!
You can only lead others where you yourself are
willing to go… ~Lachlan McLean
32 Age Group Technical Directors
Roles and responsibilities:
• Reports to the Director of Coaching

• Oversee specific phase of development plan
• Monthly reports on age group developments
• Mentor staff within their age groups
• Coach multiple teams across age groups
• Must possess conflict management skills

33 Youth Team Coaches
What does it take to be a successful coach?
• Always put players first – no ego’s!

• Respectful, humble and good character
• Understand role in relation to the ‘big picture’
• It’s their passion, not just their profession
• Have mentors and are life-long learners
• Brave – make tough decisions

34 Team Managers
• Provide administrative support - coach/team

• Responsible for team communication and
registration (i.e. tournaments etc.,)
• Are the direct link to the parents – need to be
protected!
• Selected wisely - can make or break the team

35 Parent Education

36 Parent Education
What you need to know…

• They are the investors!
• You need to get them to buy in
• They trust us with their prized possession
• We must value this responsibility Player
• Critical to the development process
• Don’t shut them out!
• Possess limited knowledge Parent Coach
• Education, education, education…

37 Parent Education
Managing Expectations:
• Provide clear expectations
• Code of conducts, grievance process
• Pre-season club-wide meetings conducted by
club director and coaching staff
• Regular feedback on player development
• mid-season evaluations, conferences etc.
• Annual surveys addressing club experience
Take the time to listen…
38 Club Assessment

39 Club Assessment
“To ensure quality education, clubs must receive

information from a neutral source on where they
rank and where there is potential for
improvement”

40 Club Assessment
• Club Assessment - annual parent survey and

external assessor (i.e. NCSP)
• Player Assessment – frequent including all
parties (i.e. Zoom Reports).
• Coach Assessment – completed by AGTD and
DOC based on objective criteria.
To ensure quality and continuous improvement, all

facets of a club must be assessed regularly

41 Closing Thoughts
Progress has been made, but…
• Standards and expectations must continue to be

raised in all areas of youth club development
• A more professional mindset is required to create
a more comprehensive environment.
• There is no silver bullet, it is a long-term
commitment to a long-term process

42 Closing Thoughts
“The future belongs to the youth of this country.

The development of a more sophisticated
approach to youth development is a key issue and
will always remain so.”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, ECA Chairman

43 Recommended Reading
• ECA Report on Youth Academies in Europe, 2012

• DFB, 10 Year Academy Anniversary
• US Youth Soccer, Player Development Model
• U.S. Soccer Player Development Curriculum
• The Model Soccer Club By Robert Parr et al.,

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YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT

1 YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT

Building Comprehensive Youth Soccer Clubs By Gareth Smith

2 Introduction – Gareth Smith

NSCAA National Convention 2013

3 Youth Development - Mentality

“The message that comes across to me is that the

NSCAA National Convention 2013

1. A professional approach to Youth Development

“Though we are opponents on the field, we must all

NSCAA National Convention 2013

5 U.S. Soccer Player Pathway

Professional Soccer - MLS

College Soccer – NCAA/NAIA

Elite Youth: ODP, USDA

YOUTH CLUB’s – The Foundation!

NSCAA National Convention 2013

6 Youth Club Overview

• Over 5000 Youth Soccer Club

“Though there is no single “best model”;

NSCAA National Convention 2013

7 The Business Plan

NSCAA National Convention 2013

8 Youth Club Components

Club Assessment 7 Youth Club Development 3 Player Development

9 Mission & Vision

“Successful youth soccer club create a

NSCAA National Convention 2013

10 Mission & Vision – Why?

• Clarifies clubs purpose and passion

NSCAA National Convention 2013

“Every company has two organizational

NSCAA National Convention 2013

Age Group Age Group Age Group Age Group

Team Coaches Team Coaches Team Coaches Team Coaches

NSCAA National Convention 2013

Benefits of a well defined organization:

NSCAA National Convention 2013

14 Organization – Board of Directors

• Overarching authority of the club

NSCAA National Convention 2013

15 Organization – Executive Director

• Link between Board and coaching department

NSCAA National Convention 2013

16 Player Development Plan

“Its about more than just football…we must

~Guillermo Amor, F.C. Barcelona

NSCAA National Convention 2013

Nutrition Field Player

NSCAA National Convention 2013

18 Player Development Philosophy

NSCAA National Convention 2013

19 Philosophy – Critical Topics

• Player Development Philosophy -

NSCAA National Convention 2013

20 Philosophy – Style of Play

• Articulate how the game should be played

“Understanding relationship between style of

NSCAA National Convention 2013

21 Philosophy – Team Placement

Vertical (chronological) Vs. Horizontal (biological)

Is age more important than ability?