The Club has a number of goals which are inter-related and cannot be reached independently. For example, the ULTIMATE AIM of producing players for the US Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Collegiate level cannot be achieved unless the PRIMARY AIM of making soccer FUN is also achieved. Also, without enjoyment, the third major goal of the Club, which is producing players/people with HIGH PERSONAL STANDARDS cannot be attained.
The aims of The Club can be summarized as follows:
The Ultimate Aim –
to produce premier league level players, ODP players and players that will go on to play in college.
We cannot accurately forecast at an early age which of our players will reach our Ultimate aim, because physical and mental development is very difficult to predict. We can, however, recognize the POTENTIAL players have, and give them the OPPORTUNITY to experience good coaching, excellent facilities along with top competition. What we can predict is that no player will progress and develop a love for the game unless he or she is having FUN. Therefore:
The Primary Aim –
to make soccer fun.
Without the vital ingredient of ENJOYMENT our players will not progress. We aim to increase their love for the game by –
1. Improving Technique and Understanding
As players improve in all the basic techniques of the game, including: passing and receiving the ball, dribbling, crossing, shooting, tackling and heading — the more they will understand about when to use each technique — and the more fun they will have as they work hard at being successful at the game.
2. Improving Teamwork
Another way we increase enjoyment of the game is by encouraging skillful and imaginative play from our players— helping them to improve their communication and interaction with teammates, both on and off the field.
Another aim of the Club, therefore, is to improve the understanding of teamwork amongst players and the role of each position in the team.
At the younger age groups especially, we encourage players to play in a number of different positions, in order to improve their all around play and understanding of the game. (It is not until a player’s physical and mental characteristics develop fully, that their best position can be accurately identified.)
• Unavailability – Absence for either matches or training sessions should be reported to the head coach as soon as possible. If a player misses training it is his/her responsibility to contact the coach. If the player fails to contact his/her coach, he/she could lose playing time in the next match.
• Training and Match Cancellations – If you are concerned that a training session or match might be cancelled due to poor weather, DO NOT call Family First Sports Park (unless your coach works out of the facility)! Call your coach or team manager.
• 8155 Oliver Road • Erie, PA 16509 • 1-888-8GO-PARK • 866-5425 • 866-8066 (F) •
[email protected]
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