YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT 1 YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT1YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENTBuilding Comprehensive Youth Soccer Clubs By Gareth Smith

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT2Introduction – Gareth SmithExperienceDirector of Coaching, WDMSCAssist. Men’s Coach, Drake UniversityISA/USSF Coaching Education InstructorRegion II ODP, U.S. YNTQualifications:USSF A, UEFA, USSF GK, National YL, NSCAA Premier,Scottish F.A. Children’s LicenseEducation:Doctorate Education & Leadership (present)MSc, Physical Education, Health and RecreationBSc, Sports Coaching & DevelopmentNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT3Youth Development - Mentality“The message that comes across to me is that theclubs that take the development of young playersseriously can be the clubs to benefit the most.”Liam Brady, Arsenal FC, Academy DirectorNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT4Presentation Objectives1. A professional approach to Youth Development2. Identify guiding principles and “best practices”3. Raise standards and expectations of playerdevelop at the youth level“Though we are opponents on the field, we must allunderstand we have a duty to collaborate and sharebest practices for the greater good of the game”Maarten Fontein, ECA,NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT5U.S. Soccer Player PathwayNational TeamProfessional Soccer - MLSCollege Soccer – NCAA/NAIAElite Youth: ODP, USDAYOUTH CLUB’s – The Foundation!NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT6Youth Club Overview Over 5000 Youth Soccer ClubVariety 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 practicesthat increase the chances of success”NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT7The Business PlanNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT8Youth Club ComponentsMission & Vision1Infrastructure/FacilitiesClub Assessment872Youth Club Development6Parent Education& IntegrationOrganizational Structure &Leadership3Player DevelopmentPlan4Programming5Staff Development

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT9Mission & Vision“Successful youth soccer club create avision, articulate the vision, passionatelyown the vision, and relentlessly drive it tofruition”NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT10Mission & Vision – Why? Clarifies clubs purpose and passionIdentifies membership being servedIs player-centered!Community specificIs realistic, but ambitious!NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT11Organizational Structure“Every company has two organizationalstructures: The formal one is written on charts;the other is the everyday relationships in theorganizations.” Harold GeneenNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT12Organizational StructureBoard of DirectorsExecutive DirectorDirector ofCoaching & PlayerDevelopmentClub AdministratorAge GroupAge GroupTechnical DirectorTechnical DirectorU5-U18 Rec.Age GroupTechnical DirectorU9-U11 AcademyU12-U14 SelectU15-U18 SelectTeam CoachesTeam CoordinatorsTeam CoachesTeam CoordinatorsTeam CoachesTeam CoordinatorsTeam CoachesTeam CoordinatorsAge GroupTechnical DirectorNSCAA National Convention 2013SpecialPrograms

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT13Organizational StructureBenefits of a well defined organization: Identifies decision makers at each levelCommunicates chain of commandIdentifies official reporting relationshipsClarifies roles and outlines distribution ofresponsibilities (i.e., AGTD)NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT14Organization – Board of Directors Overarching authority of the clubShape the mission and visionProvide proper financial oversightEnsure legal and ethical integrityOversee policy and operational guidelinesIdentify individuals for key leadershippositions – then get out the way!NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT15Organization – Executive Director Link between Board and coaching departmentResponsible for day-to-day operationsSoccer and business backgroundAssist in marketing, fundraising, and overalladministration of the Club Relationship with Cub Director is criticalNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT16Player Development Plan Link“Its about more than just football we musteducate all young people holistically, not simplyto focus on football” Guillermo Amor, F.C. BarcelonaNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT17Holistic ApproachPersonalDevelopmentNutritionEducationField PlayerDevelopmentYouthDevelopmentClassroom logicalDevelopmentNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT18Player Development PhilosophyGuiding Principles: Develop the person, and then the player Player-centered decision making process Individual development before teamdevelopment Focus on long term development – thejourney requires patience, detailedunderstanding, and a sophisticated planNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT19Philosophy – 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 quantityNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT20Philosophy – Style of Play Articulate how the game should be playedTrain the way we want to playHave a conviction – brave and flexibleAccept short-term loss for long-termdevelopment (i.e. playing from the back)“Understanding relationship between style ofplay, training priorities, curriculum developmentand player development is critical.”NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT21Philosophy – Team PlacementVertical (chronological) Vs. Horizontal (biological)CategoryVertical ApproachHorizontal ApproachPlacementBased on ageAbility iaLimited/noneContinued assessmentProgressionStay with age groupDepends on developmentLeadershipNo interactionCoordinated effortDifficultySimpleRequires skilled leadershipIs age more important than ability?NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT22Philosophy: Placement – Age Vs. AbilityKeys to implementation:1.2.3.4.5.6.Develop a transition planTransparent assessment processRegular parent education and feedbackEquality in staffing assignmentsStaff communication – everyone “on the bus”Frequent players assessment(Newbury, 2012).NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT23Club ProgrammingNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT24Programming – Things To ConsiderCan you meet the players need at each stage?Age: youth to adults (e.g., 40 8-a-side)Gender: male, female, coedLevel of Play: Rec, Competitive, EliteIdentify the gaps – partner when necessaryType: league, camps, specialized programs(Mental Skills Training, T.O.P.S., etc.) Systems alignment: consider externalprogramming to manage training volume NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT25Curriculum – Why is it so important? Blueprint for coaching staff - continuityAge specific training priorities/objectivesConnects each phase of teaching processCriteria for staff assessment/accountabilityMeans to assess program effectivenessA ‘club way’ provides identity and image“Failure to address one phase will limit aplayers potential for all remaining phases”NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT26Curriculum ExampleWDMSC Programs: U11-U12 ProgramsLTPD 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) throughSmall Sided Games (SSG). (4) Introduce basic elements of small group tactics (i.e. 2v1, 2v2).TECHNICAL(1) Dribbling; change ofdirection, close control;fakes/moves to beat opponentsand shielding.(2)Passing: Short sharp passing,instep drive, the chip pass,crossing.(3)Receiving : ground,bouncing, and air balls withinstep (cushion) and soleinside-outside of foot, thighand chest control(4) Shooting; with laces, insideand outside of foot, volley andheading to score - placementversus power. Goalkeepers: footwork,distribution, low dives Technical/Tactical Training:develop basic patterns of play 5v0, 5v3, 6v4) to goal.TACTICALPHYSICALPSYCHOLOGICALPERSONAL Implement defense andattack principles in SSG(1) Defending: pressure andcovering defender, basicdefense concepts(2) Attacking: passing patterns,basic combinations (wall pass)(3) Passing/possession:Supporting angles, showing forthe ball, movement off the ball,timing of runs Technical/Tactical Training:combination of technical skillsin game related functionalactivities to goal (3v2, 4v3, 5v3situations). All activities should involveregular contact with the ball Continue to develop ABCs ofmovement Education. Continue to develop speed,flexibility, power and endurancethrough fun games Warm-up (dynamic), cooldown (static) stretching ismandatory. Basic core stability andstrength development. Flexibility training. Basic body awareness Introduction to mentalconcepts: concentration levels,confidence, and emotionalcontrol, intrinsic motivation Understanding of the role andlink between practice and gameperformance. Sportsmanship: winning andlosing gracefully. Goal setting (short term) onperformance and homeworkrelated technical skills (jugglingetc.) Character developmentAccept discipline and structure Understand the relationshipbetween effort and outcome. Interpersonal skills andlearning to work in a teamenvironment Positive communication Parental support Commitment toimprove/achieve goals Personal responsibility andcharacter development. Homework: Dedication totraining outside practice.Game related Implement basic systems ofplay (2-3-2) Rotate players throughdifferent positionsLow Training Priorities: (1) Winning/team results; (2) Team tactical development - specific positioning,.

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT27Curriculum Implementation Provide clear and concise contentRegular communication and education Formal and in-house educationUtilize a range of curriculum tools Articles, video, graphic software, animationsEncourage staff input and feedback Bridge the gap between theory and practice“curriculum provides coaches with the blueprint totrain the right things at the right age and time”NSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT28Coaching Department“The first mission of coaches is to try to helpplayers with their behavior; the second is toshow them how to be good players.”-Albert Puig, FC Barcelona. AcademyNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT29Coaching DepartmentKeys to building a successful staff: Directed by one coaching authorityOnly recruit ‘team players’Provides specific roles and expectationsConsistency and continuity are criticalPlace according to education/personalityControlled coaching turnover Transition and successor planNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT30Director of CoachingRoles and responsibilities: Reports to Executive Director and BoardExecutes Technical Development PlanDesigns coach and player education resourcesRecruit, develop and assess coaching staffOversees all programming and levels of playManages tryout process and staff placementRepresent at State, Regional/National levelNSCAA National Convention 2013

YOUTH CLUB DEVELOPMENT31What does it take to be a DOC?Key characteristics: Highly educated with strong administrationPossess a ‘development first’ mentalityHigh standards personally and professionallyDiplomatic, responsive, perseveranceStrong convictions on player developmentLife-long learner – education never stops!You can only lead others where you yourself arewilling to go Lachlan McLeanNSCAA National Convention 2013