Players should be carefully introduced to the demands of the game in a controlled, organized manner moving from the simple to the complex in stages.  Remember the game is the best teacher.  Keep things simple.  The best choices are game-like activities with simple rules played in small groups.  Nothing will improve a soccer player more than these small-sided games with as many touches on the ball as possible.  In addition, the players need certain social experiences to mature as a player, such as respect for the coach, opponent and referee, orderliness, friendships and fairness. The following technical skills should be found in all training sessions:

U6 Basic Instructional

This division will be devoted to the instruction of the players on the fundamentals of soccer.  Competition will be introduced but will remain in the background.  The goals of this division is to introduce players to the game of soccer and instruct them in a non-stressful setting on the basic fundamentals.  No standings will be kept nor will scores be tallied.  Two teams will be assigned to a field.  Each team will occupy half the field for the first 20-30 minutes of the session.  This time will be devoted to skills training on a team basis.  Mini-games (10-4 minute shifts) will be played between the two teams after a 5 minute break.  The coaches will act as referees for the mini-game.  These mini-games will be unlike full games in that the coaches may be on the field instructing the players during the game and the game can be stopped by either coach to provide further instruction.

This division will be devoted to the instruction of the players on the fundamentals of soccer.  Competition will be introduced but will remain in the background.

This division will also be devoted to the instruction of the players on the fundamentals of soccer.  Competition will be included but not overly stressed.  The goals of this division as in the U8, is to introduce players to the game of soccer and instruct them in a non-stressful setting on the basic fundamentals.  Standings will be kept and scores will be tallied.  The Spring season will be 6 weeks long.  The regular season in the Fall will be 9 weeks long with a Playoff/Championship the last week.  Playoffs in Fall Season only. Playoff opponents determined by lot, not standings.  However, the emphasis will be on instruction. 

Two teams will be assigned to a field.  Each team will occupy half the field for the first 20 minutes of the session. This time will be devoted to skills training on a team basis.  Full games (2-25 minute halves) will be played between the two teams with a 5 minute break between halves.  A referee will be assigned for all games.  The referee can assign and will inform volunteers regarding the duties of a lines-person.  Coaches will not be allowed to converse will players that are on the field except while they are in the Tactical Area.  Players and coaches will remain on one side of the field between the penalty area, in other words, no running up and down with the flow of the game.  During the game, spectators and parents should be on the other side, away from the coaches and players.  This will allow the coach and his players to operate in an unimpeded manner.  

U12 - U16 Competitive

This division will be devoted to the instruction of the players in a review of the fundamentals of soccer and then an introduction to strategy and tactics. This division is competitive but coaches and parents are advised that the primary goal is still for the children to learn the skills associated with soccer and above all to have fun! Standings will be kept and scores will be tallied. The Spring season will be 6 weeks long. The regular season in the Fall will be 9 weeks long with a Playoff/Championship the last week. Playoffs in Fall Season only. Playoff opponents determined by lot, not standings. However, the emphasis will be on instruction. Two teams will be assigned to a field. Each team will occupy half the field for the first 10 minutes of the session. Full games (2-30 minute halves) will be played between the two teams with a 5 minute break between halves. A referee will be assigned for all games. The referee can assign and will inform volunteers regarding the duties of a lines-person. Coaches will not be allowed to converse with players that are on the field except while they are in the Tactical Area. Players and coaches will remain on one side of the field between the penalty area, in other words, no running up and down with the flow of the game. During the game, spectators and parents should be on the other side, away from the coaches and players. This will allow the coach and his players to operate in an unimpeded manner.