Age Group Curriculum for Youth Player Development

Mission Statement:

The goal of Brentwood Soccer Club is to develop players to their highest potential in a positive environment that is both instructive and fun. Our objective is to provide every player the greatest opportunity to develop their soccer skills in addition to important life skills such as discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork. This task is accomplished by hiring the most experienced and qualified coaches that have a passion for the game and the desire and the enthusiasm to educate young players. Each player in BWSC is provided instruction based upon a proven curriculum that is age appropriate and commensurate with the skill level of the players. BWSC also provides guidance and help for the elite level player looking to play in the Tennessee Olympic Development Program (ODP) as well as those players with the desire to play soccer at the collegiate level. Several coaches within BWSC are staff members of the Tennessee ODP and current or former college coaches with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Players within BWSC will receive the full range of development from 8 years old to 18 years of age.

The development of a soccer player is a long process in which players progress gradually from a simple to a more complex involvement in the game. This process can not be rushed, but players should always compete at a level that is both challenging and demanding. Below is a list of elements that are essential for proper player development.

• Competitive training environment that is demanding, challenging, varies, motivating, enjoyable, encouraging, stimulating and realistic to the game on a regular consistent basis.
• Quality coaching to help guide, direct and assist players through their youth careers from coaches who are pursuing a greater understanding of the game and how to teach.
• Ideal game environment that is age /ability appropriate against teams that will push the players to their maximum capabilities, where players receive "fear free" continuous playing time and are encouraged to keep possession goal to goal.
• Competitive developmental environment where development is emphasized over results and where players and teams are placed on teams or put in leagues that will enhance their development.
• Proper Equipment -proper boots, shin guards, properly inflated balls, proper dress and goals.
• Political pipeline of administrators coaches and referees that place great importance on player development when making decisions and policies.
• Player identification system that can find the top players and place them in the appropriate level and program.

There is no guarantee that a player will reach his or her potential, but at least we must give him or her opportunity to become "The Best They Can Be".

"Soccer is an art not a science and the game should be played attractively as well as effectively. Soccer is a game of skill, imagination, creativity and decision making. Coaching should not stifle, but enhance those elements".

There is no magic formula or short cut to successful development, coaching at youth levels is all about working with players to improve performance. Soccer is a player’s game and the player’s should be considered first when political, administrative and coaching decisions are made.