Thank you for Volunteering to coach CSA Developmental Soccer, Spring 2021
Coaches and Trainers
CSA’s Developmental program would not be able to run without the dedication of our coaches and trainers.
Your Time is Important
We thank you for volunteering your time to help coach and train the player in this program.
Rookies to Seasoned Vets
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie coach you will all have something to offer this season.
What to Expect?
- Developmental soccer is an inclusive program open to all abilities of soccer players.
- The likelihood is your team/training group will comprise a varied level of skill.
- Whether first time or returning players, you should expect all players to be enthusiastic and excited to learn and play.
- Some maybe a little shy at first, but that’s ok! They will warm up to you quickly.
What do we expect of you?
This can be age specific, which we will get into later, but factors that span across all age groups are:
- Be organized and prepared
- Be on time
- Be presentable (athletic/coaching wear)
- Be a good role model for your team
- Be enthusiastic and at times patient (especially the younger groups)
- Involve the parents and enlist their support
COVID-19 Guidelines
As we all know we are still in need of following certain guidelines and protocols to help limit the spread of COVD-19. One thing we require is coaches to be aware of this.
What this includes is
- Wearing a mask at all times when around players.
- Being mindful of player spacing where necessary (sidelines, halftime etc)
- Limit the amount of touching of coaching equipment by players
- For further information please see the CDCs guidelines for youth sports
What do we expect of you? U5/U6 Coaches
- At the U5/U6 age group focus should be on the individual player.
- Practices should be focused on dribbling and ball control.
- Having the player become comfortable with controlling the ball, dribbling it towards a target and being able to stop and turn it around.
- By the end of the season players should be able to accurately dribble to a desired location with a moderate degree of speed.
- Some focus should be placed on the team, specifically allowing other team member to possess the ball and not stealing it from each other.
What do we expect of you? U8 Coaches
- Increased emphasis on the team while still encouraging the individual.
- Passing and build up play should start to be introduced, instead of one player dribbling straight to goal each possession.
- Team positions and roles should be worked into games too.
- Players with more developed dribbling ability should be encouraged to try skills to create space.
- By the end of the season players should have a good grasp on the role of defense vs the role of offense. Teams should be able to possess the ball while sharing possession through passes between players.
What do we expect of you? U10 Coaches
- At this level formations and team tactics should be more advanced. Working on transitions in play and changing the formation to suit needs of the game.
- After already grasping passing it should be expanded to knowing the correct time of when to pass and when to dribble.
- A well rounded player at U10 should be able to confidently dribble and pass to create space.
- Goalkeepers are now part of the equation at U10 so identifying any players with an interest in the position is recommended.
- We understand specific goal keeper training is difficult to manage but incorporating a goal keeper in practice sessions/scrimmages is strongly recommended.
What do we expect of you on game days?
- During games its common for the coach to want to dictate almost every aspect of the game.
- What has been found is that in the long run players benefit from less instruction and the process of them figuring It out by themselves is greatly beneficial.
- Quite clearly almost all age groups need some form of instruction, whether its positionally or to even make them pay attention. But what we ask is that (as best as possible) we leave it up to the players.
- This makes it more fun for the players and as mentioned helps their development.
Need Help?
- Feel free to reach out to Ross Marsden our Director of Coaching at any point during the season for any assistance with coaching.
- Whether you’re stuck with a session idea or want to advance your knowledge on a certain topic, Ross is here to help.