We believe that sport is for all kids and that activities involved with sport should be accessible and fun. In this way the enjoyment kids get from their activities should be an incentive for them to continue throughout their developing years into adulthood.
We believe that the best coaching and development opportunities should be available to all.
In our minds there is no such thing as an “elite” junior player. All players, whether considered talented or not, are just at a particular place on the development continuum. During the formative developing years, all players need to continue all aspects of their development from where they are on the development path.
This means that development programs need to to focus more on improving the player’s competencies and focus less the immediate performance of the player. Only this way can development best serve the child now and the adult player of the future.
Our Influences
Our program design and overall approach has been influenced by the principles of ‘Long-term Athlete Development’ written by Istvan Balyi, an acknowledged world expert in sports development. Similarly, our football program follows closely the works of Horst Wein whose books on Developing Youth Players and Developing Game Intelligence are pivotal works in the football world.
Using these and other influences our focus is providing opportunities for young players to develop in a progressive and fun way. When a child enjoys their activities, they will look forward to challenges that will improve them. Small progressive improvement brings satisfaction which in turn increases their enjoyment.
A barometer for our success is the enjoyment our young players get each time they come to a session.
Being the Best
The most important challenge for the club is to be the best at what we do. One step we’ve taken to achieve this is through education and certification.
All our activity leaders and coaches receive regular education to ensure they understand the principles and requirements of our philosophical approach. Apart from the football aspects of our education program we have chosen the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA.org) as our certification benchmark. The IYCA specializes in education for the athletic development and participant-based conditioning of children during their school years.
More information on this area can be found in the Library section of the site.
Let Us Know What You Think!
Do you have a comment about our aproach and what we’re doing? If you do, then we’d love to hear from you.
Please leave your comments below.
