Probably one of the hardest transitions for any parent of a youth soccer player is the switch from recreational soccer to competitive soccer. Many soccer clubs, like the one I coach for have what are called pre-competitive or player development programs (PDP) that are geared towards players that are currently playing recreational soccer, but are interested in more advanced training and competition.
The following paragraphs represent sample communication that we use to introduce parents to the PDP program. The key to any coaching situation is making sure that the parents understand what both they and their child are getting into along with expectations. Coaches and parents may or may not agree with what is being said, but the key is that you've at least set the standard for how things will work.
Recreational soccer is a great program, but it’s often difficult to provide more advanced coaching and training for players that are interested in playing soccer at a higher level. PDP programs are designed for youth soccer players, usually 8 to 10 years old, who want to take their game to that next level. Training sessions are designed to help the young soccer player build stronger physical and mental skills that will help them become better soccer players.
As part of the advanced training, the players are introduced to a new set of coaches with deeper background and training in coaching the game of soccer. The player development program coaches all have a wide range of playing and coaching experience. Playing experience ranges from playing at the high school, regional, national, or collegiate level. Coaching experience ranges from coaching at the club (classic), high school, or collegiate level. Additionally, coaches have coaching licenses that range from the “National E” to the “National A” (US national team coaches, for example). In many cases, coaches also have specific areas of expertise in different aspects of the game, such as: position specific training, fitness, diet, mental approach, etc. In PDP, the objective is for the players to get experience with as many coaches and coaching styles as possible to enhance their growth as a player.
The PDP program consists of training programs (practices) specifically designed for the PDP player, and the players also have the option to participate on a PDP team in games where they can utilize their skills against players of similar ability from other clubs in the area. Generally, the training sessions are not team specific practices, but rather sessions to focus on individual and small group drills and games. The team games are held weekly, and provide the player the opportunity to experience soccer in a more competitive situation.
Keeping all of this background information in mind, you will now receive information on the observation sessions that will be conducted within the next couple of weeks. The observation sessions are designed for the coaches to be able to assess players, and place them on teams best suited for their ability and developmental needs. The goal of PDP is to form as many teams as possible to give every player that wants the opportunity to play on a team.
Typically, the observation sessions are the first opportunity where players and their families are exposed to a try out-like process. It can be a bit stressful for everyone involved. All of the PDP coaches work very hard to minimize the stress and encourage the players to just go out and have fun. As a parent, please do your best to minimize the stress associated with the process and encourage your player to just go out and have fun. It will make the process easier for everyone involved.
A couple of days after the tryout process, players will be notified of the team that they are placed on. As with any process similar to this one, their may be some disappointment associated with the placement. It’s very important that parents remember that the coaches are doing their best to group the players based on ability, and that no matter what team their child is placed, the player will receive excellent coaching, training and game experience. The process may cause some players to be separated from their close friends, and that can be somewhat difficult. However, it does give them the opportunity to build new friends, and develop their skills at the same level as players with similar ability. Sometimes, parents feel that their player was singled out. However, we can assure you that this is NEVER a consideration by any of the coaches.
We, as coaches of the PDP program, ask that the parents do their best to accept where their child has been placed, and continue to encourage their child to work hard. There are often situations where teams are short on players, much like during the Futsal season, and players may have the chance to play on another team to help out. Also, coaches may periodically move players from one team to another. The movement of players strictly depends on the development needs of each player.
Each player develops at their own pace, and it’s important to keep that in mind, not only through the PDP program, but also through the classic (competitive) program should they choose to participate in that program. Here’s a good example. A couple of years ago, Coach Larry, coached a group of girls, who were on the third team at their age group. All of the girls worked hard at their game, and some of them were able to move up to the second and first team over time. Additionally, when that group reached high school (they are currently sophomores in high school), 4 of them made varsity as freshman, and the remaining players made the top JV team. Going into next year, almost all of them will be playing key roles on their varsity soccer team. While this is not something every player can expect to achieve, they all have this opportunity if they continue to work hard at their game. As stated above, all players develop at a different pace, and this group of girls is a good example of that.
Probably the last three pieces of important information have to do with expectations during the games.
During recreational soccer, you will often hear parents not only cheering for their player, but also tell them what to do. During PDP, parents are encouraged to cheer for their player, and are discouraged from offering instruction. Players should take all instructions from the coaches during games. Quite often, when a parent is yelling instructions to their player, the player gets confused between what the coach is saying and what their parent is telling them. Please minimize this confusion by relying on the coaches to provide instruction and feedback.
Please refrain from encouraging your player to play certain positions. The best example is when parents provide incentive (i.e. ice cream) for their player to score goals. This often works against the objective as the team as it is difficult to get players to play positions other than forward. All positions on the field are important, and the coaches will have players playing a variety of positions.
After each game, the players will jog across the field and give their parent a high five or hug. We are discouraging parents from doing any sort of post game “celebration”, such as tunnels, lines, etc. While we want the players to be recognized after the game, regardless of the end result, we also want them to do it in a way that is respectful to themselves and their opponent.
Overall, the PDP program is designed to be a way for players to take the step to the next level in their soccer playing. While we, as coaches, will continue to emphasize playing the game for enjoyment, we will also be instilling additional skills and disciplines that will help each player develop to the best of their ability.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with your children, and appreciate the support you provide to the program. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the coaches via email or phone.
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