The purpose of this program is to standardize the soccer training for players in our mini program. Pt. Grey and Dunbar run joint mini leagues at all ages and run a joint player development academy (WSPD). To that end, both clubs Technical Directors have sat down and worked though what they feel is an age-appropriate curriculum for U6 to U11 players.

This document used a similar piece by Burnaby Girls as a starting point and incorporates material from various BCSA and CSA coaching manuals. We’re grateful for the hard work they put into those projects.

Coaches are encouraged to plan training sessions in accordance with the principles and priorities laid out here. These guidelines are, however, not meant to be taken as absolutes. There are very few absolutes in coaching. The guidelines are meant to be flexible, as all players of the same age are certainly not at the same developmental level. The ultimate goal of the coach is to prepare the players to play at the next level. Remember, however, that as a coach you are training children who may only desire to play recreational soccer, as well as those who wish to compete at the highest level.

Guiding Principles for Mini (House) Team Coaches

• to have fun
• to keep the kids playing the game
• to develop players so they can play at the level they aspire to

Tips for the Coaches

• make practices enjoyable
• be prepared
• coach technical skills rather than team tactics
• ensure every player must have a ball at their feet during practice
• aim for a high level of activity and a minimum amount of time spent standing in lines

Open the full document, Age Appropriate Training: U6-U11, which includes curriculum ideas and detailed suggestions.

Other practice plan ideas and coaching tips are listed under Links for Coaches.

Playing/Coaching to Win versus Coaching to Develop Players

Below is a reminder that is probably aimed more at U9/U10 as players are getting older, bigger, faster, stronger, and more competitive. As are the coaches. We want to encourage coaches to foster this competitiveness, but keeping in mind sportsmanship, fairness, and the spirit of what house league is all about. Obviously, the reminders below apply to U7/U8 as well. Please have a read as it will help us all be on the same page going forward and enable us to continue to deliver a fun and exciting program for all of our players.

As house league coaches (U9/U10) we must coach players positions and strategies that will help individual players and the team to succeed. We must encourage players to compete to the best of their ability and to work as hard as the can on the field to achieve individual success and team success. However, we must do all of the above without placing primary importance on the result of the games. Please focus on the process when determining if your players/team has been successful on game day. Did they give their best effort? Did they have fun while doing so? If so, then it is a successful day.

Finally, please remember that the house league playing time policy is equal playing time for all players. This does not change for any of the following reasons:

• how a game is going
• because we are losing I'm going to play my stronger players longer, so the whole team doesn't get demoralized by a big loss
• the game is very close, competitive and fast paced and some of my weaker players need "more rest"
• any reason what so ever.