PLAYER POOLING

Player Pooling combines all of the players from specific age groups so that every player in the age group can identify as being part of an unified program rather than an individual team. Pool training/rostering allows the players to be challenged at their own individually developmentally appropriate levels. 

What does that mean?

• Gives the coach the freedom to structure teams and move players so that all games are competitive with no blow-outs 
  
• If a player is dominating a game and is not challenged he/she can be moved to a game where they are with other players of the same ability/size/speed 
  
• If a player is not engaged and cannot compete with the other players he/she can be moved to another game with other players of the same ability/size/speed 
  
• Gives the players versatility as they learn to play with a wide variety of players which enhances their decision making and adaptability in games.

US Youth Soccer Director of Coach and Player Development Manual 

What about teams?

Pooling is NOT a refusal to recognize the social benefit of team identity or team-building that can be a great child-hood experience. 

• Players are still part of a team. They are part of a larger team, a Club! 
  
• Players will train/compete/socialize with a larger group of players 
  
• They can build more friendships and increase their group of friends 
  
• They can compete with and learn from the other players that comprise the Developmental Rec Program 
  
• Players are placed in an environment that allows them to develop an awareness of their “club culture” among different peers with whom they may compete with in the future.