DEVELOPMENTAL REC PROGRAM

Our Developmental Recreational in-house program is both educational and fun! It is a holistic approach that TEACHES players the game of soccer in a FUN supportive environment that addresses all aspects of development; Physical, Cognitive, Social and Emotional.
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It provides an opportunity for all children - without regard to athletic ability or soccer skill - to enjoy the “beautiful game”.

It is important that the children enjoy coming to training and the scrimmages so that they have a “good first impression” with the game. We want every child in our club to have a positive experience learning the game in an age appropriate educational setting.

Seasons

Spring Program- May, June & July
Fall Program- September & October

Cornerstones of our Developmental Recreation Program

Developmentally Appropriate Learning
By creating an environment that is age and stage appropriate we can optimize learning. We are able to work with players both as individuals and as part of a group; and help each child meet challenging and achievable goals.
Below are a few of the tools we use to achieve a developmentally appropriate environment.

Small sided games 
(games played with less than 11 players a side) 
  • Participation is maximized as small sided produces active participation and constant opportunities to play with the ball 
  • Excellence is achieved as each player has repeated opportunities to perform, perfect skills and to increase capabilities 
  • With the increased number of touches, the player is active, gets constant exercise and has opportunities for enjoyment 
  • Small sided games forces shared decision making, players have to think, learn to anticipate and to react. 
  • Opponents are valued as the increase the opportunities for exploring the game, learning to use the body with skill and enhance participation.

US Youth Soccer Director of Coach and Player Development Manual 
Club-wide curriculum
  • Age specific curricula give an age and stage appropriate plan for the season. 
  • They provide the building blocks for development. 
  • Each age builds on the knowledge and skills obtained the previous year. 
Small roster sizes
  • Allow for more playing time.
  • Increase a player's time on the ball during games.
  • Increase decision making opportunities for players, which leads to deeper understanding of the game.
  • Increase in player confidence and enjoyment.
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.
Socialization and Fun
FUN is paramount! 
You need fun, to keep the athlete motivated and coming back. 

FUN is NOT a 4-Letter word. 
It can and should become the foundation of every athletic experience for kids. And when combined with learning and the right type of competitive environment, you have the ideal place to develop athletes who perform up to their potential.
http://changingthegameproject.com/fun-is-not-a-4-letter-word/
Social Benefits
Participating in sports provides opportunities for children to develop friendships, to learn to lose and win gracefully, to practice taking turns, to take on leadership roles, to learn to follow rules and to practice managing conflict. The social interaction experienced while participating in sports also improves mood and mental health. 
Kicking Is Not Soccer (KINS)

KINS stands for Kicking Is Not Soccer. It is a program for players U4 through U8.

The KINS Program’s main objective is to promote and emphasize the skill of dribbling at the U5 through U8 age groups and discourage the aimless booting
of the ball that is all too prevalent at these young ages. When young players are conditioned to just kick the ball forward as far as possible, their skill development is stunted, making it harder for them to reach their true potential. Dribbling is the foundation and preparation for all the other fundamental skills of soccer, such as controlling, passing, and shooting. Laying the proper dribbling foundation at the youngest years will enhance the players’ ability to improve all the soccer skills. No matter what level the players will end up playing, recreational or select, they will derive increased pleasure from the game if they can control the ball better and become more adept at manipulating it. The spectators will also enjoy the game more if they can watch players who exhibit skill and creativity.

The program’s second objective is to promote decision making by the players on the field and reduce their dependence on the adults for problem solving.

KINS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 
QUESTIONS? 
Please click on the "CLUB CONTACTS" button below to contact a Board Member

CLUB CONTACTS