HOWARD FIRE FC U14 CURRICULUM

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE U14 AGE GROUP
  • The more advanced U14 players are able to execute the range of skills, but most others are still developing previously taught skills and are now being exposed to these additional skills 
  • Important psychosocial implications for a child entering puberty-early or late 
  • Popularity influences self-esteem 
  • Tests limits - a know-it-all attitude 
  • Fertile period to learn – full of eagerness 
  • Tend to be quite self-critical and may need regular positive reinforcement 
  • Bodies are going through physical changes that affect personal appearance 
  • There will be significant differences in physical maturation rates between individuals 
  • Rapid growth spurts of the skeleton leave ligaments, tendons and muscles catching up, so coordination and balance are astray. Temporary gangly movement may result in a loss of touch on the ball. Players do not always make the connection between their growth spurt and the temporary loss of form; they need help realizing that everything will come back into synch in six to 18 months.
  • Keep it fun!!!


 

ROLE OF THE U14 COACH

The U14 coach should have a firm grasp of both the youth game and the junior game. He or she should have an appreciation for creativity and independent thinking. At the same time, he or she should be able to communicate group and team themes to the players in a clear and simple manner.  

U14 SEASON OBJECTIVES & GOALS

U14 CURRICULUM TRAINING TOPIC CHART 
SOURCES:
  • USYS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM
  • MASSACHUSETTES YOUTH SOCCER CURRICULUM
  • US SOCCER CURRICULUM