Locomotive Academy
Practices: The most critical piece in player development is mastery of the ball and the creativity that comes with it. This should be a priority throughout a player's developmental years and will be revisited periodically at all levels of play. As a skill is mastered, the game can become easier - both to teach and to learn. Practices are built around facilitating the development of the skills necessary to move and control the ball in the smallest possible space.
Games: U.S. Soccer recommends that there be no organized matches at this age prior to the age of 7, while for 7 and 8-year-olds, games should be seen as a fun activity that happens to include a soccer ball. There will be plenty of opportunities to play “real" soccer games at older ages. Coaches at this stage of development will continue to be centered on each player’s individual relationship with the ball — want it, find it, deal with it, become comfortable with it.
Development: The level of skill and competence that a 9-year-old exhibits is no indication of the skill and competence that he or she will exhibit at 16 or 18 years of age. Therefore, the focus in on encouraging all players to continue working toward competency with the ball. All players have the same opportunity to reach their potential.
Competition: Competition is a central element in a player’s development. At the youth level, however, a competitive environment should not be a result-oriented environment. The difference must be clear. A competitive environment at the youth level encourages decisions from player and coach alike that focus on performance rather than outcome. The result is just one indicator of performance and at this age, not the most important one. Competition among kids playing games will always exist, whether adults are present or not. Making soccer “fun” at the younger ages does not mean that competition is removed. Competition can be positive and healthy, help each player to enjoy this aspect without making it the focus. Focus on other skill based objectives.