Games, Games, and More Games - Evolving a Club Culture The Impact of Multiple Registrations and Under-Training on Long-Term Player Development
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US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Games, Games,
and More Games…
Evolving a Club Culture
The Impact of Multiple Registrations and Under-
Training on Long-Term Player Development
1
US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Soccer Goals
This presentation makes the case that …..
1) Youth soccer players should register to compete for only one
soccer club.
2) Registration policies should evolve towards a “club carding”
approach which, as a general operating principle, provides
coaches with the flexibility to game-roster players to any
age-eligible team within their club structure.
3) The future growth and financial stability of the sport lies
with the evolution of “cradle to grave” Board-operated clubs.
US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
(LTAD)
3
US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
A high volume of ball contacts and repeated exposure to
standard tactical situations are the most important elements of
the player development process for pre-teens and those
navigating the turmoil of adolescence.
Fundamental muscle memory patterns are established through
the myelinization process in the pre-teen years and this
developmental window is regarded as the most critical period
for the evolution of competent technicians and the rise of
expressive soccer personalities.
4US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
It is an accepted principle that in any of life’s endeavors,
reaching a level of excellence requires about 10,000 hours of
active and intense preparation.
As a long-term athletic development (LTAD) sport, the best
predictor of future soccer ability is the time invested in
deliberate “deep” practice.
Time In = Skill Out.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
To maximize soccer potential, aspiring young players…
1. Must be self-motivated to engage in challenging and
purposeful training in order to
a) Improve technical range and efficiency.
b) Overcome deficiencies.
2. Must be receptive to critical feedback.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
In the free play era, motivated young soccer players kicked and
headed their ball against a wall; controlled their ball as it
rebounded from curbs, walls, fences and playmates; and played
small, medium and large-sided games for hours on end.
It was not uncommon for enthusiastic kids to log 10-20 hours of
soccer per week – or 2-3 hours per day, every day – in both
isolated skill development and in unstructured games of varying
configurations with players of varying ages.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
Conservatively assuming only 10 months of playing soccer for
15 hours each week, 10,000 hours of training would take
approximately 14 years to accumulate.
The top young players (professional and amateur) typically
break into their club’s first team in their late teens or early 20’s
and reach their prime by their mid- to late-20’s.
For the top goalkeepers, the maturational curve is slower, but
many also compete well into their 30’s.
8US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
In the free play cultures, organized sport began around U-12.
Young players often experienced a ratio of up to 20:0 when
comparing hours of practice against hours of game play.
Free Play Modern Free Play Modern
Cultures Society Cultures Society
(U-6/8/10) (U-6/8/10) (U-14+) (U-14+)
Average # Practice Hours 10-20 2-4 8-14 2-8
Per Week (estimated)
Average # of Games 0 2 1-3 2-5
Per Week (estimated)
Average # Tournaments 0 0-4 0-2 1-10
Per Year (estimated)
For today’s average player, the time allotted to soccer practice
during the typical week may be no more than 3-4 hours and it is
not uncommon for players to play more than they practice.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
To compensate for these societal changes, the best youth
coaches use the ideals of the free play culture and accelerate
learning through individual skill activities and competition in a
variety of conditioned small-sided games.
They have adopted the inclusive “Play Day Model” for their
youngest players; they promote individual technical challenges
as club-wide initiatives; they offer remedial programs to those
who are motivated to self-train; and, they provide
opportunities to train 3-4 nights per week.
10US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Long-Term Athletic Development
To make significant gains in ability, players must be willing to
engage in “deep” practice, which takes time and effort and
serves to minimize limitations and maximize strengths.
The top players have always been self-made through deep
practice, which is observed in those who arrive early for
training and leave late; who purposefully work on their ball
skills during free time; who independently develop their fitness
and strength; who study the game and the great players; who
grow to love soccer and its traditions; and who relish the hard
work and struggle required to make them better.
11US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Game Play and LTAD
12US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Game Play and LTAD
It is not uncommon for young players in the United States to
compete in over 100 games during the calendar year. Many
adults believe that game play is more important than training.
The numbers say otherwise…. 13US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Game Play and LTAD
A top level professional soccer match lasts 90 minutes. Each
team is allowed a maximum of three substitutions. Once a
player leaves the field, they cannot return. The “active” time,
when the ball is in live play, is approximately 70% of the game
time. Each player is in direct contact with the ball for an
average of just over two minutes.
Level Game Game Game Active Ave. Ave.
Form Roster Time Time Participation Playing Time
Professional 11v11 14 90 mins 63 mins 78% 2.25 mins
14US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Level Game Active Game Max. Ave. Ave. Time
Time Time Form Roster Participation Possession
U-10 50 minutes 35 mins 6v6 12 50% 1.46 mins
U-12 60 minutes 42 mins 8v8 14 57% 1.50 mins
U-14 70 minutes 49 mins 11v11 18 61% 1.34 mins
U-16 80 minutes 56 mins 11v11 18 61% 1.55 mins
U-18 90 minutes 63 mins 11v11 18 61% 1.80 mins
Assuming maximum game rosters and equal playing time,
the table above shows that playing 100 games per season
produces a maximum of around 180 minutes of ball
possession.
Even at the professional level, playing 100 games in a season
would only raise that average to around 225 minutes. 15US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
In contrast, TEN well-planned training sessions will produce
about the same amount of ball possessions as 100 games.
Training Activity Player: Ball Ave Active Ave. Time
Ratio Time Participation Possession
Warm-up: Free Play (~3v3) 6:1 15 mins 100% 2.5 mins
Individual Skill Development 1:1 15 mins 100% 7.5 mins
2v2 Ladder 4:1 20 mins 100% 5 mins
4v4 Conditioned Games 8:1 30 mins 100% 3.75 mins
Game Form Practice 16:1 30 mins 100% 2.5 mins
6v6 / 8v8 / 11v11
Total Average 21.25 mins
Time of Possession
In short, three to four weeks of training can be more productive
than one full year of games! 16US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Game Play and LTAD
Stated another way, attending well-planned training sessions
for SIX MONTHS can produce the same number of ball
possessions as SIX YEARS of playing 100 games per season.
17US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Even for the very best players who rarely leave the field,
the average time of possession is still less than
3 minutes per game; orUS Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
19US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD: The Soccer Environment
Long-term athletic development is a multi-faceted process that
encompass the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological
dimensions of play.
In the early years, motor and technical development are the
most critical elements. Post- puberty, the physical and tactical
dimensions assumes more importance.
As a general operating principle, the BEST SOCCER
ENVIRONMENT is one in which the MOST MOTIVATED PLAYERS
work with the BEST COACHES to establish a technical
foundation that, in time, provides players with the skills to
compete against the BEST COMPETITION available. 20US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
While playing personalities are not fully determined until after
puberty, the technical foundation and potential ceiling of every
soccer player is essentially cemented by around age 14.
This is a serious LTAD concern for three reasons…US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
1. Once past the critical periods for myelinization, it is
impossible to adequately refine motor skills and soccer-
specific techniques that have never been well-established.
2. Creativity is an expression of confidence and applied
technique and skillful players do not consciously think
about technique.
3. The player development focus during the mid to late-teens
shifts towards game awareness, game management, and
fitness development.
22US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
Coaching expertise is often directly related to the level of play;
and, sadly, often to the dollar-cost of participating.
The better coaches typically work at the higher levels where
they find more committed players who connect with more
committed teammates.
Good players challenge and motivate each other.
23US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
Encompassing all other aspects of player development is the
emotional dimension. All aspiring athletes need to feel they are
making progress to become passionate about their sport.
They need to feel they are being challenged at their own level;
feel valued and respected by their coaches; feel accepted by
their teammates; feel loved and supported by their family; and
feel their sacrifice is worth the investment of time, money,
energy, and emotion.
They also need to enjoy driving themselves to improve and
embrace development as a difficult and often frustrating
process. Above all else, they need to see opportunities.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
Each coach has different expectations for the way they see the
game and how they expect it to be played; and each coach has
different ideas on how they define each player’s role within
their particular team.
Good coaches raise the level of play more quickly that those of
lesser ability because they provide a vision, a method, and a
consistent message over time. They teach good playing habits
and reinforce them at every game and every training session.
25US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
In most countries, the national team’s style of play is a direct
reflection of the broader soccer culture.
In the United States, there is a gaping disconnect between the
possession-oriented – Indirect – style of our national teams and
the risk- free – Direct – mentality of the typical parent coach.
Aside Norway’s women (1995), no other country has won the
World Cup playing direct soccer.
26US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Coaching and LTAD
Playing sophisticated, constructive soccer requires skill on the
part of the players and a willingness to accept, encourage and
train risk-taking on the part of the coach.
Very rarely are these qualities found at the lower levels and,
where there is a disconnect in coaching messages, habits
fluctuate and players do not progress as quickly.
While parent coaches remain vital for the sustained growth of
the game at the local levels, they simply do not have the
expertise to evolve soccer to a more sophisticated average.
27US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
28US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Twenty of 55 (37%) US Youth Soccer State Associations permit
young players to register with and compete for two, or more,
different clubs during the same seasonal year.
For the purposes of this presentation, a soccer “club” is defined
as any organization with multiple teams playing under the same
name and management structure.
This is a peculiarly American phenomenon which negatively
impacts both long-term player development and the evolution
of the broader soccer culture.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
The national registration landscape shows 30 US Youth Soccer
State Associations (55%) following the traditional sports model
of registering players to only one team for the seasonal year
(Single Carding).
Typically, single-carded players have restricted opportunities to
play for other teams within their club structure.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Four states (7%) have formally adopted the “Club Carding”
model, which allows players to compete on any age-eligible
team within one club; and a further ten states (18%) have
provision for some form of club carding.
The club carding approach is considered an important and
necessary step in the evolution of US Youth Soccer as a viable
21st century soccer option for elite level clubs.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Fifteen states (27%) allow players to register for two different
soccer clubs playing at different competitive levels (Primary-
Secondary Carding), while a further five states (1%) leave the
decision to the players and their parents (Multiple Carding).
Many Primary-Secondary states stipulate that players must
honor their Primary team’s schedule whenever conflicts arise.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Single Club Primary-Secondary Multiple
Carding Carding Carding Carding
Region I E-NY, DE, MA, NJ, (CT), (VA) (0) CT, (DE), ME, NH, NY-W, E-PA, MD, W-VA (3)
VA (5) PA-W, RI, VT, (MA), (NJ) (7)
15 States
Region II IL, IA, IN, KS, MI, (KS), WI (1) KY, NE, ON, (KS), (IN) (3)
MN, ND, OS, SD,
14 States MO (10)
Region III GA, LA, MS, N-TX, AL, (GA), (NC), AR, FL, NC (3)
OK, S-TX, TN, SC (8) (OK), (SC) (1)
12 States
Region IV AK, CAL-N, CAL-S, (AK), MT, OR, HI, WY (2) AZ, NM (2)
CO, ID, UT, WA (7) (UT), (WA) (2)
14 States
Totals 30 4 15 5
This table (January 2010) presents the national landscape with regard
to US Youth Soccer State Association registration policies. States in
parentheses offer supplemental registration options for some levels.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
To illustrate the potential depth of the registration problem, a
player in a multiple carding state could legally register for 1) the
local recreation program; 2) the local community travel team;
3) a premier club and; 4) for a second premier club in a
separate US Youth Soccer league.
Technically, the same player could also register to compete for
yet another team under another youth soccer organization,
such as SAY, AYSO, or US Club Soccer.
Many youngsters also concurrently participate in other sport
and non-sport related activities during the school year.
34US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
The net effect of playing for more than one club is typically a
cycle of overplaying and under-training. The detrimental impact
on long-term player development is obvious...
Players compete in too many games, many of which are
developmentally meaningless.
Multiple games in a day or a weekend are never contested
with the intensity of a single contest. Players then compete
to “survive” their schedule, rather than striving to perform
at their highest level.
35US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Physiologically, players do not have enough time to recover
their energy reserves (glycogen stores) between games or
from day-to-day.
As muscles fatigue, performance decreases and injury rates
increase.
Players are ten times more likely to be injured during games
than during practices.
Players often play with, or hide, injuries to help their teams
win; or not disappoint their coaches.
36US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
ACL tears, which are up to 10x more common in girls, may
be as much a factor of fatigue as anatomy and physiology.
Over time, the psychological
drain of competing without
adequate rest, recovery, and
motivation contributes to
burn-out and drop-out.
37US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Similarly, coaches who work with players competing in multiple
contests without adequate rest and recovery face additional
game management challenges…
More frequent substitutions are necessary.
Particularly at the higher levels, learning to control the
playing rhythm from within the game is an essential
element of soccer intelligence.
“Coaching” becomes more about substitution management
than reading the game and making strategic adjustments.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
Team strategy is more influenced by fatigue than the match
situation (i.e., the score and time remaining).
Playing time decisions are more dependent on fitness than
the match situation and the momentum of the individual
match-ups within the game.
39US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Player Registration Problem
And finally,
The need for rest and recover after excessive game play
abrogates the responsibility of coaches to improve their
craft by studying, planning and implementing purposeful
periodization programs for their players.
In particular, this has serious implications for individual
coaching development and the depth of expectations placed on
the coaching fraternity as a “professional” body.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case For Single Carding
41US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Why do Players Register for More Than One Soccer Club?
To play with their local friends.
To have games closer to home.
To test the waters of a higher level.
Because parents often believe more is better.
Because they can.
What follows are some of the reasons why they shouldn’t!US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Dual Carding and Commitment
One of the potentially great lessons of participating on a sports
team is learning about commitment and playing for “The Shirt”.
By signing a registration form, players are committing to a club
philosophy, to a coaching staff, to a set of teammates, to a
training and remedial development program, to a game
schedule, and to a social network.
When playing for two or more clubs, fulfilling the range of
commitments to each club is impossible and conflicts between
games and practices are inevitable.
43US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Dual Carding and Commitment
When those scheduling conflicts occur….
Games Trump Practices
Tournament/Showcase Games Trump League Games
Games and Practices for the Higher-Level Team Trump the
Schedule for the Lower-Level Team
The impact on the players and their families is far removed
from the ideals of a positive soccer environment geared
towards long-term player development. 44US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Dual Carding and League Scheduling
When a significant number of players are shared between
teams on different clubs, the league scheduling process for the
lower-level (secondary) team is effectively driven by the
availability of the dual-carded players - who may not necessarily
be competing on the same primary team with similar
schedules.
When games for the primary team(s) are added or rescheduled,
the secondary team is often forced to postpone, forfeit, or play
short-handed. The process of changing an existing schedule and
determining alternative dates is time consuming, costly; and,
particularly in northern states, often logistically challenging.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Dual Carding and Training
For dual-carded players, training with a secondary team is
generally not a priority and may not even be an expectation.
The practical impact of this reality ranges from the secondary
team holding practices with only a limited number of players;
to teams completing an entire season with no scheduled
training opportunities.
46US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
47US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Players who move onto the next level create roster spots for
less skilled / less motivated players to participate and grow
from the experience of competing on a team.
While some coaches in smaller clubs seek to retain their better
players out of necessity, many others are motivated simply by
the prospect of winning games.
48US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Soccer is played differently at every level and the more talented
and motivated players will naturally gravitate upwards to train
and compete on stronger teams.
In progressive club environments, advancement or
enhancement is a natural function of the club carding process.
However…..
49US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Imagine…
A young golfer who is capable of shooting in the 70’s routinely
competing against players who can’t break 90.
A young math wiz studying calculus, who is placed in a
beginning algebra class.
A talented cellist who trains with the 1st year orchestra.
An advanced reader who is only given children’s books.
50US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Imagine…
Being the best player on an average or below average team.
Being coached by someone with limited soccer experience.
Competing against players who rarely provide a challenge.
Being able to do what you want, when you want, and how you
want, because you won’t be substituted, benched, scolded,
challenged, or demoted to a lower team when you don’t
improve or play up to your own standards.
51US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
The broader the ability gap between the top and bottom
players on a team, the more likely it is that the more talented
and motivated players will become frustrated or stagnant.
There is no “development” without peers and players should
play and train at the highest levels available to them within
their chosen club.
52US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Children and young adults join sports teams to actively
participate, to be with friends, to learn new skills, and to learn
about themselves.
When more advanced players compete for lower-level teams,
the lesser-skilled players are assigned to supporting and
substitute roles and the burden for “winning” the game shifts
to the shoulders of the best player(s).
In these scenarios, the lesser skilled players never assume the
leadership roles or take responsibility for carrying the team.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
Growth and development come from active participation, not
sitting on the bench watching good players.
Growth and development are realized when players take on
new and sometimes challenging roles; and assume
responsibility for their own performance and the performance
and attitude of the team.
Growth and development come from striving to improve and
striving to win with the talents available; not by bringing in
“ringers” to manufacture hollow victories.
54US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
When playing down on secondary teams, the top players are
never challenged to the level their abilities demand.
Against weaker players, there is more time and space
available, so they naturally play more slowly.
They are not penalized as often for taking poor
touches or for making poor decisions.
The game is tactically slower and less
sophisticated, reducing the transfer of learning.
55US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Secondary Teams and LTAD
When playing down, the top players don’t have to transition to
defense as quickly or defend with the same intensity.
The speed of transition to attack is also constrained by the
slower technical and tactical speed of less-skilled teammates.
In general, lower-level games are played more slowly, which
reduces the oxygen demands and negatively impacts the soccer
fitness of the top players.
Psychologically, learning to cope with the nervous energy
associated with playing against quality competition is absent
when playing down. Playing down is comfortable. 56US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
57US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
The club pass acts as a membership card that signifies
insurance coverage; provides clubs with the flexibility to solve
short-roster issues; and allows coaches to meet the needs of
individual players with unique circumstances.
In reality, most players are still assigned to teams and coaches
for the duration of the seasonal year.
Club carding does not negate rules for competitions requiring
roster continuity within and between levels.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
At the local level, club carding seamlessly accommodates those
who want to compete on more competitive teams, but who
also want to spend some of their recreational time playing
soccer with their friends.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
At the entry levels, club carding provides a simple and efficient
mechanism to register young players for Play Day programs and
other activities designed to maximize participation and
eliminate formal team-oriented soccer.
However, as players approach the age of ten, the ability gap
within and between the genders can become quite
pronounced. Club carding is the antidote to the rigidity of team
registration and provides coaches with the tools to solve the
problems of precocious players.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
Young players who begin to view soccer as part of their long-
term future are emotionally “different” from those who see
soccer as a short-term dabble to please their parents or friends.
Emotionally and physiologically, assuming the persona of
“soccer player” changes the developmental dynamic for
everyone involved with the player.
Talented youngsters become very conscious that broad
variations in ability and motivation impact their level of
enjoyment: The more heterogeneous the group, the greater
the challenges for the club coaches.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
Motivated players practice more frequently – improve as a
consequence – and are more likely to seek out more competent
coaches, like-minded teammates, and more interesting soccer
challenges.
Beginning around U-10, there can be wide variations between
chronological age and soccer age and every individual develops
on a personal timetable. Emerging players need to be provided
with new experiences that provide appropriate challenges.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
In the teenage years, players who aspire must learn to be
“comfortable being uncomfortable” and the most natural
learning opportunities are often found in competing with and
against better or older players.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
As the natural response to decades of growth, most large
soccer leagues are now organized by single-year divisions.
The most significant unintended consequence of this evolution
is arguably the lost opportunity for players to alternate
between learning from older teammates and assuming the
leadership roles over the top youngsters.
The practical response from larger clubs has been to form
multiple teams in each single age group.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
The Case for Club Carding
Where multiple teams exist, players returning from injury or
illness can be re-introduced to competitive soccer in a less-
stressful environment.
Similarly, where players do not show the required level of
commitment, or development, or have lost form, or are
adapting to a new position, or are struggling with puberty, club
carding provides coaches with the ability to provide alternative
playing opportunities at lower levels.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
66US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
The American soccer culture has become characterized by
“Taxi-Parents” who shuttle their offspring to locations near and
far for the next “important” game.
On the family calendar…
Most weekends are absorbed by soccer.
The major holidays are often absorbed by soccer.
Family vacations are often scheduled around soccer.
Particularly for parents with multiple children in multiple
activities, the logistical challenges can be dauntingUS Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
Families of players identified as “promising” will spend
thousands of dollars each year chasing the lure of a college
scholarship that, if awarded, will statistically return only a
modest percentage of their accumulated outlay.
In chasing college scholarships, “play time” for children as
young as three and four has been replaced by formal structured
sports programming.
For parents seeking to gain a competitive advantage for their
children, the most insidious outcome is, ironically, the negative
impact on long-term player development.
68US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
Success at the youth level often equates to outcome, not
performance. In order to attract and retain players, clubs must
demonstrate “success” against their competition.
Because there are very few natural loyalties, the threat of “Club
Jumping” places enormous pressure on coaches to
demonstrate “success” by winning competitions.
The club “market” has now expanded to includes players as
young as six and seven playing in sanctioned U-8 leagues.
69US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
Since young players are not ready to play constructive soccer
without making lots of mistakes, risk-taking is discouraged and
coaching strategy seeks to maximize the likelihood of victory.
The early developers and better athletes reap the benefits of
gaining experience, while the late-year birthdays and potential
late bloomers are relegated to the benches and backwaters.
70US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
Young children and unskilled players are neither technically nor
emotionally ready for results-oriented competition and by age
13 the soccer drop-out rate is approaching 70%.
If anything characterizes those who survive youth soccer, it is
the overwhelming dearth of creative soccer personalities.
If anything characterizes the value of deep practice in LTAD, it is
the absolute necessity to make and correct mistakes in order to
link nerve pathways into coordinated movement patterns.
71US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
It is a fact that youth soccer has become a growth industry
with annual turnover in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
In the best-case soccer scenarios, large Board-operated, non-
profit organizations spread their costs over thousands of
players and utilize a mix of professionals and volunteers to cater
programs to the various levels of development, motivation and
ability.
The most cost-effective of these clubs own soccer complexes,
or are linked to local city governments where they enjoy access
to public facilities, such as schools and parks.
72US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
The most progressive soccer organizations offer “cradle to
grave” programming; and structure periodization schedules to
provide for multiple layers of talent and motivation.
Programming for the youngest players is kept in-house.
For the very best prospects within these organizations, the
ability to train and compete with older and/or more
experienced players on a selective or regular basis is a critical
element in maximizing individual potential.
CASL (NC) is the largest Board-owned soccer club in the United
States, with over 16,000 members playing at all levels.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
In contrast, the most damaging soccer organizations tend to be
a small number of privately-owned clubs which recruit the top
local talent and callously seek to exploit the financial potential
of the sport at the expense of their players.
While not illegal, the practical impact is that financial decisions
often supersede soccer decisions; the fundamental principles
underlying long-term player development are often given short
shrift; and attending multiple income-deriving tournaments
and college showcases are given more importance than
participating in competitive league structures.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
As more soccer players have become soccer parents, the
definition of “parent coach” has expanded. Former players are
now giving back to the game by serving as both coaches and
administrators; very often, at little or no cost to their local club.
Where once, local community programs were all but devoid of
soccer expertise and dependent on professional coaching, the
arrival of soccer-playing Mom’s and Dad’s has presented a
natural evolutionary opportunity for aspiring community clubs.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
In dual-carding states, the option to declare “Primary” and
“Secondary” teams essentially precludes aspiring Board-
operated, non-profit organizations from evolving into multi-
tiered programs and competing at the highest levels.
In effect, dual carding serves to perpetuate the competitive
status quo and artificially closes the market to natural economic
and social forces.
Without competition from Board-operated, non-profit entities,
club costs associated with private clubs will continue to escalate
and the joys of the world’s game will continue to spiral out of
reach to families with limited financial resources.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
Multi-Tiered Privately-Operated
Board-Operated Clubs Clubs
Registration $15 $15 + $20
Uniforms $80 $100 $70 $70 $80
Team Fees $150 $400 $500 $250 $1300
Outdoor $70 $ $50 $120 $420 $250 $500
Tournament Fees
Indoor Tournament $200 $240 $210 $210 $360
Fees
The contrast in average fees between “Public” and “Private”
clubs in Ohio North sheds light on the potential savings from
evolving community-based programs.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
Club as Community
As a broad developmental goal, supporting the advancement of
“cradle to grave” soccer clubs will serve to contain - if not
reduce - club fees; provide relevant developmental
opportunities for players of all ability levels; create a more
sustainable soccer landscape; establish natural bridges
between youth and adult soccer; and evolve the concept of a
Club as a Community.US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
References and Suggested Reading
Balyi, Istvan (2005). The Role Of Long-Term Athletic Development In Elite Sports.
Bangsbo, Jens. (1994). Fitness Training In Football.
Bompa, Tudor (2005). Periodization Training For Sports.
Canadian Sport For Life, v2 (2009).
Colvin, Geoff. (2007). Talent Is Overrated.
Coyle, Daniel (2008). The Talent Code.
Ericsson, Anders. (2006). Expertise and Expert Performance.
Farrey, Tom. (2008). Game On.
Gladwell, Malcolm. (2008). Outliers.
Johnson, Mandy. (2010). Manchester United Medical Staff. NSCAA Convention
Kidman, Lynn. (2001). Developing Decision-Makers.
Kidman, Lynn. (2005). Athlete-Centered Coaching.
Turner, Tom (2007). The Play Day Model.
Turner, Tom (2009). The Age Effect In Soccer.
US Soccer (2005). Best Practices for Coaching Soccer in the United States.
Verheijen, Raymond. (1998). Conditioning For Soccer.
Verheijen, Raymond. (2010). Periodization.
79US Youth Soccer Coaching Committee
US Youth Soccer National Coaching Committee
Chairman: Dr. Tom Turner, Ohio North
Region I Representative: Jim Kelly, Rhode Island
Region II Representative: Vince Ganzberg, Indiana
Region III Representative: Mike Strickler, Florida
Region IV Representative: Mike Smith, Oregon
Board Liaison: John Sutter, North Texas
Coaching Department Liaison: Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer
Special At-Large Member: Dr. Lew Atkinson, Delaware
January 2010
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