March 25, 2014

Technical Director of CoachingHans Etienne Director of Coaching BoysFernando Ramos Director of Coaching GirlsMarie Schweitzer

The vision of the NVSC Club Travel Program is to provide quality coaching, both technically and tactically, in a safe and constructive environment so that each player has the opportunity to develop his or her skills to the highest level of the individual’s ability. Coaches, trainers and administrators will strive to instill a competitive spirit, excellent work ethic, good sportsmanship and an appreciation for the game at an advanced level. We instill a love for the game in our young players and cultivate that passion as each athlete matures. We build pride in our individuals, our teams, and our club. We foster an environment that allows each player to experience the thrill of competition and participation, and the challenge of improvement. NVSC take pride in the growth of club members as athletes, students, and responsible young men and women. The success of our program is measured in the technical development of our players and will not be measured by the number of wins in a season.

Youth players develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally at different times. Long-term player development is the number one goal of the Northern Virginia Soccer Club. Furthermore, NVSC player development program encompasses Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychological aspects of the game that are specific to each stage and each age group and that ensure adequate player development and progress over the entire course of the program.

U9-U11 : The goal of this stage is to provide ample opportunities for players to build a solid foundation that will ensure their future success. During training sessions players work on learning soccer fundamentals and are, then, encouraged to try at home and in games. Players will rotate through various positions to become well rounded players. During games players are encouraged to take risks, to try out different things and to play with emotional freedom without undue pressure of winning games from coaches and parents.

U12-U14 : During this stage the pace of player development quickens due to the acceleration of physical and mental maturation. Main emphases are on the development of individual skills under pressure of time, space and an opponent. During training sessions and games, players are encouraged to solve various problems (decision making) within the context of the game or a particular situation on the field. Team tactics and various systems of play are introduced into the training program. The game should remain fun and enjoyable and players should have a passion for the game.

U15-U18 : This stage of player development is characterized by demanding and challenging training sessions and competitive matches. All individual skills are practiced, for the most part, at match speed and under match conditions. Coaches demand excellence from players in all aspects of individual skills while understanding that mistakes will happen. Training sessions involve technical functional and tactical functional training and a great deal of coaching is within 9 v 9 or 11 v 11 situations.

Key components of the United Player Development Philosophy:...provide ample opportunities for players to build a solid foundation...During training sessions players work on learning soccer fundamental techniques...and are, then, encouraged to try them...to take risks, to try out different things...play with emotional freedom without undue pressure...to solve various problems (decision making)...The game should remain fun & enjoyable and players should have a passion for the game. How this translates into the United Program: Group Warm-ups & Technical Skill sessions- Players regularly warm-up and train together within their Age Group, at times across Multiple Age Groups as well as Mixed Gender ensuring all players receive the highest level of Technical Skill training. Team Specific sessions- Players regularly train with their Team to further strengthen Technical Skills within the Team environment.

Free Play sessions- Training sessions end with Free Play which are often mixed to put players in different situations forcing them to solve problems in different ways. This environment provides Advanced Players the opportunity to Master Technical skills and Developmental Players the opportunity to experience higher levels of play. Trainer & Coach Rotation- At times, Trainers and Coaches rotate within and outside their Age Group to expose players to different styles and areas of expertise. Player Rotation- At times, Players and Teams are rotated in Training, Scrimmages and Games (when permitted by League/Tournament rules) challenging players to solve problems in different ways. Street Soccer - Players are provided the opportunity to play soccer without coaching or parent pressure and with very limited coach organization. This creates an environment which eliminates risk and encourages creativity. Players learn to organize, make decisions, solve problems, lead, communicate and manage situations themselves.

SCHEDULE Practices, Training, Scrimmages, Friendlies & Tournaments are chosen and assigned by the Technical Directors for all United Teams in support of the United Training Priorities. The number and frequency of Practices, Training, Scrimmages, Friendlies and Tournaments is closely monitored and it will be rare that additional sessions or Tournaments will be added for a Team. If a Coach is interested in adding a Tournament for their Team, the Coach should contact the Director of Coaching. The DOC will then contact the TDOC to review the request. Again, it will be rare that an additional Tournament will be approved so the Team should not submit the Tournament application or make plans to attend unless written approval is granted by the Technical Director of Coaching. If a Coach is interested in adding additional Practice, Training or Scrimmages, the Coach should contact the Director of Coaching to obtain approval.

INCLEMENT WEATHER In the event of inclement weather, cancellation will be delivered via from the Team Manager, United Technical Staff or VP of Operations. Always assume training and games are ON, unless directed otherwise. All efforts are made not cancel but the decision is based on the weather conditions, field conditions and most importantly the health & safety of the Players and is made by the United Technical Directors, VP of Operations and Park Authority. Note that practice, training and tournament cancellations are normally not rescheduled due to field and time constraints. League game cancellations are normally rescheduled and will be communicated by the Team Manager. PLAYING TIME, POSITIONS, FORMATIONS, TACTICS, & COACHING Playing time for U9-U11 will average 50% averaged over the season. Playing time for U12 and above will be determined by the Coach and is based on attendance, attitude, commitment and ability. The Coach can adjust Playing time based on attendance, attitude, and commitment. Player positions, team formations, tactics and Coaching are all Coaches decisions and are made in alignment with the United Philosophy and Program.

PRACTICES, TRAINING, AND STREET SOCCER Only Players, Coaches, Trainers and Club Officials are permitted on the Turf. Parents are permitted on the bleachers or if exercising, Parents are permitted on the grass surrounding the Turf. GAMES AND SCRIMMAGES Only Players, Coaches, Trainers, Club Officials and Referees are permitted on the Team sideline and field. Parents are permitted on the Parent sideline and should remain there during pre-game, the game, at half time and post-game. COACH & TRAINER ASSESSMENTS The United Technical Directors regularly observe and assess the Coaching & Training during Games and Training. Feedback is provided to the Coach and areas not aligned with the United Philosophy and Program are addressed.

TRY OUTS & PLAYER ASSIGNMENTS Try Outs are held prior to the Fall season and Players are evaluated and offered a one year Assignment based on the evaluation. The United Program does not accept request for players to be promoted within the year. Player Assignments are a Coaching decision and Coaches can make adjustments if that is in the best interest of the Player’s Development. In very rare cases a player will be offered an Assignment to play up an age group only when that player demonstrates the Technical skills, Tactical Knowledge, and Physical and Psychological abilities to excel at the highest level of that age group. U9 Players who are playing up will be moved back to their true age group the following year. Players playing up in the older age groups will be evaluated by their Coach to determine if they should return to their true age group. Player Assignments are a Coaching decision and are made in the best interest of the Player’s Development. The United Program allows for Open Try Outs throughout the year. The Coach can invite Prospective Players to practice, train and guest play with the Team in accordance with the League rules. Try Out Dates- Girls Last week of May & Boys First week of June

We will be Training over Spring Break but with a flexible attendance policy. This means that if you are going out of town or have plans, then please continue with your plans. If you are in town and don't have plans, please attend Training. Note however that there is no Training on Tuesday April 15 and no Street Soccer on Friday April 18. Spring Break Training Monday April 14 Team & Keeper Training is On Tuesday April 15 Team & Keeper Training is Cancelled Wednesday April 16 Team, Keeper & Speed & Agility Training is On Thursday April 17 Team & Keeper Training is On Friday April 18 Street Soccer is Cancelled