Courtesy of PA West Soccer and Paul Halford (DOC)
How to Pick a Classic Team!
The Classic Division is the highest level of inter-district team play offered by PA West. Playing in the Classic Division involves a greater time commitment and, often time, a greater financial commitment to the sport. One of the questions I am asked most often is “how do I pick a Classic team for my son or daughter?”
In my position, it is inappropriate to recommend one club over another. Rather I can suggest questions that enquiring parents should ask prospective clubs. It is also important to remember the 3 stages of player development as noted by Bruce Arena, US Soccer Men’s National Team Coach. Essentially Bruce states that from 6 to 10 years of age children are in the “turn on” phase, from 10 to 14 years of age in the “technical development” phase and from 14 to 18 years of age in the “competitive learning” phase. Hence, as parents of an U11 child in the “golden age of motor learning,” finding an environment that prioritizes player development and focuses on teaching excellent soccer technique is paramount. Furthermore, during the U12 to U14 ages the team coach is often the most important element in this environment.
Recommended Questions:
Q: Does the team/club have a written philosophy?
A: Ideally clubs should have a mission statement that discusses issues such as player development. If they do not, ask the Director of Coaching or Coach to put down his ideas on player development in writing (i.e., a letter).
Q: Does the club/team offer skill development sessions in addition to normal team practices?
A: Unfortunately the environment for many of our U10 and U11 players is not ideal in terms of technical development. Hence, players from PA West, when compared to their counterparts from states like Ohio, Maryland and Eastern Pennsylvania, are a couple of years behind. Consequently, our players have to play “catch up” and need extra technical coaching.
Q: What is the club/team’s position on roster stability?
A: The club’s goal should be to develop excellent players over the long-term, rather than to recruit for success.
Q: What is the U12 team coach’s philosophy?
A: Bill Beswick (a sports psychologist who works with pro teams in the English EPL) views the coach as the most influential person during the development phase. So, what is the coach’s position on teaching technique, developing committed players, making soccer fun, fueling soccer “ambitions” and keeping players “hooked?” Is the coach interested in short-term success (winning now) or is there a commitment to developing players over the long-term who are able to excel? Everything the U12 coach does should be shaped by a commitment to player development. Players should be able to play multiple positions, should receive intensive technical training, should be indulged to experiment on their individual skills, should not get too much tactical training, should play in tournaments “out of state,” etc.
Q: What are the coach’s credentials?
A: The greatest priority for a U12 coach is playing experience. This is because it is much easier to teach technique through demonstrations. Ideally coaches should have collegiate or professional playing experience. However, we cannot forget that coaches are teachers. Hence, coaches should be licensed. The “A” license is the highest available award from the USSF. However, the “B,” “C” and “National D” also indicate that coaches have shown an ability to coach at a higher level (n. b., USSF licenses at the higher end have a playing requirement…NSCAA Diplomas do not). Coaching experience is another factor to bear in mind.
Q: Is the coach supportive of team players participating in PA West player development programs?
A: Does the coach support US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program? Can you miss try-outs to attend player PA West player development programs?
Q: How does the team/club handle player-coach issues?
A: I believe clubs usually do not give refunds because of their financial commitments. But what is their approach if the coach fails to prioritize player development? Will the club intervene?
Click onto the headline above to view PA West Classic League information.
