Background: The U.S. Soccer Coaching Curriculum was released in 2011 by the US Player Development Task Force as a recommended practice after a 5 year study of all aspects of player development in the United States and globally. The curriculum is designed to improve development of players in the United States, concentrating on creating more organized, age-appropriate training sessions, developing coaching practices and creating an environment that is fun for the players. The curriculum builds on the successful launch and growth of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in 2007 and is now available to all clubs small to large and from the grassroots recreational levels to the most elite clubs in the country.
What it means for us: The Houstonians FC strives to provide an optimal player development program for every player. Regardless of the skill level or competitive desire of the player we want to give each one the opportunity to maximize their potential and play at the highest level possible or as high as their dreams and ambition will take them. Understanding that it takes years for players to master the technical and tactical skills required to be great soccer players, it is essential for the club, coaches and parents to have patience and a long term view on player development over winning or short term results.
“Children do not learn in the same way as adults, especially when the learning process involves both intellectual and physical activity” (US Soccer Curriculum, Part 3, p37)
Begin with the end in mind: If at U15-U19 we want skillful, creative, and intelligent players, we must work our way back to each developmental stage and focus them on the skills and concepts best suited for that age. Likewise players should play at a competitive level that optimizes their growth as a player. The US Soccer Curriculum provides age appropriate content and methodology guidelines for clubs that optimizes player and team development at each critical age in the youth player life cycle from U5-U18 – there are no short-cuts to ball mastery or game intelligence! As a club we are committed to this long term process and will not sacrifice player development for winning or playing to the strengths of a particular player.
All of the Houstonians FC coaches and parents should review and become familiar with the US Soccer Curriculum. For novice parents or coaches who want a summary overview of the curriculum A Curriculum for Player Development - Robert Parr
US Soccer Player Development Curriculum
US Soccer Player Development Manuals and Best Practices