General Overview

Ross Valley Soccer U14 Program allows 5th and 6th graders in the Ross Valley to continue developing their soccer skills and play games close to home. Teams are comprised of up to 16 players and games are held on Saturdays throughout Marin County with an 11 versus 11 format (including goalkeepers).  Gameplay is instructional and developmental with a focus on equal playing time. The goal is to establish a love for the game, teach sportsmanship, have fun and make friends at this age.

Curriculum

The focus of the U14 program is to instruct on the rules of soccer and develop techniques and skills through the use of small sided games. Players learn to efficiently occupy the spaces on the field and the objectives are:

• Scrimmage - Coordinate possession, transition, and finishing.
• Tactical - Improve attacking coordinated movements and zonal defending.
• Technical - Focus on quality of passing and receiving technique and ball control in small spaces.
• Physical - Development of speed, endurance, and strength.
• Psychological - Commitment to the team and focus on training.

Coaches

Coaching will be provided by parents, supported by a Director of Coaching who will:

• Instruction coaches on age group objectives and curriculum
• Develop practice session structures and a season plan

Trainers

The U14 Coaches are supplemented by a periodic session with Professional Trainers

Clinics

Up to three age-appropriate clinics will be included with this division, Facilitated through local clubs and trainers and held throughout the season.

Practice and Game Schedule

Teams will practice at Piper Park one to two day a week and will attend the periodic age-appropriate training session at Ross Common once a week. Games are coordinated through the Marin Interleague (MISA) and are located throughout Marin County on  Saturdays. All scheduled games will be played unless canceled due to weather making gameplay unsafe or hazardous.