Small-Sided Games Implementation Plan...

’88 Boys Looking To Advance As Region I ODP Tourament Resumes

The ’88 Boys squad was originally scheduled to play their semi-final match against Connecticut on June 21 at Rider University, but heavy rains forced the postponement of the games.  Coach Jim Perry’s team posted a 2-0-1 record during group play. 

The winner of the Region I ODP tournament advances to the National ODP Championships.  The National ODP tournament will be played early next year at a site to be announced.

Team Roster (club, hometown):  Gordon Craig (North Stars, Grove City), Jonathan Hall (STM, Venetia), Scott Herman (Northern Steel, Butler), Michael Hnat (Beadling, Venetia), Matt Lichtenstein (Penns Forest, Monroeville), Andrew Loughnane (Foothills, Harrison City), Sean Lowry (Northern Steel, Butler), Brennan O’Hare (Northern Steel, McCandless), Paul Paradise (Century V, Plum), Thomas Reihner (Victory, Washington), Justin Runkel (Arsenal, Wexford), Stephen Staniland (IFC, Cranberry Twp.), David Thomas (Victory, Saxonburg), Justin Turnley (Strikers, Beaver), Timothy Wolf (Victory, South Park), and Jordan Yocum (STM, Canonsburg)
 

PA WEST COACHING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MISSION STATEMENT

TO AID USSF, THE YOUTH AND AMATEUR DIVISIONS IN THEIR STATED AIMS, BY CREATING THE BEST POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTH AND AMATEUR SOCCER PLAYER IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA THROUGH:

Emphasizing that playing soccer should be made an enjoyable experience.

Encouraging the creation of age-appropriate environments through the use of small-sided games. 

Asking coaches to utilize appropriate teaching methods (age-appropriate activities and games), whilst letting the game be the teacher.

Increasing the awareness of safety issues/adult behavior issues.

Allowing participation in that level of competition that enables players to be challenged at their appropriate level....including the elite player.

Emphasizing player development over winning/losing, especially amongst younger players.

SPECIFICALLY OUR GOALS ARE TO:

Coaching Development

Improve the soccer education of coaches working with recreational players, with specific focus on those coaches new to soccer (U6 and U8).

Support the development of coaches working with 10-14 year olds, who are emphasizing “technical development in the game,” through the provision of PA West Coaching Schools.

Identify and educate coaches who can enhance coaching development and player development programs.
 

Player Development

Enable 4 to 10 year old children in recreational soccer to have fun, to develop a passionate desire to play and to acquire new skills in age-appropriate environments.

Enhance the technical development of players by offering player development programs.

Support the player development efforts of clubs in older age groups by reducing conflicts/overlap with programs like the PA West Olympic Teams.

Make PA West Olympic Teams identification orientated, competitive and inexpensive.
 

Soccer Environment

Aid in the creation of “Fear Free” and age-appropriate environments for our younger players that prioritize player development over winning and/or large-sided games.

Develop competitions/awards that encourage/recognize skill development and the promotion of other “task goals” amongst PA West clubs and players.

Lobby clubs with older teams (U15+) to participate in the highest level of competition available (e.g. for elite players, regular participation in recognized regional leagues/tournaments).

Help the spread of soccer into all communities regardless of race, gender, disability, etc.

Encourage and nurture a passion for soccer amongst our member players, so that retention rates improve and the continued growth of the Amateur Division is enhanced.