A coach can be the most influential person in a child’s life. In LaVale, Positive Coaching is a fundamental philosophy because of the crucial role that a coach has. Coaching youth soccer is a chance to spend quality time with your own child but you’ll also provide an important role model for all the children on your team. In fact, the joy of coaching is so meaningful, that many soccer coaches continue coaching long after their own children have moved on from youth soccer. Soccer knowledge is a plus, but LaVale Soccer Club will provide training and materials so that even a soccer novice can coach effectively by starting in the younger age divisions. Being a coach involves skills you probably already have in addition to specific soccer knowledge. If you are uncertain, try being an assistant coach.

Helpful Coach Links 

SoccerHelp.com

KYSoccer.net

Soccerxpert.com                            

Here are two great videos brought to you by Dynamic Thought. One will cover the most often misunderstood rule in soccer, Law 11 Offside. The other is a video we recommend for all volunteers, especially those new to soccer. It explains the basics of soccer and some general rules of the game. The Soccer Field.

Long-Term Player Development 

Here is a list of the top ten objectives in the development of a soccer player.

1. Develop the child's appreciation of the game.
2. Keep winning and losing in proper prospective.
3. Be sensitive to each player's development needs.
4. Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and physical (four components of soccer) demands of the game for their level of play.
5. Implement rules and equipment modifications according to the players' age group.
6. Allow players to experience all positions.
7. Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback.
8. Training should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning.
9. Provide the appropriate number of training sessions and matches according to the player's stage of development.
10. Strive to help each player reach their full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.

“Negative comments or over-coaching only discourage children from continuing to play soccer. The more our young soccer players enjoy themselves, the greater the likelihood that they will remain in the game.” - Steve Sampson, Former Men’s National Team Coach, June 1998.