RUNNING A TOPSoccer RUNNING A TOPSoccer PROGRAMPROGRAM

HOW TO DETERMINE THE BEST PROGRAM FOR HOW TO DETERMINE THE BEST PROGRAM FOR YOUR PLAYERS BASED ON THEIR NEEDSYOUR PLAYERS BASED ON THEIR NEEDS

SANDY CASTILLOSANDY CASTILLO

CAL SOUTH TOPSOCCER CHAIRPERSONCAL SOUTH TOPSOCCER CHAIRPERSON

MISSION STATEMENTMISSION STATEMENT

– To promote the TOPSoccer Player’s enjoyment of the game of soccer and to provide the opportunity to ensure the success of all the players.

ADMINISTRATOR’S CHECK LISTADMINISTRATOR’S CHECK LIST

• Equipment– Soccer Balls, disc cones, first aid kit, goals, pinnies, etc.

• UNIFORMS– Separated by size

• Extra for new players

• FORMS– Completed forms for players, coaches, administrators, volunteers

• Check for risk management compliance for adult volunteers– Blank forms for new players, volunteers

• Have information for adult volunteers to obtain their risk management clearance

• Handout for Parents– Coaches/Administrator’s contact information

• phone numbers and email addresses– League/program website address– Information for parents

How will parents be notified of changes– Schedule/snacks

• Who is the first contact for parents– Parent concerns/comments/suggestions

– Schedule• Dates and times of practices/games including location and times

– Preliminary schedule with changes to be emailed, or as handouts to parents as information is updated

– changes to be posted on league/program webpage

• Special events– picture day– Any event that falls outside the normal activities

• Snack • End of year party

PRIOR TO FIRST PRACTICEPRIOR TO FIRST PRACTICE

• Administrators/coaches meeting to plan first practice with players.– Determine number of teams based on registration numbers that will be

formed

– Determine which coaches will be designated “head coach”.• These coaches will do the actual evaluation at practice• These coaches should commit to attend all practices/games

– Determine how many stations will be set up/who will run each station• Each station should focus on one skill development (i.e. dribbling, passing,

shooting, etc.• Each station should have a “lead volunteer” to assure the station runs

similarly for each group of athletes• Each station should have “helpers” to assist athletes, retrieve balls, set up,

etc.

– Designate a volunteer director to assign volunteers/buddies to athletes as they arrive

• Assign 1 on 1 volunteers to players is possible. If not, determine who needs 1 on 1 assistance and assign remaining volunteers at ratios compatible with skill level

ASSESSMENT OF SKILL LEVELS ASSESSMENT OF SKILL LEVELS

• Administrator/coaches/buddies should arrive 1 hour prior to athletes.– Confirm proper forms and risk management has been completed for

every administrator/coach/buddy (over 18 years of age in CA)

• Review and set up skill stations– Head coaches explain activity to the volunteer/buddies prior to start of

event

• Assign volunteers to stations – Depending on station needs, assign volunteers to assure each station

has a lead person, ball retrievers, etc.

• Assign buddies– Have buddies with name tags ready to greet players

ASSESSMENT OF PLAYERS AND NEEDSASSESSMENT OF PLAYERS AND NEEDS• Skill Levels

– Ball skills– Follow directions– Comprehension– Group participation– Frustration – Communication

• Assistance Levels– Able to follow instructions with/without assistance– Works well in group play

• Equipment needs– Specialized equipment

• Balls– Soft, colored, textured, big, beeper

• Goals– Sizes depending on ability level

• Additional equipment needs– Arena

ASSESSMENT SUMMARIESASSESSMENT SUMMARIES

• Coaches/Administrators conclusions– What type of program

• Skills only– Beginning players with limited experience– Majority of players need one on one assistance– Limited/no interaction of players with others during evaluation– Short attention span of players– Limited communication skills – Easily frustrated

• Skills with end of year game– Similar skills as skills only program

• Weekly practice with inter squad and/or coaches/parent/volunteers verses player games

– Longer attention span– Understands and can follow instructions– Interacts with others– Smaller ratio of player to buddies – Beginning to comprehend rules of the game

• Practice with weekly competition (games)– Limited/no buddies needed for players– Understand and follow directions– Interacts with other players/coach– Communication skills – Understands modified rules of the game– Understands the concept of competition

– How many teams/groups• Number of registered players• Number of registered and cleared coaches/volunteers• Type of program

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR RUNNING A TOPSoccer PROGRAMRUNNING A TOPSoccer PROGRAM

• Administrator– Medical release forms at all practices/games– Emergency phone numbers for medical assistance– Blank forms for new players/volunteers– Sign in sheet for volunteers

• Coach– Practice plan– Back up practice plan– Equipment– Patience– Understanding

• All coaches, administrators and volunteers arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to start of practice/game– Set up practice field – Extra equipment (balls, shin guards)– Confer with other coaches about issues/questions– Relax and enjoy– Assign buddies to player/group/team

• Start practice/game at designated time• Be prepared for the unexpected

– Adapt when necessary• Things do not always go as planned

– Schedule water breaks– Ask for help if needed

• End practice/game at designated time• Be available for discussions with parents

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS• Type of program is determined by the needs of the players• Program can be altered as the needs of the players change• Depending on the number of players, more than on type of

program can co-exist• A combination of these types of programs can also be

successful• Don’t be afraid to try new ideas