Program Description: U5, U6, U7 (2018-2021)
This program is designed for 4 to 6-year-old children. Physical Literacy (Agility/Balance/Coordination) is a critical component of this program, as is the development of Social cues.
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The group consists of 45 or 60-minute sessions.

Skill Centre Introduction
In line with Canada Soccer’s best principles in player development, VAFC has created a dedicated player program for players in the U8 – U10 age group.

Players will participate in 2 training sessions per week and have multiple mini game sessions on either a Saturday morning (Boys) or Sunday morning (Girls).

All sessions will have a station-based approach, where players will rotate through a variety of fundamental movement skills and fundamental soccer skills:

* Ball Mastery
* Dribbling 1v 1
* Passing and Receiving
* Shooting and striking the ball

The purpose of the Development player program is to maximize the individual’s soccer potential, while recognizing that the players come from different soccer backgrounds and will vary in technique and ability. Coaches will evaluate the players consistently from the first session and challenge players by grouping them with players of similar abilities. Technique training of all the core soccer skills is emphasized. All VAFC programs use creative and challenging games to improve ball control, passing, dribbling, defending and shooting.

The 10 week Spring Development program consists of :
(1) A 90 minute player development session within their own skill set run by VAFC Professional staff coaches.
(2) Every session will consist of ball work and developing individual skills.
(3) Practice sessions will occur on assigned turf fields.
(4) All Volunteer coaches practices and games over seen by VAFC Boys Head Coach ( Steve Hood) and Girls Head Coach ( Lauren King).

The purpose of the Development player program is to maximize the individual’s soccer potential, while recognizing that the players come from different soccer backgrounds and will vary in technique and ability. Coaches will evaluate the players consistently from the first session and challenge players by grouping them with players of similar abilities. Technique training of all the core soccer skills is emphasized. All VAFC programs use creative and challenging games to improve ball control, passing, dribbling, defending and shooting.

Development Programming Includes:
Each player will improve their speed and agility.
Every session will consist of ball work and developing individual skills. (dribbling, controlling, and passing).
Work on the fundamentals to increase confidence.
Players will have an positive experience in a challenging and fun environment.

VAFC Coaching Staff will make sure that all players receive proper age and/or ability specific training within individual skill development and small sided games.  The overall objective of VAFC’s Divisional Development program is to create a developmental environment for every player that matches his/her individual playing needs and abilities. To do this, VAFC will be following CSA’s Long Term Player Development (LTPD).

VAFC STAFF COACHES
VAFC Staff Head Coaches are required to have age appropriate certifications run by CSA or BC Soccer completed, in order to be selected for a coaching position.

As per BC Soccer website:
Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is a CSA soccer-specific adaptation of the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD) developed by Canadian Sport Centres. LTAD is a scientific model for periodized athlete training and development that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth in athletes.

Like the LTAD program, LTPD is designed to:
1. Promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
2. Provide a structured player development pathway.
3. Describe best practices for elite player development.
4. Create long-term excellence.

As a parent, this may be your first time registering your child to a program like this or simply may have a question.
Please contact VAFC directly if you have questions about VAFC’s player development program.
Send Email or Call Local #: 236-476-3056