Tom Goodman, Technical Director for MA Youth Soccer congratulates and applauds FYSA for creating the FYSA Academy program. added May 13th, 2011
The Paramount Issue up to U14 is Inclusion – Not Exclusion: Instead of maintaining and developing the numbers of players at age 13 that we have playing at age eight, we are seeking to narrow the focus to find the cream of a very immature crop. We really must have a paradigm shift. At these ages, we must seek to raise the general level of play for all players, not pare away at the numbers, taking the last player standing. The cream will always rise to the top, but how high it rises depends on the crop itself. If the pond is small, it does not take much for a fish to become the biggest one there... added Apr. 25th, 2011 Read moreauthored by Gary R. Allen, US Youth Soccer National Staff
Shouldn't we be seeing many more highly skillful, exciting players?: We're here to develop players to where, hopefully, by the time they're U-14, U-15s, they're playing at a high level, where if we do our job, winning will be a byproduct and we'll compete for state championships... added Apr. 25th, 2011 Read moreauthored by Coach Montoya who led the Gold Pride to the WPS Championship
Goalkeeping... When is the right time?: We, as coaches and teachers in the youth soccer world, are trying to develop confident, creative soccer players. We want them to be savvy in defending and attacking... added Apr. 25th, 2011 Read moreauthored by Tom Goodman, M.Ed., Technical Director, Mass Youth Soccer -- Former US Youth Soccer National Director of Coaching Education
MYSA 2011 F Candidates Manual: This course should provide you with 1) an understanding of the specific demands of the 1st and 2nd attacker and defender 2) the ability to develop and run a progressive, topical practice session 3) the ability to teach both technique and tactics... added Mar. 29th, 2011 Read more
FIFA Laws of the Game: If you're a coach, player or parent of a player in the Masters program (U13-U14) or the Senior program (U11-U12), you should familiarize yourself with Law #11 (Offside). Oct. 1st, 2010
USSF, Player Development Guidelines: A thorough document covering US Soccer’s philosophy on how we should be teaching our children to play the Beautiful Game. Excellent for helping see the “big picture” of what we are trying to accomplish here.
USSF, E License Manual: Although it is best used in conjunction with the E License Course, this manual is designed to help prepare coaches working with players ages 9-12 years old by expanding their knowledge and understanding of the technical and tactical demands of the game and the developmental process necessary for players of these ages.
USSF, D License Manual: Although it is aimed at coaches of U13 and above, this manual is nevertheless an excellent resource for all coaches.
FIFA, Laws of the Game: The official soccer rules issued by FIFA (the Fédération Internationale de Football Association).
MYSA, Statewide U6-U12 Curriculum: A general "best practice" guide from MYSA. It outlines priorities, player characteristics, and recommended practice activities for the U6 - U12 age groups.
StrongSoccer, 20 Minute Practice: A free on-line resource with a lot of useful information. The “Mini Practice” section has great descriptions and videos of common fakes/moves, and the ”Juggling” section has a good step-by-step method for learning how to juggle a soccer ball.
StrongSoccer, Learn to Juggle: Learning to juggle is not easy! There are not many "shortcuts". It can be very frustrating to new players and they just want to quit trying.
FYSA, Instructional Activities: Selected activities from the Instructional Manuals that are still useful as part of In-House practices.
ClubMax Coaching: A great on-line coaching tool, with Soccer Practice Plans, an on-line Video Training Center, and Game Day Guides. The FYSA has a subscription to this service: UN = yescoach, PW = coach2005.
