RUNNING A TOPSoccer PROGRAM HOW TO DETERMINE THE BEST PROGRAM FOR YOUR PLAYERS BASED ON THEIR NEEDS SANDY CASTILLO CAL SOUTH TOPSOCCER CHAIRPERSON

MISSION 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 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 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 ed, 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 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 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 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 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 RUNNING 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

CONCLUSIONS 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