RUNNING A TOPSoccer PROGRAM

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

2. 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.

3. 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 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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