COMPLETE SOCCER COACHING CURRICULUM FOR 3-18 YEAR OLD PLAYERS PDF

The term ‘Curriculum’ is most commonly associated with teaching and school education.

In general terms, an educational curriculum consists of everything that promotes intellectual, personal, social and physical development of the participants.

When transferred to sport, the term curriculum is usually related to a book of activities and games organized in such a way to aid the coach plan for a practice session.

Rarely do these curriculum books engage the reader in a rationale for selecting such activities, or describe how coaching methodology is as important as the activities themselves.

Unfortunately this approach usually leads to very low adherence by the coaches – particularly if subsequent coaching sessions do not realize the outcomes suggested in the text.

In the context of youth soccer, learning is often left to chance. Clubs and coaches seem satisfied to accept the major benefits of participation as activity and having fun.

Although these outcomes are very beneficial to the child, wider ranging results can also be realized through a structured and organized program – a ‘true’ curriculum.

Soccer participation offers children experiences todevelop confidence, self esteem, knowledge, physical development and in some cases the opportunity to participate in elite level competition at High School and College.

The NSCAA Player Development Curriculum details the framework, aims, objectives and content that creates tremendous value and helps to raise standards, performance and expectations.

The curriculum includes approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, quality of relationships between coach and the player and the values embodied by the club.

NSCAA APPROACH TO CURRICULUM DESIGN

In partnership with practitioners and curriculum experts, NSCAA has developed an approach to curriculum design based upon three key elements:

1. Element

1: Curriculum Aims.

2. Element

2: Curriculum Organization.

3. Element

3: Curriculum Evaluation.

ELEMENT 1 WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

The NSCAA Player Development Curriculum provides an opportunity to create a relevant, coherent and engaging environment for all players, parents and coaches.

Having clear purposes representing the club’s hopes and desires for the players is an important starting point.

Purposes not only provide a reference point for decision making but also a direction on how learning experiences are to be organized.

Curriculum Purposes

The purposes of the NSCAA Player Development Curriculum are:

1. Establish an entitlement – for every child entering the program irrespective of social background, wealth, gender or differences in ability.

2. Establishes standards – at each stage of development so progress of players and coaches can be monitored, goals and improvement targets can be established and players can be selected for the appropriate development groups.

3. Promotes continuity and coherence – facilitates the transition of players between teams and phases of skill development, and provides a framework for coaches to adhere to.

4. Promotes understanding for parents and players – increases understanding and confidence in the player development philosophy and coaching team.

Curriculum Aims

The NSCAA Player Development Curriculum aims to:

1. Provide attainment standards for measuring coach and player performance.

2. Reflect best practice.

3. Promote intellectual, social, personal and physical development.

4. Establish high expectations for all constituents.

5. Identifies outcomes relating to skills, knowledge and other performance criteria.

6. Reflects the vision and mission of NSCAA.

7. Provide equal opportunity for all players to learn and achieve.