EGSC Responsibilities for the U12 Player

Around the world it seems that 12 is the age at which he/she takes the step towards becoming a serious player. By the age of 12, a player should be involved in a complete program designed to help him/her reach his/her potential. Many players in all sports get by on natural ability and athleticism. There is a time in soccer when players who have concentrated on becoming more skillful and tactically astute surpass the natural athlete. If a player wants to continue playing soccer for fun or good health at a recreational level, that's fine. If, however, a player really wants to become the best soccer player possible, U12 is the age to make the commitment to the Academy Level.

Until this point, for most players, soccer has been a social activity that involved some practice and games. Hopefully the time has been positive! The years between 6 and 10 are very important in terms of the player's development, but at U12 most players are physically and mentally capable of handling greater demands.

U12 players can perform all soccer skills (with practice) and can deal with higher levels of tactical awareness. Physically, they can perform longer and their level of concentration is much higher.

U12 is the proper time to begin emphasizing a player's responsibilities. If an individual expects to excel in any activity, he/she must accept the responsibility for his/her own success. The coach's role is to assist the young player in finding the road to his/her own self-discipline and commitment. From time to time, the U12 player makes mistakes and falls short of the goals his coach has set, but the U12 is capable of making major steps in improving his/her overall game.

A player should be responsible for his/her own equipment. Each player should be in charge of shoes, clothing, shin guards and, most importantly, a ball. This equipment should be kept in good condition and brought to every team activity. A player must be shown how to clean his/her shoes, his/her ball, etc. Players should take pride in the quality of their equipment. A simple carrying bag to help keep equipment organized is very useful.

The coach is responsible for setting the attitude and level of discipline at training and games. Young players take things as far as they are allowed to. They're kids! Solid and clear guidelines must be established to ensure that training sessions achieve their goals. Training and games should be fun, but players need to know what is considered acceptable behavior. When the rules are broken, when the training session ceases to achieve its purpose, discipline must occur fairly and quickly. Players should:

• COME TO ALL SCHEDULED PRACTICES AND GAMES
• Work hard on their own weaknesses
• Concentrate
• Relate positively toward others
• Have fun

Fitness is also an area of concern at this age. Studies have shown that average fitness levels of our kids are below standards. Players should do a little bit of jogging or bike riding to help maintain a general level of fitness. Most players should constantly be involved in aerobic types of activities.

There are a lot of things a player can do related to his/her own improvement. The most important thing for a player to realize is that he/she, in fact, is responsible for at least 80% of his/her own growth. The other 20% can be achieved only at practice.

This message, from my position as Director of Coaching for the club, is aimed at our current U12 Academy, U11 Academy and all incoming U11 players for next season.

My philosophy is quite simple. Our coaching staff can only help you get better if we see you at practice on a consistent basis, and if you are willing to commit to extra training during the summer school break.

Our club offers a coaching staff that is second to none in Wisconsin, and we offer a wide variety of training programs throughout the year that are available to all of our members.

For all information regarding these programs please visit our website on a regular basis.

In closing, please keep in mind that if your kid is not practicing, someone else's kid is!!

February 15, 2005