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posted 06/15/2010 The Wilton Soccer Association is launching a new program for U9-U14 soccer players in Wilton called The WSA Academy. The program, which replaces Rec Plus, is intended to improve the development of players in a fun and competitive format.
WSA Academy features:
· A small roster, everybody plays approach – more playing time, more touches on the ball, less sitting out.
· Games in the Wilton Academy, intra-town league, played in 6v6 format. Small sided games are recommended by soccer professionals for player development. (See text from US Youth Soccer below)
End-of-season tournaments will provide a fun and competitive environment for the kids.
· Academy teams combined to play against other towns in 8v8 games (except at U13-14, which will be played 11v11)
· Travel players will be encouraged to play in the Academy at all age groups. Additional players will enhance the number and skill level of players in the program.
· Weekly skill clinics in addition to weekly team practices will be conducted for Academy and Travel players to train and develop together.
· Coaches of Academy teams will coach corresponding age group in Travel program, when possible, to provide consistent training and evaluation of players.
The goal of the program is to get more kids playing, learning and enjoying soccer.
Please see the registration tab on the homepage to sign up for the Fall WSA Academy!
Here's what US Youth Soccer says about playing small-sided games.
Why Small-Sided Games?
US Youth Soccer has thought long and hard about the answer to the question, "Why Small-Sided Games?"
What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more because fewer players are sharing one ball.
All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite developmental impact on our younger soccer players.
Here are some of the reasons why we believe, as soccer coaches, administrators and parents must guarantee that our young soccer players play small-sided games:
1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)
5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.
It just makes sense doesn’t it?
Please click on the "register online" tab on the left side of the website to register for the WSA Academy!
Questions? Email Lisa Smith (VP WSA Academy)
