A document was recently circulated which provides a very rare glimpse into how one of the best youth programs in the world was run. The AFC Ajax have helped create some of greatest players of all time including Johan Cruyff. Though this document was from the late 90's, it's amazing to see how well its held [...]
Use this decision tree to help guide your session progression. This is targeted at 10u-14u. If you adhering to our Play-Practice-Play philosophy, here are the key questions to help guide your players to solutions in a given situation: Opponent has possession (left side of diagram): Defending when not closest/2nd closest to ball - How do [...]
After reading about lineup creation, player positions, and basics of formations, you should have a solid grounding to select your formation for the season. Here are specific recommendations for 9v9. 3-2-3 Pros: 4 spots to put less developed players (wings and fullbacks) Very strong center Excellent width Provides good passing and clearing options Tends to isolate your forward with [...]
After reading about lineup creation, player positions, and basics of formations, you should have a solid grounding to select your formation for the season. Here are specific recommendations for 7v7. 2-3-1 Pros: Good width and field coverage Less physically demanding Cons: Creates a hole in the middle of defense (fullbacks unsure who covers a drive up the middle) Only [...]
During your initial 2-3 practices for 10u and above, your most important job (other than Creating A Successful Culture) is to inventory your players' skill sets so that you can start building your formation early. Since you know The Importance of Scrimmages, you'll need to be able to educate your players on your system early. For 8u and [...]
Team Fund AYSO has a policy against collecting pooled funds as there have been cases of abuse. So you'll just need to do your best to get reinbursed for shared expenses. I recommend communicating upfront what that will be and collecting any banner funds right away. Typical expenses include: $15 per family to cover two parties and the occasional [...]
As a function of AYSO's core philosophies of Balanced Teams and Player Development, new teams are drafted each year with the goal of having as evenly matched teams as possible with rotation of teammates and coaches. At the end of every season, coaches are asked to rate their players using a common template. Before the season, [...]
Player Development Initiatives (or PDIs) are meant to influence how soccer clubs (including AYSO) alter the implementation of soccer programs to accommodate younger players. Member clubs like AYSO take these initiatives and implement them at the division level. Each Section issues guidance to their respective regions about the implementation of these PDIs. PDIs cover a number of topics [...]