If you attended the coaches meeting and you got this website THANK YOU!

Here is the agenda from the meeting.

AYSO Philosophies:

Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship

1. All coaches must fill out volunteer form (http://eayso.org).
2. All coaches must complete Safe Haven Training (http://aysotraining.org). You will need your AYSO ID in order to complete this.
3. Game Specifics:
   1. U5- 1 Night a week.  First half hour- Drills 2^nd half hour divide and play.
   2. U6 Coed 3-4 players on field – 5 min quarters. NO Goalies.
   3. U8 Coed- 5 players on field – Goalies. Field divided into 3rds. 8 minute quarters.
   4. U10 = 7 players on field. – 12 minute quarters
   5. U12 – 9 players on the field at a time – 15 minute quarters.
   6. U14 – 11 players on the field at a time – 17 minute quarters.
   7. U19 – 11 players on the field at a time – 45 minute halves (free substitutions).
4. Ball size:
   1. U5 – U8 – Size 3.
   2. U10&12 – Size 4.
   3. U14+ – Size 5.
5. All kids need to wear shin guards at each practice and in each game.
6. Coaches need to bring the player registration forms to each practice and game.
7. Game time is game time.
8. If kids haven’t registered for AYSO, they don’t play.
9. All players need to play ½ of the game every game. No player should play the full game until all players have played at least ¾ of the game. Coaches should come to the games prepared (lineups, etc) so that all players get equal playing time. LINE UP CARDS ARE NOW MANDATORY FOR U12 and up.
10. Goals for U5 and U6:
    1. Understand offense and defense: score on one side of field; don’t let other team score on the other side of field.
    2. Kick the ball using the instep kick (laces on shoe).
    3. Dribble the ball (try to keep as close to the body as possible).
    4. Out-of-bounds and throw-ins.
    5. Fun!
11. Goals for U8 and U10:
    1. Positioning: allow all players to try each position. Players should not be locked into a particular position at this age.
    2. Start understanding team play.
       1. Passing
       2. Less bunching
    3. Passing – Instep kick.
    4. Passing – Inside of foot push pass.
    5. Trapping – Inside of foot, thigh and chest.
    6. Fun!
12. Goals for U12 and U14:
    1. Positioning: the kids may feel more comfortable at one position at these ages. Try to allow the kids to play where they are most comfortable in order to develop them more fully at that position. Players should have the opportunity to try other positions if they wish.
    2. Understand team play.
       1. Passing
       2. Moving without the ball
       3. Field awareness (defensive and offensive)
    3. Heading – U12 is the first age-group that should be learning this skill.
    4. Fun!
13. Try not to coach too much during the games. The kids will learn soccer best by making their own decisions, and not being told everything to do during the game. Practice is the place for instruction; games should be the player’s chance to show what has been learned.
14. Attend parent’s meeting (can be at the beginning or end of the first practice) where you explain any rules that you may have.
    1. Kids should be on-time and ready to play soccer at practice (dressed appropriately).
    2. Have the kids bring an appropriately sized ball to practice.
15. Training: Offered U5, U6, U8, U10, U12. Will be offering Intermediate training this year within the next 3 weekends.
16. Use the website: http://www.fairfieldayso.org.
17. Coaches Blog: http://ayso709.wordpress.com. I will be posting tips, drills and games on the site weekly.
18. Indoor and ADULT soccer in our area? Check the website for details.

Websites to NOTE

http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~dgraham/manual/   -A Great Manual with awesome links to drills. 

Follow links to Practice Plans- Includes several drills and ideas to conduct a practice.

U5 and U6 Coaches – Follow link Coaching Very Young Children for wonderful material!

www.soccerdrills.com- Great Information ranging from Practice sessions to training to drills! All Levels

www.soccerxpert.com- Includes diagrams of drills!  All Ages.

http://www.soccerhelp.com/Soccer_Drills.shtml – Good amount of drills and tips.

http://www.eteamz.com/soccer/pills/jpill.htm – A very large amount of drills- Goalkeepers too! U5 and U6 check out the U6 link at the bottom of the page!