Welcome To Kolping American Soccer Club

KASC has developed a program designed for every age level. Each academy is created to give the trainers and coaches a guideline of what each child should be learning at each age level.

Please follow the tabs above to see the different academy structure for each age level.

Developmental Academy

U8:
This level is considered to be the introduction stage to the game of soccer. The major focus will be on the technical development of the youth player. They should be learning the very basic skills while making it fun and enjoyable for them. At this age, it is recommended for them to play with a 4v4 (diamond) practice environment. These teams will only practice and play 4v4 games on the weekends against each other. You should start each training session with a fun game for the kids to generate their interest. You can then progress to a specific drill you would like to teach, etc. followed by a small-sided game and finished with another fun game. This way they are always moving, they get plenty of touches and have fun without losing interest in one particular drill. If you have enough players to do so you can also try implementing the KNVB Dutch circuit model and adapt that to the number of players/groups you have. Tactically, the U8’s will learn the roles of positions and the importance of those roles but the major focus will be on skill development and making it fun so they have a good experience with soccer and will want to continue with the sport.

Coach:
At this age the coach(s) need to be very encouraging; enthusiastic; sensitive to children’s needs; possess soccer awareness; ability to relate to children; knowledge of the key factors of developing basic skills.

Training Habits:	Ball Skills:	Dribbling/Attacking:	Passing/Receiving:	Heading:	Shooting:	Defending:
• Focuses on improvement rather than outcome of scrimmages • Has respect for teammates and coaching staff • Gives best effort in an attempt to improve • Develops understanding of basic principles of play • Understands concepts/roles of certain positions • Keeps it simple! • Demonstrates drill/skill and move on since attention level is short • Listens to coach and ready to train at assigned time • Has proper equipment	• Use of different turns • Ball-shielding • Keeps possession • Attempts to play with both feet at an early age	• Uses different surfaces when dribbling if they can • Develops change of pace and direction with the ball • Attempts to develop basic attacking moves/principles • Keeps ball close to body between touches	• Uses the inside of the foot when passing • Attempts to pass with proper weight, accuracy and timing • Moves toward ball when receiving • Attempts to receive the ball correctly	• Has been introduced to proper techniques of heading (not a major focal point at this age)	• Uses laces to shoot or firm instep shot when close to goal • Able to strike a moving ball • Can shoot while running with the ball focusing on proper technique • Hits the target area with relative consistency • Non-kicking foot is correctly placed in relation to the ball	• Pressures the ball after loss of possession • Uses proper defensive stance • Proper form when tackling an opponent • Has the ability to attack the ball • Understands the team shape (diamond)

Notes:
It is important to introduce the basics of the game of soccer at this age and keep everything simple. The main points to remember are to keep it fun and enjoyable while creating a desire amongst the players. Keys to this age group are positioning the body when receiving/passing/shooting/defending, etc. and the ability to use correct form when doing all of these. Players are just figuring out if they like the game of soccer so that should be the main focus when coaching them. Demonstration is crucial therefore coaches should demonstrate clearly whenever possible. The players must also have as many ball contacts as possible since they learn by repetition. Just keep it simple while trying to develop proper form and a love for the game

Junior Academy

U9-U11:
At this level we are still introducing the game of soccer to the young players but we now need to incorporate both the technical and tactical sides of the game at a more intricate level. It is recommended for this age group to play a 2-3-2 formation (2 diamonds) when playing 8v8.There will be competition at this age group with leagues and tournaments but the focus will remain on the development of the overall player not on wins and losses. Team concepts will be explored to foster a more competitive training and match environment for these players. This is a time of transition from self-centered to self critical and coaches will have to balance each player’s needs and attention spans to create a well rounded learning environment for everyone. Small-sided games are a crucial part of developing speed of play so that the players will learn to play in a tighter space.
Demonstration is also very important when explaining different principles of play. It is important for coaches to establish discipline from the beginning so that each player is benefiting from the experience.

Coach:
Coaches need to be very encouraging; enthusiastic; sensitive to children’s needs; possess soccer awareness; ability to relate to children; knowledge of the key factors of basic skills; able to create respect and discipline from the players.

Training Habits:	Ball Skills:	Dribbling/Attacking:	Passing/Receiving:	Heading:	Shooting:	Defending:
• Focuses on development rather than outcome of matches • Has respect for teammates, opponents, referees and coaching staff • Gives best effort in an attempt to better develop potential • Develops understanding of basic principles of play/positioning • Plays a variety of positions and understands concepts of those positions • Listens to coach and ready to train at assigned time • Has proper equipment	• Uses several different turns/moves • Has relative composure with the ball when receiving and distributing • Attempts to play with both feet • Use of different parts of the foot to move the ball • Confident in possession of the ball • Has been introduced to juggling • Should practice working on individual ball skills outside of training sessions	• Uses a variety of moves to beat an opponent • Ball remains close to body and in control • Develops knowledge of where and when to dribble • Attacks and commits the 1st defender • Develops insight into proper supporting positions and angles of attack • Has width and depth in attack • Understands combination play and overlapping to create space	• Uses the inside and outside of the foot when passing • Passes with proper weight, accuracy, and timing • Proper technique with short and long passing/crossing • Uses different controlling surfaces when receiving a ball • Takes a positive 1st touch into space and attacks with speed • Able to pass efficiently under pressure • Positive movement after a pass in an effort to support the play	• High and wide in defense • Low and hard in attack • Attack the ball and head for a purpose • Use of proper form when heading to prevent injuries	• Proper striking technique • Uses laces for power and instep for placement • Able to beat an opponent and strike ball on frame from different angles • Strikes through middle of the ball • Takes shots when they are available and hits the target area	• Proper defensive stance when approaching the attacking player • Proper form when tackling an opponent • Pressures the ball after loss of possession • Doesn’t dive in and is composed when containing attacking player • Attempts to recover defensively and provides basic cover in defense • Uses verbal communication when defending and sorting things out on the field • Understands team shape and players roles on the field

Notes:
This is considered to be the “golden age of learning” and is a very important age in proper skill development and practicing good habits. Basic principles of play need to be stressed and implemented by the coaching staff so the players are more familiar with their surroundings and roles on the pitch. Make sure that most of the fitness is done with the ball and that the players develop speed, strength, and endurance to carry over when they get older. We must keep it simple, fun, and enjoyable for the players, so that they have a good experience. Also, we need to Increase demands of players but keep everything into perspective and have fun!

Premier Academy

U12-U14:
At this age level the matches will now be played 11v11 on a full sized pitch. Players will be refining their technical skills and further developing their tactical awareness. A higher level of competitive training will be demanded of the players with the focus being on developing physical and psychological aspects of the game. At this age players must be challenged physically as well as mentally by the coaching staff with the hopes of preparing them for High School. Players should begin to understand different formations of play and what each of those entails, but the coach will have the ultimate say in what formation he/she plays. Formations don’t win games but players do! Player’s positions on the field should start to be more defined as they are now growing into the type of player they can be and what position best suites their style of soccer. However, if a player needs to play “out of position” to better suite the formation that a coach administers then they must be willing to accept that role for the betterment of the team concept.

Coach:
Coaches need to be more demanding and possess a strong personality when relating to the players. This is the age that many players go through growth development as well as social development so a coach must be understanding of that and know how to best educate their players in how to deal with that. Player’s attention spans are still pretty short so a coach must teach a skill and move on or else they will lose the player. Each skill that is taught must be practiced at length in order to improve and develop proper technique.

Training Habits:	Ball Skills:	Dribbling/Attacking:	Passing/Receiving:	Shooting:	Defending:	Game Awareness
• Focuses on the overall development of the player individually as well as the team and not the win/loss record • Has respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and coaching staff • Works outside of practice times to improve individual skills • Works to maintain his/her fitness level outside of scheduled practice times • Will report to practice/games on time and communicate with coaches if conflicts arise	• Composed on the ball and comfortable with either foot • Uses several feint/moves in attack and defense • Advanced juggling • Develops speed with the ball • Must practice ball skills outside of scheduled practice time to improve	• Encourage players to go 1v1 and run at defenders • Be creative when attacking • Uses a variety of turns and moves to get away from pressure • Exhibits exceptional change of pace and direction • Balanced dribbling and on the ball composure • Knows when and where to dribble and makes correct tactical decision	• Uses a variety of passes short, long, driven, chipped, crosses, bent, etc. • Passes with proper weight, accuracy, and timing • Has proper technique with short and long passing/crossing • Use of different controlling surfaces when receiving a ball • Takes a positive 1st touch into space and attacks with speed • Able to pass efficiently under pressure and on the run • Positive movement after a pass in an effort to support the play	• Proper striking technique • Uses laces for power and instep for placement • Able to beat an opponent and strike ball on frame from different angles • Strikes through middle of the ball • Takes shots when they are available and hits the target area • Recognizes shooting opportunities • Shows good balance and is creative in tight situations	• Proper defensive stance when approaching the attacking player • Proper form when tackling an opponent • Pressures the ball after loss of possession • Doesn’t dive in and is composed when containing attacking player • Able to challenge every 50/50 ball • Attempts to recover defensively • Able to mark key players in dangerous areas • Pushes up as a unit	• Ability to read and understand the game • Increase speed in decision making on the pitch • Positions themselves in a position to receive a pass or defend as a cohesive unit • Ability to combine in attack and use space to advantage • Movement off the ball is positive • Ability to provide width and depth both in attack and defense • Ability to find ways to get behind the defense • Organizationally sound in defense • Understands delay tracking/containing, recovery runs, pressure, cover, balance

Notes:
At this age players should already be aware of their roles on the pitch and should be fine-tuning their skills on the field. Skills should be mastered all under game like situations to improve the overall player both technically and tactically. Formations and roles on the field still need to be presented at a basic level so that players can comprehend what they are taking in and apply that on the field. This is a crucial stage in player’s development as they are starting to figure out if they want to stick with soccer and move on at the High School level or if they aren’t interested in it anymore. Some players will stop playing due to other interests, lack of success, shortage of playing time or that it just isn’t that fun to them anymore. Coaches should focus on strengthening players core and stability since they are at the age to grow and develop. Fitness work needs to be done with and without the ball.

Elite Academy

U15-U18:
At this age players should be serious about the game of soccer and should respond to the demands set forth by the coach(s). Individual efforts of the players dictate the fulfillment of each player’s potential, which needs to be molded and guided by the coach(s). Playing time is not guaranteed at this age and needs to be assessed and evaluated each week by the coaching staff, which means that what you do in practice has a large effect to what you do on the field. Players should be comfortable playing a variety of formations set forth by the coach(s) in order to best suit their needs and what they are trying to accomplish as a team. The training environment needs to be intense and challenge the players mentally, physically, technically, and tactically. Players will be groomed to play at the next level and the demands that come with playing at a high level. The uses of small sided games are still very important in developing team speed, awareness, and decision making. Players should know what they are supposed to do in the defending and attacking thirds of the field and should be able to respond to whatever situation they are put in. Players should be willing to accept the coach(s) feedback and able to adjust and apply that on the field. Team discipline is a must and should be monitored by the coaches.
Coach:
Coaches need to be very experienced, knowledgeable, and charismatic when dealing with this age group. There should be no question about his/her authority and decision-making. Players at this age will test the coach(s) so be prepared in how to handle those situations and learn to relate to your players. Each player is different and should be treated as such but should not deviate from the team concept and what the team is trying to accomplish. Discipline and respect from the player and coach(s) should be a central theme in learning how to play as a unit which is the overall goal.

Training Habits:	Ball Skills:	Dribbling/Attacking:	Passing/Receiving:	Shooting:	Defending:	Game Awareness
• Has respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and coaching staff • Must work outside of practice times to improve individual skills • Must work to maintain his/her fitness level outside of scheduled practice times • Will report to practice/games on time and communicate with coaches if conflicts arise	• Composed on the ball and comfortable with either foot • Uses several feint/moves in attack and defense • Advanced juggling • Master speed with the ball • Must practice ball skills outside of scheduled practice time to improve	• Encourage players to go 1v1 and run at defenders • Be creative when attacking • Exhibits exceptional change of pace and direction • Balanced dribbling and on the ball composure • Maintains possession of the ball • Masters counter attack • Masters set plays and the roles of each attacking player • Knows when and where to dribble and makes correct tactical decision	• Uses a variety of passes short, long, driven, chipped, crosses, bent • Pass with proper weight, accuracy, and timing • Use of different controlling surfaces when receiving a ball • Takes a positive 1st touch into space and attacks with speed • Able to pass efficiently under pressure and on the run • Positive movement after a pass in an effort to support the play	• Uses laces for power and instep for placement while being very accurate • Able to beat an opponent and strike ball on frame from different angles • Takes shots when they are available and hits the target area • Recognizes shooting opportunities and finishes all opportunities • Shows good balance and is creative in tight situations	• Doesn’t dive in and is composed when containing attacking player • Uses verbal communication when defending and sorting things out on the field • Pushes up as a unit • Understands team shape and players roles on the field with different formations • Understands concepts of man to man marking and zonal defense (sweeper & stopper, three in the back, or flat back four)	• Ability to read and understand the game • Increase speed in decision making on the pitch • All games should be played at game speed and high level of intensity • Ability to provide width and depth both in attack and defense • Ability to find ways to get behind the defense • Organizationally sound in defense • Understands delay tracking/containing, recovery runs, pressure, cover and balance

Notes:
Players should know their roles on the pitch and should be fine-tuning their skills. Skills should be mastered all under game like situations to improve the overall player both technically and tactically. Formations and roles on the field can now be presented at a more complicated level so that players can adjust and get prepared for the next level. This is still a crucial stage in player’s development as they are starting to figure out if they want to stick with soccer and play at a higher level or if they aren’t interested in it anymore. Some players will stop playing due to other interests, lack of success, shortage of playing time or that it just isn’t that fun to them anymore. Coaches need to be aware of this and be able to address each player’s needs. Coaches should be honest and up front when assessing players talent level so that they have guidance and direction for ways to improve. Coaches should work to master all players’ weaknesses in order to prepare them for what is to come. Coaches should focus on strengthening player’s core and stability as well as increasing endurance/fitness level. Players need to be challenged mentally in order to get the most out of them in stressful game like situations. Communication and respect is crucial in developing a coach/player relationship and needs to be taken seriously. Preparing your players about the game of “life” and how to be a leader off the field is also an important part of this process.