Foundational Development

How does this program work for U7-U8 Boys?

Does this replace the current league games my child is used to participating in?: YES, instead of participating in a league where we only play 4v4 or 5v5 games we will instead play an intra-Trident league that promotes a more healthy experience for your son and their teammates. We will still compete in games on the weekends, however they will be focused on small team makeups (i.e. 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3) in line with the vision of the SKILLJOY program.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE: Instead of playing 5v5 or 7v7 (1 ball split between 14 players) at this age group, we prioritize individual skills and ball control, 1v1s, 2v2s & 3v3s which allow your child to have 600% to 1000% more dribbles, passes, successes, failures and overall chances to learn the game.

NO SITTING ON THE BENCH: We do not waste your time with your son sitting on a bench. When we play our “SMALL SIDED MATCHES”, all of our players play for 100% of that time.

LITTLE TO NO TRAVEL: Our league is exclusive to our Trident Soccer Club. Every weekend your son will be playing his 1.5 hrs of small sided games (1v1s/2v2s/3v3s) at our home facility at 800 East Brannon Rd.

WE DON’T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE: Our program teaches young players to enjoy mastering the ball (dribble, juggle, pass, receive & finish). We view “1v1s” as a foundational building block that must be mastered, prioritized and practiced over and over again, this should be seen as the majority of young football players playing “diet” in order to feel comfortable playing against an oncoming defender and pressure. These are the same exact practices and pedagogy as some of the top European football academies.

WE PRIORITIZE JOY & LEARNING over WINNING & PRESSURE: Unfortunately, 70% of all youth soccer players quit this sport in America by ages 13/14. Players cite the reasons behind quitting as “burnout” or “not having fun anymore”. We do not “joystick” our players, yell at them or tell them everything to do on the field. We do not yell on field directives to our players because we understand that this steals learning, autonomy and joy from the player by adding pressure and prioritizing winning (development killer). Instead, we use “guided discovery” and help ask the “right questions” so that players can feel comfortable making mistakes on the field, understand that is part of the journey and reflect and learn from their mistakes. This protects the player's joy and supports their learning.

CREATING TRUST BETWEEN COACH & PLAYER & A CALM NERVOUS SYSTEM: In our program, players know that they have a license to take chances, be creative, and “tell lies” on the field with the ball. We are a “PLAYER CENTRIC” program. Most club soccer programs are “COACH CENTRIC”, where parents and players believe that they are there to help the coach win games. However, we understand that the coach is actually there to support the young players journey in understanding that by making mistakes and reflecting upon those mistakes is the true path to learning. Making thousands of mistakes, seeing thousands of 1v1s & 2v1 pictures and asking the “right questions” to learn from those mistakes is the true path to player development in youth sports. These players develop a powerful confidence that is rooted in a nervous system that is CALM instead of a nervous system that is in FIGHT OR FLIGHT from being yelled at, punished and used to win games.

MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET: Most “high level” youth soccer club experiences will cost you between $1,500 - $3,000 for the year. Our program will cost you a fraction of the price.