Charlotte Metro FC and Creative Player are committed to age-appropriate youth development that takes into consideration the physical, psychological, and social characteristics of children as they progress from early childhood through adolescence.  The result of such considerations is the establishment of training objectives that are suited for each stage of a child's growth and development within the sport of soccer.

When instructing youth soccer players, one thing should be agreed upon immediately by coaches and parents--they are not ADULTS!  Age-appropriate coaching objectives for youth soccer are necessary in order to meet the unique developmental characteristics of each age group.

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time coaching 5 to 7 year olds will recognize immediately that this is a "Time for Play".  Little ones love to run, jump, kick and have fun!  They have short attention spans and are constantly in motion.  Long lines and long explanations should be avoided.  Instead, these children learn best by doing.  Skill-oriented games and basic games should be emphasized where lots of touches on the ball and opportunities to exercise large muscle groups take place.

As children enter the 7 to 12 year old age group, their attention span increases and their motor skills improve.  These young players are open to learning and perfecting skills.  This is a "Time for Technique".  We are continually amazed how quickly children within this age group can achieve a level of basic proficiency in all technical areas.  The role of the coach in providing the right example takes on greater importance.  Children within this age group learn best by imitating and emulating the actions of the coach.  Repetition is key to learning as children develop and perfect their growing technical base within the context of small-sided games.

The next age group, 12 to 16 year olds, have the ability to cooperate with teammates and solve soccer problems.  This is a "Time for Tactics".  Acquisition of game insight within the context of 11 versus 11 is emphasized.  All aspects of tactics are stressed: how to build up; how to attack; and how to defend become a matter of routine.  Players are more capable of learning their roles and responsibilities  within the team.

The last stage on the road to the "adult game" is the 16 to 18 year old age group.  This is a "Time for Productivity".  Winning now takes on a greater significance.  Players within this age group are able to reason through complex situations and solve soccer problems.  They are expected to work hard to achieve a result.  Mental and physical aspects play a greater role at this age.  Real matches provide the basis for analysis and improved performance.

By understanding age-appropriate coaching objectives for youth soccer, coaches and parents can better provide meaningful instruction that is specific to the needs of their players.  This, of course, leads to better soccer education and increased enjoyment of the game.  To ignore these specific objectives is to impose unrealistic expectations on youth players that can easily hinder their development and enjoyment of soccer.  It is our hope that every coach and parent will become more fully acquainted with age-appropriate coaching objectives in order to better understand and influence the young players that are under their immediate care.

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