Cochrane Minor Soccer (CMS) may be kicking off the 2014 outdoor season with some changes.
The local sports organization is considering altering its U6 to U10 programming by implementing the Canadian Soccer Association’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model.
For CMS, this shift would mean athletes registered in those divisions would no longer participate in the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA) league. Instead, age-appropriate coaching and skills would be provided for the young athletes at a grassroots level.
“The only difference is that there won’t be league play,” said Catherine Decelles, LTPD manager for CMS. “Instead of trophies, the program will be focused on developing players at a correct rate — mentally, physically and physiologically.”
Canada Soccer describes LTPD as a program for soccer “development, training, competition and recovery based on biological age (physical maturity) rather than chronological age.” The programming is focused on players and driven by coaches.
The model is the soccer version of the Long-Term Athlete Development program, which is championed by Canadian Sport for Life. Both models nurture a passion for sport and aims to keep individuals engaged in sport for the long haul.
The decision on whether or not to change the current program structure will be voted upon by the soccer board Feb. 6.
If the LTPD model is implemented in Cochrane, athletes would participate in “jamborees” about three days a week, explained Decelles.
These jamborees — or festivals — would break the children up into smaller groups on the pitch to learn a variety of skills. Following the drills, children would be broken up into teams for scrimmaging. Decelles said these teams would be kept small, ensuring adequate ball time for all the players.
She added that a U10 exhibition team might be formed for the athletes looking for the added element of competition.
John Clubb, an accredited sport psychologist, has been coaching soccer for about 25 years. In his role as the manager of grassroots development with the Alberta Soccer Association, Clubb has been helping to implement aspects of LTPD into a variety of young Albertan soccer clubs.
“At the ages we’re talking about, the game is really about touching a ball,” said Clubb.
“We need to adapt the adult game to the child, not the child to the adult game.”
By eliminating the pressure associated with league standings, young athletes will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and be valued as players, said Clubb.
“Kids are being developed to play in fear — of coaches, of parents,” he added. “They aren’t given the opportunity to play, make mistakes and explore the sport.
“A kid could be sitting on the bench, but his team is winning. How do you think he’s going to value himself as a player?”
Decelles said many minor soccer parents are on board, although there has been push back from parents of children in the U10 division. She said the top concern has been regarding the lack of teams.
“While the athletes may not be named to a specific team, they are playing for their community,” she said. “They still learn the value of teamwork.”
Although the program raises concerns about teaching children to win or lose, both Decelles and Clubb said competition is alive and healthy. The act of soccer, itself, encourages competition, said Decelles.
“The children know whether they win or lose, they’re going to run and score goals,” said Clubb. “It comes down to how the coach addresses success.”
Any sport parent interested in learning about LTPD or LTAD models is invited to hear Dr. Stephen Norris talk on the topic Feb. 11. Over the course of his career, Norris has worked with national team officials, coaches and athletes to implement long-term performance plans geared towards excellence.
His address, entitled “A Sport Parent’s Guide to Long-Term Athlete Development” will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
Admission is free and people can register at fluidsurveys.com/surveys/ashley-fox/sport-parents-long-term-athlete-development/.
To learn more about LTAD, visit canadiansportforlife.ca. For specifics on LTPD, check out canadasoccer.com.
With the second running of its Volunteer Appreciation Night approaching, Sport4Life Cochrane is accepting nominations to honour the volunteers who contribute to the community through sport.
Nominations can be submitted through the organization’s website at sport4lifecochrane.com. Nomination deadline is set for March 1.
The appreciation night is scheduled to run April 11 at the Cochrane RancheHouse.
To be eligible for an award, nominees must meet the following criteria: demonstrate leadership and commitment to sport in our community, along with the spirit of community service. In addition to meeting their responsibilities as a volunteer, the nominee should inspire others to contribute and encourage the development of athletes and fitness within the community.
An appointed selection committee will choose the winners.
Volunteers can be nominated in one of four categories: Leader/Coach of the Year, Local Business Contributor of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Spirit of Sport.
A Volunteer of the Year award will be chosen from all the nominees in each of the categories.
Nominees must be at least 18 years old.
In addition to nominations, the organization has a number of sponsorship packages available.
Additional information on the Volunteer Appreciation Night will be confirmed at a later date.
