U11 BOYS

U11 TIER 4 (COMMUNITY)  

OUTDOOR 2023 PROGRAM OUTLINE

For players born in 2012 and 2013. 

Philosophy: "The Beginning of Us"
This is the "golden age of learning" when children become less self-centered and are more able to reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. This provides an optimal window for further development of individual skills. 

The focus at this stage is on learning by doing, enhancing ball mastery, and learning basic techniques and principles of play in a fun and challenging environment. 

Players are becoming more aware of how to interact with teammates. The idea of thinking about their decisions and movement as being related to themselves and 1 or 2 teammates and 2 or 3 opponents can be developed upon. Focus is on 1v1 to 3v3 situations. 

The goal is to provide training and game environments that promote the continued growth of ball mastery, an increased game awareness, and an appreciation for taking calculated risks in the attack through 3v3 to 8v8 (U11) game model, all in an environment that the players enjoy. 

The sessions will be focused between fun and practicing the 8v8 game. All players will have equal playing time and will have an opportunity to play all positions equally. The environment will be positive and the emphasis on fun and development.  

Coaching
Volunteer coaches are appointed for the season and are supported on a regular basis by the SPDSA Technical Department. Head coaches will receive a $100 credit towards their child's registration, upon submission of required team information, a valid Criminal Record Check (current within three years) and, equipment is returned to the SPDSA by the specified deadlines. Only one head coach per team is eligible for the credit.

All coaches are required to complete Respect in Sports training (current within five years). Further, head coaches are required by Canada Soccer Association (CSA) to be certified in the appropriate level of NCCP coaching courses. SPDSA covers the cost of the courses for those required to complete it.

In-service coaching workshops will be held before and during the season. 

The best qualities of a coach for this stage of player are:

• Is enthusiastic, encouraging, approachable and respectful; 
• Upholds standards for the team that reflect fair play, enjoyment, and learning; 
• Knows the subject matter and the players and, is able to demonstrate concepts to players; and, 
• Communicates well and involves parents in forming community around the team and the club. 

Officials Cards
Only registered team officials and players are allowed on the field or in benching area or change rooms. Parents not volunteering will be able to enjoy the games from the stands/designated viewing areas only. Team officials from U11 to U19 are required to have a digital SPDSA ID card. Game Leaders/Managers without a card will not be allowed on the field or benching area during games.

Players Cards
All Players from U11 to U19 are required to have a digital SPDSA ID card so all members will need to upload a current photo to the player's registration profile. Photo must only be a head and shoulders shot with no hats or sunglasses.

Game management 

• Scores and standings are not kept at the U11 level.  
• Equal playing time for all players. 
• All players will have the opportunity to try a variety of positions throughout the season. Let the players experience different positions and the different challenges that these positions create. 
• Warm up: all players with a ball, moving, ball mastery. 
• Manage the amount of coaching during the game. "Let them play". Encourage creativity. Don't punish mistakes. Don't referee. Encourage both teams to play! 
• Promote soccer that is free flowing, is guided but not directed by the game leader, and demands that all players on the field, regardless of their specified position, participate in defending and attacking.

Team formation
The SPDSA is committed to providing a fair and equally balanced recreational league for all participants. To achieve balanced teams, we have implemented the following team formation guidelines: 

• We do not allow full or partial teams to register. 
• One reciprocal friend request per player may be submitted upon registration. 
• While we do our best to accommodate player requests, they are not guaranteed. The top priority at the start of the season is to create balanced teams for each age group. If more than one friend is requested, only the first name listed will be considered. 
• Coaches cannot be requested by players. No exceptions. 
• Volunteer coaches will have their own child on their team. 
• We are unable to switch children to a different team once they are formed due to the many moving parts and large number of special requests received. 
• Two coaches wishing to work together will be permitted, however no friend requests will be honoured for their players. 
• Friend requests submitted after the regular registration deadline may not be honoured. 

Commitment Level
The community program does not entail the same level of commitment as our Phoenix program; however, players that sign-up are expected to participate in most games and practices. Team rosters are sized to maximize playing time; as a result, non-attendance will have an impact on the whole team. 

Program Structure 
1 x 75-minute game and 1 x 75-minute practice per week. 

Match Play: 8 v 8 (7 v 7 plus goalkeepers) with 2 x 35-minute halves. 

League format may consist of possible interlocking games with Ardrossan. 

Each practice should address individual ball mastery as well as individual and small group decisions, when attacking and defending. As the players mature, they can keep track of more things that are occurring on the field, however game situations and problem solving should still be kept relatively simple. Continue to encourage risk taking and experimenting with the ball but begin to get them thinking about themes such as working together with their teammates to solve problems, as well as getting used to keeping track of the other players on the field. Sessions and technical guidance may be provided upon request.

The Season
9 weeks starting the week of April 24, 2023, and ending the week of June 26, 2023. 

Week 1 is weather dependent and will not be rescheduled. Remaining sessions that need to be rescheduled will be in accordance with the SPDSA rescheduling guidelines and subject to field availability.  

2023 Classic Tournament: May 25 - 28, 2023 (registration included in fees).

Days/Nights of Play
Monday and Wednesday evenings with 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm start times which may be subject to change based on field availability.  

Registration and Fees
$290 early registration rate until March 3, 2023. Regular rate is $315 until March 24, 2023. $355 after March 24.

Fee includes shorts, socks, and jersey (players are required to provide shin pads and footwear).