Player Development
Overview & Lexicon
Guelph Soccer is a Canada Soccer Member Association Level 2 (MA Level 2) Club Licence holder. The requirements of the MA Level 2 Licence include a progressive set of standards encompassing each of the three levels of the pyramid that outline the governance, operations, development, and financial requirements of the club which includes adherence to the principles of Long-Term Player Development in the design and delivery of its Development Programming at all age groups. As such, Guelph Soccer proudly follows the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards in the design of its programs.
At Guelph Soccer, we support the best practices and research in developing young players. As such, since 2014 we have supported the removal of scores and standings from our development programming under the age of 12. Research has shown the competitive elements present in encouraging the promotion and relegation formats at the youngest ages of development remove the focus from individual technical and tactical development and creates a win-at-all-costs approach to team management.
For young players, early in their physical, psychological, social, and emotional development, the benefits of amended equipment sizes, field dimensions, and the usage of small-sided games are clear.
Amended game formats in training and throughout the playing season provide maximum opportunity for players to develop. Smaller field sizes restrict the distances young players are required to cover while learning the game while an appropriate-sized ball allows players to develop technique with appropriate equipment for their age and stage.
Unstructured play in the form of small, sometimes mismatched team sizes (i.e., 2v1, 3v2, etc.) is frequently used in warm-ups and as part of sessions. These mismatched game formats are vital learning tools for players and replace harmful warmup activities of the past such as players arriving on the field and immediately taking shots before any dynamic warm-up takes place.
Smaller game formats (i.e., 4v4, 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9) allow for more opportunities for players to exhibit technical skills, decision-making processes, and team-oriented positioning.
In support of raising awareness of the technical development ethos of Guelph Soccer, our Development Department has created a lexicon document. The lexicon supports the lowering of barriers to understanding for all in the Guelph community to how Guelph Soccer develops players both in its recreational stream and in its development stream.
While it is important for all to understand, we also wish to remind all members of our community that the best way to support players, coaches, referees, and administrators is to allow them to develop under the guidance and tutelage of Guelph Soccer’s leadership. Members of the community that wish to celebrate with us are asked to do so in a respectful manner. Community members showcasing their support are asked not to do so in a disruptive manner or with instructions or behaviors that distract the development of our community (players, coaches, referees, administrators.
Want to learn more? Send us your questions at community@guelphsoccer.ca!
