Worthington United
Dear Parents,
We want the Soccer Learning Academy to be a favorite time of the week for young players. We want our players to grow in their love for soccer as they grow in their soccer skills and understanding, become more fit, and learn about character traits that can help them grow as persons.
The Soccer Learning Academy teaches through methodology that has been proven effective in our country and around the world. We teach through competitive games and activities led by coaches who are chosen for their competence, caring, and desire to teach young players in a fun and competitive environment.
Jeff Dybdahl
Soccer Learning Academy Director
Academy@WorthingtonUnited.org
John Wooden's 'character words' from his
Pyramid of Success will be discussed (and modeled) regularly at sessions with our Academy players. The 'Wooden Words' found at the 'base of the pyramid' will be at the core of our 'character talks' - industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, and enthusiasm.
We will engage players in FUN, dynamic FIT2PLAY activities to enhance coordination (lightness on feet), to strengthen the core (through kid-friendly exercises), and to begin to build speed and endurance (best way is through PLAYING the game with limited stops).
We will engage players in FUN, challenging repetitions on the ball. FUN skill challenges will be given for players (to practice at our sessions and at home) to achieve progressive
levels of performance through skill days. We believe that skill is USING technique in game situations and will encourage players to develop skills by being BRAVE during practices AND games.
Through the use of small sided games and the 'Play Practice' approach, we will engage players in thinking how to use their 'soccer brains'. Basic strategy (tactics) will be introduced. At the heart of our program will be developing 1v1 and 2v1 skills (and WHEN to use) as well as introducing, teaching, and fostering
Playing Through the Lines.
Repetitions on the ball (through small-sided game PLAY and through a 'PLAY practice' approach) is at the HEART of this program. We also want players to begin to develop a team concept and to understand the importance of working together toward a common goal.