UNIQUE PHILOSOPHY TO RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING?

The number one reason players have reported quitting soccer is because it "is not fun".  This statistic has remain unchanged amongst numerous substantiated surveys and polls for the past 20 years (source United States Youth Soccer). 

The goal first and foremost is an effort at "player retention".  Our club leaders met, and agreed unanimously, that an effort to direct our training efforts as "a community" would benefit the "experience" of the player, and could greatly impact the overall experience.  The idea of bringing players into a "community" of coaches, a "community" of players, was at the forefront of the decision.  If the experience is improved, then the retention of players will likely improve, and this is congruent with the mission of our club program.  

While it is true that not all players wish to advance in the game of soccer, or that not all have the drive or ambition to achieve at high levels, it is commonly understood that all wish to have a great experience.  The local club program has access to over 60 of the most qualified instructors, trainers, and coaches in the Midwest Region through West Side Alliance S.C.  The goal is to deploy those coaching resources and talents to not only our "driven" and "competitive" players, but ALL of our players, at any level, with any ambition.  

If successful the outcome will be more players participating in the u11-u19 recreational and competitive soccer after "graduation" from the Youth Development Program.  

ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO "ALL" PLAYERS: 

The "typical" Soccer Club program limits "access" of certain resources to it's "competitive" division. West Side Alliance Soccer Club, and it's affiliate members, have cooperated to bring "access" of those resources to ALL players.  Whether it be facilities, training, programming, or otherwise, the club will treat all players and teams with equal measure through ages 11-12.   The objective of the Youth Development Program is to allow the players and parents to truly delineate their "goals", their ambitions, and their commitment,  for the sport of soccer, and not be "directed" by an authoritative coaching staff or board of directors.  

THE CHALLENGES OF THE FIRST YEAR:

Any time there is change there are many challenges.  Our coaching staff will have to acclimate to the needs, levels and experiences of "ALL" players.  Our parents will be required to be patient with program administrators who will lead the program.  Our coaching staff will have to invest more energy and time to train and care for more players and more teams.  

NOTE: The program began in 2008.