Player Development Program will Return May 2026!
Player Development Philosophy
The First Touch Sport Player Development Philosophy centers around the player and focuses on developing smart players on the field and in life. We strongly believe that soccer is a game played with the brain and executed with the feet and body. Where most youth soccer clubs focuses on developing individual soccer skills, our focus in on developing the mind. Through the development of perception, players become aware of what’s around them, quickly come up with ideas, decide which option is best suited for the particular situation, and then execute that decision in game-like conditions.
Practices are designed to require players to make these game-like decisions in Rondos, Position Play Exercises, and Training Games while executing technical skills such as passing and receiving, dribbling, shooting, and defending and demonstrating great character.
Along with developing the cognitive and technical skills of the player, we also prioritize teaching valuable life skills such as respect, responsibility, cooperation, focus, self-control, determination, and goal setting.
Intelligence | Skills/Competence | Character |
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5 steps:
Video – Xavi |
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Individual Soccer Skills by Age Group
Ages 6-8 (U-6 to U-8)
- Ball Control: Basic dribbling, controlling the ball with different parts of the foot. Link to drills
- Passing: Short passes, basic receiving, and trapping the ball. Link to drills
- Shooting: Introduction to shooting techniques, using the instep for power. Link to drills
- Basic Defending: Understanding how to approach and challenge for the ball.
Ages 9-12 (U-9 to U-12)
- Advanced Ball Control: More complex dribbling moves, shielding the ball.
- Passing and Receiving: Accurate passing over various distances, first touch control. Link to drills
- Shooting: Developing accuracy and power, shooting with both feet.
- Heading: Introduction to proper heading technique.
- Defending: Positioning, tackling, and intercepting passes.
- Combination Play: Basic one-twos, overlaps, and give-and-goes.
Ages 13-15 (U-13 to U-15)
- Refined Ball Control: Mastery of dribbling under pressure, use of both feet.
- Advanced Passing and Receiving: Long passes, switching play, controlling passes in stride.
- Shooting: Advanced shooting techniques, volleys, and shooting under pressure.
- Heading: Advanced heading techniques for both defense and attack.
- Defending: Tactical defending, marking, and understanding offside traps.
- Tactical Awareness: Understanding team formations, roles, and responsibilities.
Ages 16-18 (U-16 to U-18)
- Mastered Ball Control: Complete mastery of dribbling in tight spaces and high-speed situations
- Precision Passing: Accurate and varied passing (short, long, through balls), under pressure. –
- Finishing: Clinical finishing, various shooting techniques, and scenarios. –
- Aerial Ability: Advanced heading for goals, clearances, and ball control. –
- Sophisticated Defending: Advanced understanding of defensive tactics, positioning, and coordination with teammates.
- Game Intelligence: High-level tactical awareness, decision-making, and reading the game.
- Physical and Mental Conditioning: Development of strength, agility, endurance, and mental resilience.