Long-Term Player Development

LTPD is a program for soccer player development, training, competition, and recovery based on biological age rather than chronological age.  It is player centred, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported.

Click on the appropriate Stage for additional information on that stage. 

 

 

LTPD...

• Eliminates gaps in the player development system

• Guides planning for optimal athlete performance at all stages

• Provides a framework for program alignment and integration, from volunteer club coaches to national and professional teams

• Follows scientific principles and practical coaching experiences

Benefits for players & parents

• Better understanding of what makes a good soccer program

• More players learning at their level and having fun

• Appropriate game and league structures (e.g. size of balls, goals, fields, etc.)

• More opportunity for players to realize their athletic potential

• More coaches who are knowledgeable in leading safe, effective practices

Benefits for coaches & clubs

• Information and education on effective coaching and practice methods

• Guidelines for appropriate game structures

• Guidelines for appropriate competition levels

• Established pathways for player development for all levels of ability and ambition

• Affirmation of best practices for coaches and club administrators

Benefits for all

• Competitive behaviour is fostered in players, while over-competitive behaviour is discouraged in adults (coaches and parents)

• Players, parents, coaches and administrators understand that players are unique and therefore different in interest and aptitude

• Players stay involved in the sport throughout their lives (as players, coaches, referees or club administrators)

• Soccer grows, and lifelong wellness is promoted for players of all ages, genders and levels of ability and disability

When you have a moment, click on any of the links below for more information:

• Clarifying some misconceptions around LTPD

• An FAQ specifically for parents

• Links to many different articles about the impact of LTPD in soccer-playing countries around the world

• A link to the new OSA LTPD video

• Where do smaller Clubs fit within LTPD?

• Do referees have a role in LTPD?

• How Clubs can host a presentation on LTPD 

This is a seven stage program which will be implemented in phases. Complete information on the seven stages can be found in the CSA Long Term Player Development brochure.

For the 2012 Outdoor Season, the Lake Simcoe Soccer Club will be implementing Stage 1: Active Start.

 

Stage 1: Active Start

U4-U6 Female and Male

“First Kicks”

This program will replace the Tyke/Micro 1/Micro 2 program. By implementing Stage 1 we are introducing a more structured and defined program that is supported by specific training for coaches and parents. Additional information on the coaching clinic is provided below.

The focus is on learning fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, twisting, kicking, throwing and catching.  Emphasis is placed on the player and the ball: Running with the ball, dribbling, controlling, kicking and shooting.  The result is to create fun, fascination, and passion for play.

There are no competitive games and adults are encouraged to play with their child.  No scores are kept and there are no referees. Additionally, more appropriately sized balls and fields will be used for age group involved.

Each program will be one hour in length on Saturday mornings at the Civic Centre (ROC) soccer fields.

First Kicks 1 = Tyke = U4

Saturday mornings at 8:30am.  This program is for 4 year olds (2008 birth year). 

Emphasis is on the player getting used to the ball and learning different ways of moving the ball through various fun activities.

Size 2 ball will be used.

“Games” are 1 v 1 – parent vs. child

 

First Kicks 2 = Micro 1 = U5

Saturday mornings at 9:45am.  This program is for 5 year olds (2007 birth year). 

Ball movement skills are continued to be developed.

Size 3 ball will be used.

“Games” are 2 v 2 – initially parental participation is encouraged

 

First Kicks 3 = Micro 2 = U6

Saturday mornings at 11:00am.  This program is for 6 year olds (2006 birth year). 

Ball movement skills are continued to be developed, some team concepts will be introduced.

Size 3 ball will be used

“Games” are 3 v 3 – no referees

 

Active Start Coaching Clinic

As part of LTPD, coaching requirements have changed.  The coaching courses are more focused on the age group that you will be coaching.

The Lake Simcoe Soccer Club will be offering up to 3  sessions of the Active Start Coaching Clinic.  The course is 3.5 hours long.  You will receive a coach workbook and DVD which includes a 10 week session plan to use.  You will also receive Active Start certification.

Although the session is aimed for coaches, we are also welcoming parents to attend.  We believe that this will help everyone to better understand the objectives and philosophies around the Long Term Player Development program. 

The cost of the training session is $20 per person.  This will be taken as a deposit and returned upon completion of the course.  In addition, we will provide a $20 credit per family for attending.  This credit can be used towards registration.

The dates and times of the sessions will be provided shortly but are expected to take place in Feb / March.  Please let the office know if you are interested in attending a coaching session.

Additional information on LTPD:

Additional information on the Long Term Player Development program can be found at the sites below.  We will also continue to update this page with additional information as it comes forth.

Links:

York Region Soccer Association

Ontario Soccer Association LTPD

Canadian Soccer Association Wellness to World Cup LTPD

Canadian Sport for Life

LTPD Development Stage Brochures