U12 Boys

For Who?

U11/U12 - Players born January 1st 2006 - December 31st 2007

Players born 2006 & 2007 must play in this age group unless exceptional circumstances determined by the Technical Staff or Technical Committee.

Philosophy - "The Beginning of Us"

This is the “golden age of learning” when children become less self-centered and are more able to reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. This provides an optimal window for further development of individual skills.

The focus at this stage is on learning by doing, enhancing ball mastery, and learning the basic techniques and principles of play in a fun and challenging environment.

Competition is a central element in a player’s development, however, a competitive environment should not be a result-oriented environment. The differences must be made clear. A competitive environment at the youth level encourages decisions from player and coach alike that focus on performance rather than outcome (favoring ball skill and inventiveness as the means to find success within the rules and spirit of the game). The result is just one indicator of performance and at this age, not the most important one.

Coaching

Volunteer coaches are appointed for the season, and are supported throughout the season by the SPDSA Technical department. Head coaches will receive a $100 credit towards their child’s registration, upon submission of required team information and a valid Criminal Record Check to the SPDSA by the specified deadline, and once team equipment has been returned at the end of the season.  Only one head coach per team is eligible for the credit.

In-service coaching workshops will be held before and during the season.

The best qualities of a coach for this stage of player are

1. Enthusiastic and encouraging
2. Demonstrates whilst facilitating practice
3. Stimulates ideas

Planting the seed of passion for soccer is the most important goal in this age group. All players must be active during activities and equal amounts of playing time given during activities and games

Only registered team officials and players are allowed on the field, benching area, change rooms (if applicable). Parents not volunteering, will be able to enjoy the games from the stands / sidelines only. All team officials from U9 to U18 are required to have an SPDSA ID Card. Cards are valid for a minimum of 3 years and are the responsibility of the card holder. A $20 fee will be charged for replacement of lost cards. Coaches/Managers without a card will not be allowed on the field or benching area during games/practices. Please ensure you contact the SPDSA office, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm about ID Cards.

Program Structure

Practices will be provided based on the availability of facilities.

Each practice should address individual ball mastery as well as individual and small group decisions, when attacking and defending. Age and stage appropriate session plans will be provided electronically throughout the season to all coaches. Assistance at some practices and games during the season is available through the SPDSA technical department upon request of the coach.

1 game per week at Millennium Place and/or Dow Centre (Fort Saskatchewan). 6v6 (5v5 plus goalkeepers)

Game management

1. No scores or standings to be kept.
2. Equal playing time for all players.
3. All players will have the opportunity to play a variety of positions. Let players experience different positions & the different challenges that these positions create.
4. Warm Up - all players with a ball, moving, ball mastery.
5. Manage the amount of coaching during the game. Let them play. Encourage creativity. Don't punish mistakes. Don't referee. Encourage both teams play.
6. Promote soccer that is free flowing, is coach-guided but not coach directed, and demands that all players on the field, regardless of their specified position, participate in defending and attacking.

The Season

• Season length 16 weeks, starting October 21st and ending February 24th
• No sessions, November 11 December 23rd, 30th  and February 17th

Days/Nights of Play

• Games will be Saturday afternoons
• Games will be played at Millennium Place and Dow Centre (Ft. Saskatchewan), Some games may be played on alternate days due to facility availability.
• Practices during the week (Monday - Friday) based on facility availability

Registration and Fees

• Early Bird by August 31, 2017 - $330.00
• Regular by September 18, 2017 - $355.00
• *Late after September 18, 2017 - $380.00

Fee includes uniform (jersey, shorts, socks). Players are required to have their own shin pads and indoor shoes.

*Please note that registrations received after September 18 may have players put on a waitlist, dependent on the program’s availability.

Register Online