Coach's Corner
Mentoring Program
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The Andover Soccer Association Coaches’ Mentor Program is being rolled out for the Fall 2011 season. The Mentor Program was established to give ASA coaches a resource for information and guidance as the season progresses. Mentors are available to answer questions about practice and game planning as well as rules and procedures. Coaches seeking help from a mentor should reach out to the age-assigned mentor. They can ask for something as simple as tournament signup timelines or they may ask for help on the field with practice or game planning. All player and parent issues will still be handled by the AGC or Travel Director.
We have a great group of seasoned volunteer coaches who are willing to offer their help if asked. The Mentors for the age groups are listed below. Each Mentor will be sending out an email to their coaches to introduce themselves and to establish guidelines for their preferred form of contact.
U7B/U7G: Dan Grondin, Chris Webster
U8B/U8G: Dave Tringali, Carl Grygiel, Nigel Keenan
U9B/U9G: Ray Larney, Dave Heckendorn
U10B/U10G: Dave Wilson, Mark Bordogna
U11 Travel: Ian Davison, Carol Arnold
If you have and questions about the new Mentor Program you can contact Dave Wilson at homerundesigns@verizon.net or Dave Tringali at david_tringali@verizon.net.
Rules of the GameTOP
Click here for ASA Rules for U7-U12.
Click here for "Soccer for Parents"
Coaching TipsTOP
Andover Soccer Association is sharing coaching tips for you to use with your teams. The sharing of these tips is ASA's direct response to the spring survey where two-thirds of coaches wanted to receive such tips on a regular basis. A related link to MassYouth Soccer practice plans is also provided. Feel free to use the MassYouth plans.
Receiving the Ball from the Air
MYSA Coaching Material for Spring 2011 TOP
MassYouth Soccer provided electronic copies of their coaching material from the spring ASA in-town coaches meeting, These handouts are for coaches of different age groups and are a great resource for coaches. Coaches are encouraged to review the material when preparing for practices.
U10/U12 Specialty Clinic Notes
MYSA Instruction for U8/U9 TOP and U10/U12
ASA's spring player development program with MassYouth Soccer coaches begins this Wednesday. MassYouth Soccer coaches will be using the attached practice plans during the first week. Coaches who have players registered for these sessions are encouraged to attend to observe, ask questions and shadow the MassYouth Soccer coaches. Coaches can even get involved in helping with the sessions, which is a great way to learn about the practice plan drills and apply them to their teams!
Practice Libraries TOP
PEP Exercises - Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance
Coaching U6-U12 Age-Appropriate Curriculum
Training Program Manual for U7 and U8
Fundamentals, Technical Soccer
MYSA U8 and U9 Coaching Instruction
MYSA U10 and U12 Coaching Instruction
NE Revolution Academy Training TOP
New England Revolution Development Academy: "Developmental Session U6-U12 Curriculum"
One page practice plans are posted below for each of the 8 weeks of a season. These practice plans are designed to progressively develop ball skills throughout the season, and compliment other development areas that our coaches will offer (e.g., position play, communication, shape).
Templates and Other Materials TOP
Practice reminder email template
Session Plan form
Awards Template
Travel Coach Information TOP
Click here to report travel game scores
Information regarding Travel Coaching
Travel Coach Profile Form for Fall 2010
Travel Coach selection process
Useful Links TOP
This link includes videos and animations of popular dribbling moves and other skills.
Player Burnout/Dropout Presentation for Parents and Coaches
Training/Classes for Coaches TOP
Developing a team of skilled coaches is pivotal to the lasting success of ASA’s program. We are grateful to the many parents and supporters who donate their time. To help every coach improve their coaching skills and enjoy the whole experience to the fullest, we encourage coaches to engage in the following programs:
MYSA Courses
Coaching licensing course opportunities are coming to our area in October and Andover Soccer Association will pay for you to take either of these courses. There will be an E level course in Amesbury on October 5, 8 and 12 and an F level course on Winchester on October 17 and 24. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about coaching from MassYouth Soccer. Registration is through the MassYouth web site at http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaching.aspx.
MYSA License Courses and Coaching Guidelines
The Mass Youth Soccer Association offers a wealth of resources for new and experienced coaches, including written guidelines and formal license training courses. License courses begin with “G”, and advance with the level of play to “A”, with each course being a prerequisite for the next course. Courses G through D are offered regularly throughout the state, and may be offered in Andover if we have sufficient demand.
NCSS Sports Safety Course
NSCAA has joined forces with the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSAA) to offer a comprehensive online sports safety course, which is known by the acronym of P.R.E.P.A.R.E.
To raise the national standards of coaches responsible for the safety and well-being of millions of young athletes, NCSS, in conjunction with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), developed P.R.E.P.A.R.E., an online sports safety course for coaches, particularly volunteer Moms and Dads, who need basic sports safety education.
The NCSAA is offering the course through their website at www.NSCAA.com. The 3 hour course costs only $28 and is fully reimbursable by ASA if you are an active volunteer or your children are registered players. Please note that the course must be taken in one session, so plan for a 3 hour commitment.
Course participants learn to P.R.E.P.A.R.E., an acronym that represents each of the targeted areas of emphasis in the course:
· P – Pre-plan, in case of emergencies
· R – Recognize emergencies
· E – Emergency Plan (pinpoint steps to be taken once an emergency occurs
· P – Principles of First Aid (basic first aid techniques)
· A – ABCs (basic steps of CPR)
· R – Return to Play (determine when it’s safe for players to return to play)
· E – Enjoy (encourage players to get back in the game)
After completing the course, each coach receives a sports safety patch and a certificate.
ASA PDP
While Player Development Programs are specifically designed for the players, we have learned that they are also quite constructive for coaches. We invite any coaches of the targeted PDP age groups to attend the PDP training sessions. You will benefit from watching the professional coaches, participating in drills and sharing experiences with your peers. Click here for Player Training Courses.