How to Know if You've Found a Good Youth Soccer Program

A good soccer program is the key to learning the sport properly and, most important, to having fun. It helps to continually evaluate the program you child participates in to know whether you've found the right one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Note the number of sessions. Once a week for 8 to 10 weeks is sufficient for beginners.

2. Stay to watch. Although many parents drop off children at practice, staying to watch will give you a good idea of how the coaches, and the program, operate.

3. Count the ratio of children to coaches. A ratio of between 12 and 14 children per coach is acceptable for beginners, but it should be no higher than that. A ratio of between 8 and 10 per coach is ideal.

4. Make sure the program has a sensible curriculum. Beginning programs should emphasize having fun and developing skills.

5. Watch the intensity. Competition should be left for higher levels only.

6. Watch for balance. A good program seeks to create a balance between training and competition and stresses player development over winning.

7. Inquire about lesson plans. A good program has an extensive written training plan for players and a teaching plan for volunteer coaches.

8. Make sure there is equal opportunity for girls and boys.

9. Watch how children advance. A good program requires tryouts and has its players selected by a group of experienced selectors.

10. Talk to other participants. Don't stop at parents, ask players themselves how they feel about the program.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak to the coach. Have a list of questions prepared.
• Check for enthusiasm. Children "talk with their feet." If the program is good, they want to keep going.
• Know your child. Some children may take time to adjust to team or group activities and/or levels of competition.
• Take complaints seriously. Sometimes players have to learn discipline or how to be part of a team; however, strong or continuous complaints may warrant a reassessment of the program.
• Change if you have to. You are not obligated to use your local program. There are usually others in nearby towns or communities.

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