Power Soccer Academy Silicon Valley

When first reading your email there were several words within the email that stand out - U10G, "specialize", exceptional goalie, so-so field player, high school and college. U10G - This is one of the best ages to learn the game, and I literally mean learn the game. My definition of learning the game would be that "all" players in this age group should be able to experience all the technical aspects of the game of soccer. I would want to develop a well rounded player that knows how to dribble, pass, strike, juggle defend and play goalkeeper. Most of all I would want them to experience playing in different positions i.e. playing goalkeeper, back, midfield, and striker. They should know what it means to make a good pass, be able to dribble and know what it feels like to score a goal as well as to defend and stop goals. They should always be integrated into the team practice as a field player. I believe as they get older and posses these skills it will "improve" their overall goalkeeping skills by reading the field because they have experienced it first hand. Specialize - Children that are gifted at goalkeeping will really make up their minds about it at the ages of U12-U14. They have the gift of eye hand coordination and it's very apparent in these age groups. They start to understand their role within the overall team concept. They should still be integrated into the team practice as a field player with some "specialized" training as a keeper. With the introduction of the back pass the keeper has transformed from their traditional role as the goalie to what most goalkeeper coaches refer to as a "sweeper - keeper" The development at the younger ages of possessing the ability to dribble, pass, strike and defend will complement the hands. Exceptional Goalie - If I had a crystal ball to see the future I may change my opinion. I am sure your daughter is exceptional now, but the reality is that she needs to have fun and enjoy the game. Build that foundation now. At U10 there are no boys, not much homework, friends are close and soccer is her passion. As she starts to get older you have to be ready for the priorities to change. Every coach I am associated with will rank education as number one. If she is well rounded scholastically and her training keeps evolving she will undoubtedly strive to always be that exceptional goalie. So-so field player - I personally look for the GK to have as good if not better technical skills as the field player. She may have to work a little harder to develop it but the work will pay dividends. High School and College - Lets throw in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) also. These are great ambitions and we want to keep them in sight and relative to goalkeeping. The question needs to be asked "what happens if the ODP team has 15 keepers trying out, H.S. will usually have 3-6 keepers trying out and Colleges are recruiting 2 keepers" what will set her apart from the rest???? The answer for me would be their technical ability and how versatile they are i.e. can they contribute to the team in other positions. The answers lie in the training and development of our children from the time they start to kick a soccer ball to the time they start to compete at older age levels with stiffer competition. I do relate to the subject as a coach, trainer, GK trainer, state staff instructor and father of two daughters. One playing as a field player shopping colleges and a U10 exceptional goalkeeper developing her field skills. I hope I answered your question and wish you and your daughter the best of luck both scholastically and in this great game of soccer. Butch McGrew CYSA Staff Instructor National D Certified NSCAA National Goalkeeper Coach CYSA Goalkeeper Certified.