Springfield Thunder Philosophy

·         Goals For Players

a.     Our number one goal is to help our student athletes become winners. We believe success is reflected in a player’s hard work, honesty and effort to make themselves better. Even though we cannot always win, we can always be winners.

b.    The club understands that children participate in soccer to have fun. If children don’t have fun, they’ll soon pack it in for something else.

c.     We are not a ‘win at all cost club’. Our priority is about developing the whole player; technically, tactically, physically, mentally and emotionally.  We want to win the games we play, but it is more important that our players develop and improve their skills before they improve their team's record.

d.    The club adheres to US Soccer’s vision for player development. It states that players best develop when they have fun, play different positions, and play the game without pressure of results or from the sidelines.  In addition, player development occurs when teams provide an equal opportunity for each player in a training environment with lots of touches on the ball, challenging age appropriate activities, and small sided games.

e.     The club wants players to learn life skills through the game.  We encourage players to learn to work through difficult times on the pitch.  By communicating and learning to work with teammates and coaches teams can solve problems together and with a position attitude.  This will help them be leaders in life.

f.     The club is in a ‘small market’ so we must work to develop all players as we move from 6v6 to 8v8 to 11v11 play.  However, we do so with ‘big market’ values, such as licensed coaches, quality facility, club trainer, and with experienced leaders.

g.    The club expects players to play a fall and spring season each lasting 2-3 months, not all year. We support this US Soccer guideline.

h.     The club believes that referees are not opponents.  They deserve respect from players, coaches and parents.

·         Developing Players

a.     At all ages we seek to develop the love of the game.

b.    At  U8-U10 the focus is on developing fundamental skills– first touch, passing, dribbling.

c.     At U11-U12 the focus is on continued developing of fundamentals while adding defending, off the ball movement, and combination play as areas of focus.

·         Training Session Format

a.     As the players arrive they begin training with an activity that gets all involved playing the beautiful game.

b.    Coaches avoid drills where players do lots of standing in lines.

c.     The team play lots of small sided games with a specific purpose.

·         Coaches Role

a.     Give each player equal attention, equal opportunity to learn, and equal playing time so we can develop as many players as possible (not a select few who will be too few to be successful as they grow older).

b.    Allow each player opportunities to learn to play all positions, not just focus on one position.

c.     To provide age appropriate activities.

d.    To foster an environment where players learn, develop and understand the game by using their creativity.

e.     To provide for the safety of all players.

f.     To promote ethical play – develop an understanding of the spirit of the game.

·         Parents and Family Goals

US Soccer states that the number one reason for soccer burn out is pressure from home and the sidelines.

a.     Encourage your child’s "effort" and "enjoyment".

b.    Step back and let give them the game - let them make decisions, let them make mistakes and let them make great plays.

c.     The less noise and instruction from the side the better - let the players play and the coaches coach.

d.    Our young players have so much to learn and so much to develop.  Give them your love support and patience and let them do it on their own.