Philosophy

THE BEST IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The overall philosophy of the program is to develop the players first.  Everything that we do is geared to improving the players technical ability and understanding of developmentally appropriate tactical situations.  Both in training and games the coaching staff is not to focus on winning and losing games but what will make a player more competent on the field.  The end result will be better players so when the time comes for player selection and playing for championships, the players are prepared.

The game will be looked at as another opportunity to train, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and ideas worked on in practice without the fear of “losing” because it did not work the first time.  The academy will not track league standings or results but will continually measure player development.

Coaching to win verses coaching to develop players:  Too many times coaches, clubs, and parents measure success in the number of wins and losses in a given season.  However, this does not always ring true especially in the younger age groups.  All players will be asked to demonstrate skills and correct tactical applications at all times whether during games or at training.  Of course, the idea is to outscore the other team as long as it does not interfere with the development of the players.

The focus of the Academy is on player development:  Player development always comes first!  The curriculum is based on the training methods of US Soccer’s national youth course and models itself after programs created by national staff coaches Dr. Tom Fleck, Dr. Ron Quinn, Dr. David Carr, Virgil Stringfield, and Bill Buren.

All players are encouraged to participate:  Most of the time a great player at 16 will be a great player at 17 and 18.   However that rule is far less certain under the age of 10.  That is why CFU encourages all players to take part in this program ensuring that players are exposed to the latest training and information that can impact their growth and continued success in the game.  Training and games will be structured so that the best and most experienced player will be challenged just as much as the new or inexperienced player.

CFU has worked hard to make the program available to every one: CFU will have three training centers with plans to open new training venues in the future.  Financially CFU has kept the price low so that all players can benefit from the training usually reserved for only premier players at a much higher cost.  Don’t pass on the opportunity to train with the best the area has to offer.