History:
Established in 1992, the MVSC Select Program has grown to over 30 teams and nearly 500 players, making it one of the largest clubs in the state of Kentucky. After changing ownership in the spring of 2008, MVSC has made huge strides in the past couple of years and is continuing to grow. Ownership has recently brought in John Michael Hayden to lead the program to new heights and he is determined to make the environment within the MVSC as professional as possible. He is assembling a staff that will challenge players to excel and grow within the sport of soccer. Through his playing experience he knows what it takes to make it to the highest level and that drive is what he will give to the success of the program.
Mission
Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club's mission is to supply youth with every opportunity to experience the game of soccer in an environment that cultivates learning. We as a club are committed to ensuring this environment is spread through each age group starting with our youth academy moving all the way up to our U18 teams.
Excellence Through Development
These are the areas that the MVSC staff will focus on as a player progresses through our program. This is our road map for development and has been created by Director John Michael Hayden in an effort to fully accomplish his vision of getting players to the next level.
U11-U12 Player: When a player finishes his/her completion of the following program they will have acquired the following skills:
· Shooting technique
· Passing technique
· Receiving technique
· A mastery of juggling
· A number of various moves to aid in ball control and possession
· Confidence in taking players on in the attack
· Confidence in defending players 1v1
· Development on both kicking and non kicking feet
· A creative mentality that will ensure love for the game
· Rules of the game (goal kick, corner kick, throw ins, etc.)
· Understanding of practice and a focus attributed towards learning (getting to practice early, wearing appropriate attire, respecting teammates and coaches, giving a maximum effort, etc.)
U13-U14 Player: When a player finishes his/her completion of the following program they will have acquired the following skills:
· An understanding of roles and responsibilities on the field
· Transition from defense to offense
· Technical abilities expanded from earlier ages (chipping, driving ball, etc)
· An understanding of movement off the ball (combinations, spacing, etc)
· Switching the point of attack
· Speed of play (touch restrictions within trainings)
· Emphasis on keeping the ball through possession
· Weighted passing
· Sending a message with a pass (turn left/right, move into space, etc.)
· Principles of attacking (width, depth, penetration, creativeness)
· Principles of defending (pressure, cover, balance, communication, togetherness)
· Management of a game
· Development of game and training preparation (mental picture of success)
· Systems of play (4-4-2, 3-5-2, etc)
U15-U16 Player: When a player finishes his/her completion of the following program they will have acquired the following skills:
· Fitness/Nutrition and it’s effects on training and games
· Tactical awareness of the game (positional responsibilities)
· Understanding of playing faster through less touches
· Taking more of a role in personal development
· More aware of tactical assignments during restarts
· Creating space for teammates within the attack
· Introduction of weight training and speed training
U17-U18 Player: When a player finishes his/her completion of the following program they will have acquired the following skills:
· Ability of play various positions
· A professional mentality towards training and games
· Roles associated with various positions
· Ability to play one touch
· Knowledge of how to break down an opposing teams defense
· Importance of continued weight training and speed training
· Disciplined towards goals of the team
