Pre-School Program Information
The primary goal of this program is to develop basic motor skills and gain many touches on the ball. Symbolism plays an important role in nearly every practice activity, helping to establish a fun, nurturing atmosphere for the children. All activities include every player, and the coach takes an active role in each game. Below is brief synopsis to our approach for each age:
• Mommy & Me for 2’s - games that are designed to stimulate creativity which involve children and their parents.
• 3’s - as coaches, we want the players to associate a positive experience with playing soccer. We also want to enforce boundaries, and help players understand and follow simple instructions. Finally, we lay the groundwork by establishing a comfort level with the ball at your feet for all players.
• 4’s - practice games are designed to introduce the basics of dribbling, kicking and some goalkeeping as well. Passing and shooting are rarely incorporated in our curriculum for this age. They are introduced to 4 v 4 "real game" at each practice, to understand the game at its most basic stage. Sportsmanship, field boundaries, and directional play are important building blocks for these young stars.
• 5’s - After practicing once a week as 4 year-olds, the 5 year-olds now play games on Saturdays. Coaches reinforce proper technique when striking the ball, and we introduce passing, shooting, and shielding at this age. We challenge players with new ball control exercises such as using various surfaces of the foot, teaching step-ups, pendulums (tick-tocks), hopovers. Target games, such as knocking down cones and shooting in various goals are very popular. Some players show a greater understanding of the game itself, and showcase their talents during games on Saturdays.
Youth Program Information
This program is for ages 6-13 includes players of all skill levels. It’s important to remember that this is a Recreational program, and it works in two ways. Many of our coaches are young college students who played the game or currently still do, so this is a learning opportunity for them as well. All coaches go through a training program and are also encouraged to seek coaching education opportunities. In our pre-school program, we teach basic skills but our main objectives are using our imaginations, having fun, and becoming comfortable with the soccer ball. Soccer should be fun! For players 6 & older, we will bring new ideas for training to every practice to help players acquire the skills necessary to reach their goals, whether it be to just have fun playing with the friends, to make their school team, or play in our Select Program.
The primary focus of Mockingbird Valley’s youth soccer program is to teach these six areas of the game:
- Ball Mastery - mastering control of the ball with all areas of each foot (inside, outside, laces, soles)
- Passing & Receiving - technique, accuracy, control
- Moves - to beat and escape an opponent
- Speed - with and without the ball
- Group Play - to improve technique and teach players to think creatively.
Youth Program Age Group Break Down:
6 & 7 Year Olds
8 & 9 Year Olds
10 & 11 Year Olds
12 & 13 Year Olds
Each age group has a curriculum specifically designed to teach players the skills that are age appropriate.
