epsc club development program

Who is it for:  All players born in 2016 as well as 2017 birth years born by August 31st (6U and 7U)

Scroll to bottom of page for registration link!

Cost: $95

Optional – EPSC Logo Size 3 soccer ball – $11

Program Description:

Wednesday practices are run by EPSC training staff (many of whom are former EPSC players and/or EPSC competitive program staff). There will be 3-4 Sunday night jamborees during the season where the players will participate in mini tournament style games with other local soccer clubs. These jamborees will typically kick off at 5pm and will consist of 4 x 15 minute small-sided games.  A major component of the program will be soccer education for all – players, coaches and parents.

The main emphasis of the program is on development and FUN with a focus to develop soccer players to progress to the EPSC competitive program once they become age eligible . Small-sided games (3v3-5v5) are a primary component of this program. 

Why Small Sided Games?

At the very youngest ages, it is typical to watch soccer games where all the players crowd and follow the ball in a group. This is very natural simply because all children want to have the ball. At the youngest ages this can also result in players “stealing” the ball from their own team- mates creating situations where a 7v7 game is really 1v13. By reducing the numbers on the field, the opportunity for players to have the ball increases. For example, in the same scenario by reducing numbers to a 3v3 game, that turns it into a 1v5 (rather than 1v13). The smaller the number of players on the field at the younger ages, the better it is for your child’s development long term as they will have the ball more often and will be in situations on both sides of the ball (attacking and defending) more often.

• More Touches – Fewer players on the field means each player will receive more touches of the ball so they have more opportunity to make decisions and work on their skills in a competitive situation.
• Simpler Decisions – Players will make better decisions when there are fewer players on the pitch as there are less options to consider. With younger players we want to start off with less options and then build up from there.
• Score More Goals – All players at every age love to score goals. SSG’s create more goal scoring opportunities and are higher scoring games thus creating more fun and enjoyment for the players.
• More Involvement – Young players can hide in larger sided games but it’s not so easy for them to hide in a game of 4v4. In small-sided games all players must contribute to the play.
• Game Realistic – Activities that work on technique without any opposition can have a purpose but SSG’s allow players to put learned skills and techniques into competition and by trial and error increase their knowledge of when to use them.

The primary aim of our youth programs is not to create short-term winning teams, but instead to help develop all players’ understanding of the game, enjoyment, skill level and decision making in a game-like environment.