Developmental
Soccer development for ages U5 to U10 involves gradual progression through player pools and tailored events to optimize skill acquisition and enjoyment. In the U5-U6 age group, players engage in small-sided 3v3 matches, focusing on basic motor skills and introduction to the game's dynamics. As they progress to U7-U8, the format expands to 5v5, allowing for increased interaction and strategic understanding. By U9-U10, players participate in 7v7 matches, honing teamwork and tactical awareness on a larger field. Weekly events typically consist of one training session to develop fundamental skills and one match to apply them in a competitive setting, fostering both individual growth and team cohesion.
Player Pools:
U5 - U6: 3v3
U7 - U8: 5v5
U9 - U10: 7v7
Events/Week:
Training session 1x
Match 1x
SPRING 2025 SEASON
SEASON DATES
Season Duration: Feb 25th - May 8th
No games – March 17th-20th (Spring Break)
COST/FEES
Regular Pricing: $175*
Late Registration: $195*
*A processing fee will be added to all registrations except Competitive evaluations which are free.
Cost Includes: Professional Coach for training/game referee, practice jersey, game jersey.
WHAT TO BRING
All players will need appropriate size soccer ball, shin guards, black shorts, and either soccer cleats (recommended) or tennis shoes, Practice or Game Jersey.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
We will do our best to honor special requests; however, accommodations will depend on demand and availability
Century Church / Yellowhammer Soccer Field
1001 Marler Road
Pike Road, AL 36064
New PlayMetrics Users
All new users must create an account through PlayMetrics in order to register.
01
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Click Register and fill out the appropriate information. You will be asked to enter an email address and create a password.
02
VERIFY EMAIL ADDRESS
After verifying your email address, you will be prompted to complete your parent or Guardian Account.
03
COMPLETE PLAYER INFO
Complete player information for each child you plan to register.
04
SELECT PROGRAM
Based on player information provided, you will be shown a list of programs available to each player
Development Philosophy
Brave on the ball
Generate one-on-one engagements
Attack
- Introduce balance, speed, ability to change directions, pace of acceleration/deceleration, and foot agility.Ensure the proper use of arms and hands – hold off pressure vs. pushing.Introduce moving the ball with a variety of the surfaces of the foot.Practices changing speed with the ball.Encourage learning from mistakes.Have fun while learning.Introduce moving ball into open space.
Transition
- Introduce coordination, ability to change speed, change directions, and accelerate/decelerate. Introduce ways to increase lateral speed and straight-ahead speed.Introduce ability to regain the ball when possession is lost.Introduce ability to advance forward when possession is won.Introduce recovery run patterns.Motivate rapid recovery from personal or a teammate’s mistake.Have fun while learning.Introduce ability to respond immediately to a transition.Introduce awareness of where there is space in front, behind, and to the side.
Defend
- Introduce balance, ability to change directions, start/stop, and backpedal. Ensure the proper use of arms and hands – avoid sliding, pushing, and pulling.Introduce appropriate pace and patience when approaching the opponent (jockeying).Introduce how to tackle a ball with feet (poke and block).Encourage recovering from mistakes.Have fun while learning.Introduce skill of recognizing who is closest to the ball and who should confront the opponent.
Control the tempo
Dictate the terms of play
Attack
- Introduce balance, speed, ability to change directions, pace of acceleration/ deceleration, and foot agility. Introduce use of arms in running and low center of gravity.Introduce mechanics of making a 5 yard, inside the foot pass to teammate.Introduce mechanics of receiving a 5 yard, inside the foot pass from teammate.Instill patience and willingness to share time with the ball.Introduce cues to know when to dribble or pass the ball.
Transition
- Introduce coordination, ability to change speed, change directions, and accelerate/decelerate. Introduce ways to increase lateral speed and straight-ahead speed.Introduce body position when possession is lost or gained.Introduce role and position when possession is lost or gained.Encourage same level of intensity and excitement whether in or out of possession. Introduce skill of observing the whole field.
Defend
- Introduce balance, ability to change directions, start and stop, and backpedal. Introduce the proper use of arms and body for agility and coordination.Introduce when and how to close on an opponent that received a ball (speed and spacing).Introduce concept of the second defender.Encourage patience and selflessness when not in possession.Introduce awareness of other players rather than just focusing on the ball.
Go together
Alway seek to generate an advantage
Attack
- Introduce balance, speed, ability to change directions, pace of acceleration/deceleration, and foot agility. Introduce running the length of the field.Introduce how to maintain a set distance from a teammate (5-10 yard spacing).Introduce proper technique on inside foot pass to go forward.Introduce proper technique to receive a pass on the run.Instill a desire to share the ball with teammates.Introduce the concept of team.Introduce reacting to another person’s actions.
Transition
- Introduce coordination, agility, and ability to change speed/directions. Introduce ways to increase lateral speed and straight-ahead speed.Introduce recovery runs when possession is lost.Introduce the concept of getting goal side.Introduce receiving or collecting a ball that has changed possession.Introduce runs going forward when possession is won.Instill confidence that loss of possession is just another opportunity to recover the ball not a failure.Have fun while learning.Introduce the ability to recognize a change in possession.
Defend
- Introduce balance, ability to change directions, start and stop, and backpedal. Introduce the proper use of arms and body for agility and coordination.Introduce defensive stance, distance, and jockeying.Introduce acceleration and deceleration to close space on an opponent.Introduce double teaming.Encourage learning from mistakes.Have fun while learning.Introduce ability to recognize when it is their turn to step to an opponent.