The Portage Parks Youth Soccer program is designed to be a recreational program that provides youth with the opportunity to socialize with their peers while participating in sport-oriented activity. The Parks Department strongly values the role that active recreation can play in the life of an individual and is committed to encouraging all those that want to be active and play. The focus is on participation and fun, not on competition and winning. Our teams do compete and in most instances, a winner is recognized at the end of the game, however, the emphasis should be on the joys of playing, not the joys of winning. By learning to enjoy the act of playing, youth are creating a strong foundation that will greatly contribute to their physical and mental health in adulthood. Youth that learn to only value a win will be quick to give up sport in their lives once they begin to lose. Win or lose, all players should be praised for their efforts and the joys of simply playing the game should be a constant celebration.
THE TRIPLE "S" PRINCIPLE - SAFETY, SPORTSMANSHIP, SOCCER SKILLS
The soccer program will be guided by the "Triple S Principle." Safety must be assured, sportsmanship must be emphasized, and soccer skills should be taught.
SAFETY
This is the most important goal of the program. Every child, coach, parent, official, or any other individual that comes in contact with the soccer program will be kept safe. If safety cannot be assured within any aspect of the program, the program should stop. This includes practices, games, and any other times when two or more individuals are gathered for the purposes of the soccer program. It should be noted that there are risks associated with participating in the soccer program. These risks can include cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains, and broken bones. The elimination of these risks is impossible and is not the intent of the safety principal; however, the minimization of these risks is possible. The key is to identify potential risks and to then actively take steps to avoid potential injury.
SPORTSMANSHIP
As coaches of children that may be participating in their first organized sport experience, it is vital that proper sportsmanship is taught and practiced by all coaches. Youth are regularly being exposed to the negative effects of poor sportsmanship. This program presents an opportunity to demonstrate how good it can feel when everyone displays positive sportsmanship. Teams shaking hands after a game, congratulating an opponent that just scored a goal, letting your goalie know that it is alright that the other team scored, and making sure every player gets an equal opportunity to play regardless of their ability are examples of positive sportsmanship. Coaches should not stop there however. Be aware of how you react after your goalie allows a slow roller to pass through their legs for the winning score. Your players will certainly notice your reaction and be quick to mimic your reaction. In all aspects of your coaching, pledge to uphold a positive sense of sportsmanship for the sake of the young minds that will be absorbing your behaviors and forming their own sense of sportsmanship that will stick with them for years to come. Remember, it's only a game.
SKILLS
The third principle of the soccer program is the teaching and development of soccer skills. In the past, skill development was not a high priority for the soccer league. But today, we realize that once the necessary skills are learned, the players become more confident in the ability to play the game. Once your team can be safe together, and exhibit positive sportsmanship, it is time to teach them how to play soccer. Skill development, learning the rules, and practicing strategy are all things that make up this last principle. Soccer is a complex game that requires skill development in order to excel, and coaches should be committed to properly teaching the game. Practice time should include more than just scrimmage time. In fact, scrimmage should constitute less that 30% of your practice time according to most guidelines. While the primary objective of the parks program is to allow kids the opportunity to play, it is our duty to also provide opportunities for kids to learn the game and develop their skills. While most of our players will not be playing at the high school level in the future, we should provide each child the opportunity to pursue that goal if they choose to do so. Giving them the skills they will need to remain competitive with their peers is a goal of our program.
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