Coaching Philosophy
We strive to help players develop skills, gain understanding, and cultivate a love of the game. Thus, our primary focus is on player development.
Technical Proficiency
Soccer is a technically demanding sport and we strive to help our players develop proficiency with the wide range of skills necessary to play well.
Tactical Understanding
We try to cultivate an understanding of the core offensive and defensive concepts of soccer. Guided inquiry (asking players age-appropriate questions) is our preferred method for accomplishing this goal.
Teamwork
While individual player development is important, soccer is a team game. We want our players to learn how to work together towards a common goal, while showing respect for their coaches, teammates, officials, and the game.
Fun, Fitness, and Well-being
Done well, sport can provide many benefits. We want our players to have fun, to be physically fit, and to gain a sense of accomplishment.
Getting Started as a Coach for the Season
Thanks for volunteering. Our club cannot be successful without the over 200 parents who volunteer each season. There are a few things you still need to do to start coaching. We have put together a Coach Requirements check list for your convenience. Click here to access this list.
Coach Licensing and Education
CCYS encourages all coaches to develop their coaching skills by participating in sanctioned courses, workshops, and other programs. US Soccer coach licensing courses and other educational programs are offered by Mass Youth Soccer.
CCYS reimburses coaches for successfully completing coach licensing courses. Forward your certificate of course completion along with your registration receipt (noting how much your paid and your address) to Heidi.
Practices
Teams in the In-Town program from Kindergarten to Grade 4 typically practice once per week. Travel program coaches conduct practices once or twice per week. Practice times are set by coaches after teams are formed just before the season begins. Coaches do their best to practice at a time convenient for the majority of team members. CCYS does not refund registration fees for a player's inability to meet team practice times. Pro Coach skills clinics are also available.
Guidelines for good practices:
• Be enthusiastic, keep it fun; catch players doing things right.
• Every player should have ample opportunity to work with a ball at their feet at every practice.
• Avoid having players stand in line. Try to keep them active, preferably doing something with the ball.
• Use small-sided games that teach skills; avoid "rote" drills.
• Include a "live game" scrimmage.
Practice fields
For younger teams (through 3rd grade), CCYS typically does not have a field reservations system for practices. Rather, we give coaches fields and guidelines for who should use those fields. If there is another team practicing, please share the field accordingly. If appropriate, invite them to scrimmage with your team at the end of your practice. Specific field locations and practices times will be communicated at the Coaches meeting each season.
Games
Soccer is a player's game; for the most part, coaches should be quiet during the game. At all age groups, we endorse coaches calling directions to players occasionally. We do not endorse constant directing or haranguing of players on the field. Players need to learn to make their own decisions. If a coach needs to correct a mistake, we expect the coach to discuss this with the player when they are substituted, at half-time, or at a subsequent practice.
Note: Fall Kindergarten (typically the first season) is the only important exception to this. Until the children understand the basic idea of the game, coach participation and encouragement on the field can accelerate their learning.... like playing in the back yard.
Balanced Teams and lopsided scores
We do our best to make balanced teams, but we are not always successful. We ask coaches to make adjustments during games to ensure that the final score is no more than a five-goal differential. If you have concerns about coach decisions please contact your age director; a listing can be found on the Contact Us page.
Assigning Player Positions
Sometimes we get questions regarding player positions and at what age it becomes appropriate to specialize at one specific position.
Young players should be given every opportunity to play multiple/all positions for as long as possible, and begin to think of specializing only after age 14.
Our focus is on player development. To achieve that goal, players need as many touches as possible in as many tactical situations as possible. Play in the attacking third of the field has different demands than the middle or defensive third, center field play has different demands than flank play, forwards differ from backs. Young players should experience as many different situations as possible, to learn the demands, make mistakes and learn how to correct them.
As a coach, (and as a player), it may be easier to play specific positions. It simplifies substitutions and training. But we cannot predict what position will be best for a player in the future. Players develop in different ways and at different rates - some early, some late - and their interests change. Of course we should put them in situations where they can succeed, but we must also make an effort to get them playing time at every position during each season.
Rescheduling Games and Cancelling Referees
Travel - Rescheduling Games |
|
U9 to U 18 |
|
In-Town Games - Cancelling or Postponing
|
|
|
|
If a Grade 2 - 6 game is cancelled: |
Email Steve Robinson. If the game is cancelled on gameday, call Steve on his cell at (978) 394-7926. |
|
If a K - Grade 1 game is cancelled: |
Contact the opposing coach and work out a date and time to reschedule the game. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Referees
Starting in Grade 2, we use referees when available. Please be aware there is a nation-wide shortage of referees. Referees may not be available for In-Town games. Preference is given to older grades.
Many referees are teenagers from families in Concord and Carlisle. They are young and learning. They need encouragement and support. Please provide these in the same way you would to your own team members and children. If you experience challenges with a referees, please contact our Referee Coordinator by email.