Studies over the past two decades for identification purposes in youth academy settings by professional and collegiate organizations/programs have shown that the correct preparation and proper development of soccer players within youth ‘professional’ academy programs/Elite Soccer Club Programs (U-9 – U18) globally and within the US depend on four main criteria:
Soccer Talent- Technical ability and potential.
Soccer Awareness-Tactical understanding of individual and team functions
Mental Aptitude-The ability to strive in competitive situations, be coachable, handle pressure and perform on the ‘big’ stage.
Physiological Attributes-The ability to be able to perform physically and use all of the previously mentioned criteria (technical, tactical and psychological components) for the duration of scheduled competition.
In short, you can have the greatest ‘first-touch’ or ‘driven-ball’ this country has ever seen; you can have the greatest technique, the most advanced tactical understanding of the game and the strongest mental capacity to compete – BUT - without being fit, specifically for the demands of the modern-day game of soccer, you will NOT be able to perform properly and will risk injury, mental collapse, and loss of confidence, especially during the periods of development in 11v11 competition on full-size fields.
In general, studies show that youth players can cover anywhere between eight (8) and twelve (12) kilometers a game, meaning players that play and train at competitive levels are expected to cover between 4.8 and 7.7 miles per game.
The goal of this training ‘period’ is to strengthen the cardio-vascular system as well as specific muscle groups and most importantly, the core area, so that upon the start of competition and the increase in effort and increased intensity of training, the body is strong enough to resist breaking down, and therefore reduces the risk greatly of muscles being pulled or strained or players needing to be substituted due to a lack of basic fitness.
It is this soccer-specific base training, that sets the foundation, before either the fall high school or fall club season and sets the tempo for the rest of the year.
We hope coaches, managers, and parents within each club and high school program try to recommend participation in the program, as it sets the tone for the whole year and shows a commitment by players to excel in the ‘little things’ and once again, helps soccer players in general within the State of New Mexico get on par with the rest of the country in terms of a year-round approach and understanding specific soccer mechanics.
Our first session of the SAQS program held winter ‘07/’08 was extremely successful with over 100 participants training. We received numerous complements about the sessions and I personally saw first hand the effect the speed, agility, quickness, and strength program had on my boys’ team. The team continued to train this way throughout the spring and I saw a tremendous increase in several areas that certain players were once deficient.
After Jr. SAQS in spring ‘08- designed specifically for u10-u14 players- we heard from several parents that the fitness level increased for their children. However, the biggest difference they saw in their player was a boost in confidence. A quicker, more fit, stronger, and mentally confident player is what we are looking to build through the SAQS program.
We hope you will seize the opportunity to embrace and understand the need for participation in the program and take advantage of the expertise in design, research and execution of the program.
We have several programs throughout the year- Jr. SAQS for u10-u14, and SAQS for u14-u18. Please check the website for details or call us at the arena- 266-3653
Thank You,
Gabe Nosseir – International Indoor Soccer Arena
