Boys Program TIMELINE

As a Director and Coach, I get the luxury of seeing players from U6 until they leave our academy.  I am involved at every stage.  As a parent, I see where you only get to see the stage where your son is involved.  I often receive questions from parents at every age level on what happens as their son moves forward in Ohio Elite. 

Our directors and I came up with a TIMELINE of what to expect as you move forward at OESA.  Now this is geared to the Boys Program, but it will be similar on the Girls, but there are differences.  This TIMELINE, by no means, covers everything, however we feel it gives a good understanding of what to expect at each stage with OESA.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY (YDA) | Director – Scott Wheeler

PHILOSOPHY – PLAYER, CLUB, TEAM, WIN - we play every game to WIN.  We will not sacrifice player development for the sake of winning a single game.  We believe in individual technique and skill.  We will focus on dribbling and passing to teammates to create opportunities (as opposed to having a superior athlete score all the goals).  This style, sometimes, will result in a loss or the other team scoring because players at this age make mistakes.

TEAMS – are chosen based on athleticism and soccer ability, having stated that, there are times we misplace a player due to the short nature of tryouts. In those situations, we will provide that player with appropriate level experiences. Players should play 50% to 100% of time in games over the course of the season (doesn’t mean each game) as long as they are attending trainings and are in good standing with the club. 

PLAYERS – kids develop at different skills at different rates and times.  As a result, players in the YDA may be asked to play with multiple teams over the course of their time in the YDA.  Players performing well on their assigned team may be asked to play with a level or age group higher.  Players may also be asked to play with a lower level team to get more playing time, team needs extra player, or as seen fit by OESA staff.

PRACTICE/TRAINING – teams will have 2 trainings per week.  Players will have the opportunity to make up missed trainings with other teams on different nights, approved by staff.

POSITIONS – all players will play all positions to expose them to the skills and pressures associated with the different positions. Players who show an aptitude for a certain position, may play a specific position more often, but they will generally play all positions throughout the season.

GOALKEEPING – all players will play goalkeeper throughout the season.  We also encourage players at U9-U10 to attend Goalkeeper training as it is an excellent way to get extra touches and work on coordination.

  

Age Level Competencies

U6 to U8 | Introduction to the game of soccer

•  Focus on individual skills (dribbling, balance, coordination)
•  Introduce the rules of the game through active play
•  2x week training with Ohio Elite staff
• Play in the Elite Players League (EPL) – 7 v 7
•  All games at Ohio Elite Complex
•  6-8 games

SKILLS

• Juggle 12+ times with feet (may use hands to start)
• Moves – inside cut, outside cut, scissors, step over

U9 to U10 | Individual Skills

• Focus on individual skill (dribbling, balance, coordination, passing, receiving) 
• Begin concepts of team play with focus on 3v3 to 6v6
• 2x week training with Ohio Elite staff
• Play in the EPL and Cincinnati United Soccer League (CUSL) or Buckeye League (BPYSL)
• EPL – 6-8 games at Ohio Elite Complex – 7v7
• CUSL – about 8 games in Greater Cincinnati
  ·         6v6 for U9 
  ·         6v6 and/or 8v8 for U10

• BPYSL – about 8 games in southern Ohio (Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus)
  ·         8v8 for U10

• 2-3 tournaments per season in southern Ohio

SKILLS

• Juggle 25+ times with feet (no hands even to start)
• Moves – all 6 surfaces of foot, Master 2-3 favorites
• Receiving a ball out of air or off bounce

JUNIORS ACADEMY | Director – Marc Sabin

PHILOSOPHY – PLAYER, CLUB, TEAM, WIN - we play every game to WIN.  We will not sacrifice player development for the sake of winning a single game.  We believe in individual technique and skill.  We will focus on dribbling and passing to teammates to create opportunities (as opposed to having a superior athlete score all the goals).  We play possession oriented, attacking soccer, play from the back and play with a lot of numbers in the attacking half of the field.  This style, sometimes, will result in a loss or the other team scoring because players at this age make mistakes.

TEAMS – are chosen based on soccer ability and athleticism.  Players should play 30% to 100% of time in games over the course of the season (doesn’t mean each game) as long as they are attending trainings and are in good standing with the club. 

PLAYERS – kids develop at different rates.  As a result, players in the Juniors may be asked to guest play with different teams over the course of their time in the Juniors Program.  Players performing well on their assigned team may be asked to play with a level or age group higher.  Players may also be asked to play with a lower level team to get more playing time, team needs extra player, develop more confidence or as seen fit by OESA staff.

PRACTICE/TRAINING – teams will have 3 trainings per week.  Players may have the opportunity to make up missed trainings with other teams on different nights in coordinated with the coaching staff in advance. Players excelling with their teams may be added to NPL Pool Training sessions.

POSITIONS – Players are introduced to more specific positions based on players personalities and the characteristics of positional roles. Playing all positions throughout the season is limited.

GOALKEEPING – U11 teams will use multiple goalkeepers. U12 - U14 we generally have two goalkeepers per team.  Attending goalkeeper training is expected of all players wanting to play in goal U12 and up.

Jugglers Guild - We expect 100% participation from all players. Minimum requirement to participate is 25 juggles (feet only)

Player Manual and Curriculum is posted on every Team Page. Coaches follow the curriculum to develop players to be successful for years to come. Training sessions are not just randomly selected. Training sessions are posted on the Team Calendar each training day. Players are expected to know the day’s activities.

 U11 - BPYSL 8v8

Games are usually in greater Cincinnati & Dayton with occasional game in Columbus.

• Juggles 25+
• Technical Priorities
• Passing & Receiving - Turning - Shooting - Ball Control - 1v1
• Tactical Priorities
• Combination Play - Attacking Principles - Possession - Playing from the Back
• Physical Priorities
• Agility - Acceleration - Acyclic Speed - Coordination & Balance - Perception & Awareness 
• Psychological Priorities
• Motivation - Grit - Respect & Discipline - Self Confidence

U12 - BPYSL 8v8 and 11v11

Games are usually in greater Cincinnati & Dayton with occasional game in Columbus.

• Juggles 50+
• Technical Priorities
• Passing & Receiving - Shooting - Ball Control - 1v1
• Tactical Priorities
• Combination Play - Attacking Principles - Possession - Playing from the Back 
• Physical Priorities  
• Agility - Acceleration - Acyclic Speed - Coordination & Balance - Perception & Awareness
• Strength Training – Body Weight (3 Days)
• Psychological Priorities
• Motivation - Grit - Respect & Discipline - Self Confidence

U13 NPL - BCC - BPYSL 11v11

Games in the BPYSL in greater Cincinnati & Dayton with occasional game in Columbus.  NPL & BCC games are regional with travel to surrounding states usually up to 4-6 hours away.  OESA does have some bus trips for players only (all players are required to travel via bus).  Players are chaperoned.  They stay in hotels with teammates.

• Juggles 75+
• Technical Priorities
• Passing & Receiving - Shooting - Ball Control - 1v1
• Tactical Priorities
• Combination Play - Attacking Principles - Possession - Playing from the Back - Transition - Finishing Final Third - Defending Principles
• Physical Priorities
• Agility - Acceleration - Acyclic Speed - Coordination & Balance - Perception & Awareness  - Reaction - Flexibility & Mobility
• Strength Training – Body Weight (3 Days)
• Psychological Priorities
• Motivation - Grit - Respect & Discipline - Self Confidence - Commitment - Communication – Competitiveness

U14 NPL - BCC - BPYSL

Games in the BPYSL in greater Cincinnati & Dayton with occasional game in Columbus.  NPL & BCC games are regional with travel to surrounding states usually up to 4-6 hours away.  OESA does have some bus trips for players only (all players are required to travel via bus).  Players are chaperoned.  They stay in hotels with teammates.

• Juggles 100+
• Technical Priorities
• Passing & Receiving - Shooting - Ball Control - 1v1
• Tactical Priorities
• Combination Play - Attacking Principles - Possession - Playing from the Back - Transition - Finishing Final Third - Defending Principles
• Physical Priorities
• Agility - Acceleration - Acyclic Speed - Coordination & Balance - Perception & Awareness  - Reaction - Flexibility & Mobility
• Strength Training – Body Weight to light weights (3 to 4 days)
• Psychological Prioities
• Motivation - Grit - Respect & Discipline - Self Confidence - Commitment - Communication - Competitiveness

SENIORS ACADEMY | Director – Dave Schureck

PHILOSOPHY – PLAYER, CLUB, TEAM, WIN - we play every game to WIN.  WINNING is very important.  We will do what is necessary tactically to get the result.  Generally, we stick to our game plan and style, but will make adjustments in tactics and players to get results on a game by game basis.

TEAMS – are chosen based on soccer ability and athleticism.  Players should play 30% to 100% of time in games over the course of the season (doesn’t mean each game) as long as they are attending trainings and are in good standing with the club. 

PLAYERS – should have a strong technical base.  Technique will continue to improve by adding quickness and distance.  Players are expected to be in a strength program to improve strength, flexibility, speed, and quickness. 

PRACTICE/TRAINING – teams will have 3 trainings per week.  Players may have the opportunity to make up missed trainings with other teams on different nights if coordinated with the coaching staff in advance.

POSITIONS – Players may play a few positions, but generally will play the same position.

GOALKEEPING – GKs are normally goalkeeper only.  We try to carry two GKs per team when possible.  GKs should attend goalkeeper specific training at least once a week.

U15/U16/U17/U18 –NPL & BCC

NPL & BCC games are regional with travel to surrounding states usually up to 4-6 hours away.  OESA does have some bus trips for players only (all players are required to travel via bus).  Players are chaperoned.  They stay in hotels with teammates.

Showcases/Tournaments are national.  We frequently attend events in Florida, North Carolina, Nevada, and other places that will expose our teams and players to top competition and college recruiting opportunities.

• Juggles 250+
• Technical Priorities
• Passing & Receiving – Under Game Pressure
• Tactical Priorities
• Combination Play – Counter Attack - Possession  in Attacking Third- Playing from the Back
• Physical Priorities
• Strength, Flexibility, Agility, Explosion
• Strength Program (on own)
• OESA Program
• Strength Trainer/Coach
• Psychological Priorities
• Consistent Motivation - Grit - Respect & Discipline - Self Belief
• Training and Improving when you don’t want to
• Do what others won’t in order to improve
• College Recruiting
• Building Resumes
• Contacting college coaches
• Getting seen
• Showcases
• ID Camps

I'm Afraid

 

     I’m afraid of many things.  As a child, Halloween scared me.  Ghosts, goblins, werewolves…you name it, I thought they were out to get me.  Not to mention the teenage kids in the neighborhood just waiting to jump from a bush and nab my candy.   There were so many unknowns.

     Unknowns are just that…UNKNOWN.  We can’t prepare for them.  We can’t avoid them.  Unknowns just happen.  Being afraid of unknowns, however, is no excuse to not going out to Trick or Treat. 

     Whatever your ‘candy,’ to be successful we need to limit the unknowns.  Success is not something to be afraid, but instead is a trait that can be learned.  Success isn’t guaranteed.  People are not always successful at all times.  In fact, most success stories are preceded by many failures.

     One big fear is if we do the work, we won’t see the results we’re looking for and feel as though we've failed.  What if we do make it work and we do see results. We know that we will have to change to be successful, but we are used to being who we are.  Being something different can scare us. Even though we want it, and the change is positive... what will others think?  Will I alienate my friends?   Many times, it's safe to do nothing because it's where we are comfortable. You could also discover that to succeed is not an end point, but only a beginning.  Anxiety can take over and make us want to hide.  You can feel like you’re playing tug of war with yourself.

In order to be successful and help us conquer these fears, here are a few tips that may help.

1.       BE POSITIVE

a.       Get rid of the negativity.  Negative thoughts breed fear.  Fear leads to self-doubt.  Focus on the positives.  Write down (or at least say aloud) all the good things that happened to you each day.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Just as negativity breeds fear, positive people create safety and self-belief.

2.       YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

a.       Fear grows when uncertain.  When you understand that you are part of a bigger picture, you will know that there are others that will support you.  Focus on being a good person and helping those around you.  Make it a priority to know that this isn’t just about you. 

3.       LIVE IN THE PRESENT

a.       Use your energy to concentrate on what you are doing now.  Embrace your past, but do not live there.  See your future and make sure you pave the road to get there.  Appreciate those on your side.  Be thankful for opportunities that arise and take the time to see the opportunities that are often hidden by obstacles.

4.       HAVE A SUCCESSBRARY

a.       It is difficult to stay on course all the time.  We often need a little inspiration.  Keep quotes, positive sayings, inspirational stories, songs to help you overcome tough times.

5.       EDUCATE YOURSELF

a.       The less you know, the more the UNKNOWNS.  Learn new things to limit your unknowns.  I’m scared of what I don’t know.  I can remember how I felt going into a test every time I did not study.  You bet – horrified.  On the flip side, I could feel the confidence when I spent the time to learn what was expected.

6.       IT’S A JOURNEY

a.       Success is not a destination, it is a journey.  As in any journey, you will have good days and bad; positives and negatives; keep your eye on where you are headed.  Create rest stops along the way.  Rest stops are smaller goals that keep you motivated and increase your confidence for the long road ahead.

7.       DON’T GO IT ALONE

a.       Although you are the only one that can take your journey, you do not have to go by yourself.  Find a mentor or others that are taking a similar journey.  Some people may be able to only travel a short distance with you, while others will join along the road.  Seek advice and be there to assist others.

You’re too afraid to succeed because you’re afraid that you’ll get hurt, which will make you somehow bad.

We’re all afraid. And you most likely will hurt.

But don’t let that stop you. The alternative is even more painful in the end.