Developmental Stage - 9 to 12 Years
The players should have a deeper understanding of the rules, and should be encouraged to explore the gray areas of the rules. This does not mean encouraging the players to “cheat,” but figuring out how to gain advantages within the games (i.e. taking free kicks quickly, figuring out how much physical play the referee will allow.) Markers of the stage:
- Acquisition of basic skills
- Introduction of key concepts
- The motivation to learn basic skills is never greater than this age level
- Players will begin to change from being self-centered to being self-critical and develop the need for group or team games
- The game itself should be central to all skills training
- Small-sided games are appropriate
Intermediate Stage - 13 to 15 Years
First two years playing 11v11. Players should know the rules of the game, and should be encouraged to understand the "grey area" of the rules, the etiquette of the game, and the gamesmanship of the game. This is usually accomplished by watching the game being played at very high levels, both in person and on television. Markers of the stage:
- The pace of development quickens at this level due to the acceleration of physical and mental maturation
- The demands of skill-training should like-wise increase
- Awareness within an 11-a side game becomes an important part of the practice
The in-house league is only an option for the u10 age group. This league provides an introduction to soccer at the u10 age group. Teams participating in this league will practice 2x/week and will have games on Saturdays. Games will not require travel beyond the Valley.
All u12+ age groups will participate in the Mountain Region League or Advanced Leagues.
The Mountain Region League (or MRL) is western slope specific and will require travel for away games - the MRL serves mountain area clubs from Vail to Grand Junction.
Age groups in the in-house league and MRL are designated by birth year with combined age groups. For example, u11 & u12 players (birth years 2010 and 2011) play together in the u12 age group.
Practice Schedule
- Trainings will be conducted between 3 and 8pm. Training times will be picked by each team’s coach.
- All In-House and MRL teams will train twice a week
Games
- In-house games will be played anywhere from Aspen to Glenwood Springs
- MRL games will be played anywhere west of Vail
- Each team will have an 8-9 game league season
Tournaments
- Teams u10 and above are suggested to participate in two to three tournaments in a calendar year
- Teams under u10 will participate in local jamborees held throughout the valley
Competitiveness of Programs
Glenwood Springs Soccer Club is considered a developmental youth club. With playing options for both recreational and competitive players ranging in different competitive levels and geographical locations. Glenwood Springs Soccer Club offers youth programs starting with the developmental academy for ages 5-9 and travel teams ranging from ages 10-19 for both boys and girls. These teams will compete in state leagues and tournaments ranging from recreational to competitive.