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CURRICULUM

Overview

SUMMARY

  • The FC Arizona values guide our actions and underpin all our coaching activity.

  • Prominent FC Arizona players should be used as role models to help inspire players and demonstrate aspects of the game you are working on.

  • The FC Arizona Program is split in to 4 phases:

    • Pre-Development Phase (up to U8)

    • Foundation Phase (U9 to U11)

    • Youth Development Phase (U12 to U18)

    • Senior Phase

  • In each phase we consider the FC Arizona development model, focusing on 5 key areas (technical, tactical, physical, mental, and social) and keeping the player at the center at all times.

  • We have example structures and coach considerations for sessions within each of the phases.

  • Examples of each section of the session structures can be found in specific phase libraries on Sports Session Planner (SSP).

  • Within the pre-academy phase we do not set a specific cycle and this can be tailored to the needs of your players and program type (5 weeks, 10 weeks, etc.).

  • Within the foundation and youth development phase we work to a set 5-week program cycle.

  • We provide guidance on position specificity which is relevant for each phase.

  • For those working in an 11v11 environment, more detail is provided on patterns and systems of play.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to guide and provide you with an understanding of the FC Arizona Curriculum.

All coaches at FC Arizona are expected to fully understand this curriculum and deliver a program of coaching that follows the principles and details outlined.

This curriculum is our guide for planning and delivering a year-round FC Arizona coaching program.

All our coaching programs are based upon our current coaching curriculum that is delivered to our players at FC Arizona.

Our FC Arizona Program aims to provide the best coaching program and experience for all our players and stakeholders allowing them to develop and reach their full potential.

OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE

To develop and progress our Soccer Club and our players through our coaching program and curriculum to all our participants.

CLUB VALUES

TOGETHER  |  There is no “I” in team

EVOLVE  |  Play for the name on the front of the shirt and they will remember the name on the back.

AMBITION  |  We will aspire and dare to reach our dreams.

MOTIVATION  |  Don’t stop when you are tired, stop when you are done.

OUR OBJECTIVES OF PLAYING EXCELLENCE

  • Respect the FC Arizona values in everything we do

    • Together

    • Evolve

    • Ambition

    • Motivation

  • Attacking the football that is played with individual expression, linked to excellent decision-making

  • Dominating your opponent in 1v1 situations

  • Outplaying your opponent in a variety of different ways

  • Dominating possession of the ball aided by clever movement

  • Scoring goals via individual excellence or combining with teammates

  • A commitment to be positive at all times

  • A dedication to improvement

  • An outstanding work ethic

  • Individual application

  • Collective organization

  • Winning mentally

  • Taking ownership of learning self-improvement

  • Excellent communication

PLAYING STYLE DEMANDS
 
We strive to
We strive to control the speed of the game by owning the ball and owning the pitch. The game is played with one ball, our ball.
We play with high energy levels, positive personality and individual expression. We demonstrate aggression in both attacking and defensive play.
When out of possession we look for opportunities to press high and aggressively – looking to win the ball back as quick as possible.
NON-NEGOTIABLES
In every single session there is a minimum requirement at the FC Arizona Academy. We call this the non-negotiables

  • 100% effort and application

  • Respect decisions of staff and officials

  • Being courageous in and out of possession, being brave to get on the ball

  • Positive body language

  • The FC Arizona values (together, evolve, ambition, motivation) must be promoted at all times

FC ARIZONA DEVELOPMENT MODEL

We must develop all players at the FC Arizona International Academy in 5 key areas: Technical, Tactical, Physical, Social, and Mental.

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Technical

  • Core techniques/skills include receiving skills (to control, to create space, to turn, and to protect), moving skills (dribbling and RWTB), and releasing skills (passing, shooting, ball striking)

  • Sessions that allow the players' opportunity to practice core techniques/ skills to develop their “hard drive”

  • High repetition of these core techniques/ skills is key to improvement

  • Opposed and unopposed practices

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Physical

  • Agility, balance, stability, co-ordination, reactions, strength, endurance, power, and speed should all be considered in your planning

  • Sessions in which players carry out fundamental movements as well as more game-related movements

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  • Challenged appropriately

  • Sessions to encourage players to interact with each other, problem solve, compete, and work as a team

  • Supported where necessary- visually, orally, or practically

SOCIAL

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MENTAL

  • Preparation, bravery with and without the ball, accepting pressure, freedom of expression, and positive body language

  • Does your session promote a winning mentality?

  • Include competition within your session

A 'PLAYER CENTERED' APPROACH

Long-term player development (LTPD) and players enjoying their soccer are at the core of our playing and coaching philosophy.

We feel an attacking style of play based on effective possession of the ball is the best style to improve learning and development.

To develop creative players with comfortable midfield attributes, freedom of expression is vital in an environment that promotes individual decision-making.

Players need to be encouraged to express themselves without the fear of failure. Young players should never be discouraged from trying new things or criticized if they make a mistake. Coaches should always praise effort and application

We always prioritize what is best for the player, keeping them at the center of our development model.

 

To help support LTPD we have a four-phase progression structure.

Pre-Development Phase (up to U8)

Foundation Phase (U9-U11)

Youth Development Phase (U12-U18)

Senior Phase

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  • Attacking principles or play

  • Defending principles of play

  • In transition – counter-attack and counter-defend

  • Sessions that allow specific decision-making opportunities and the ability to adapt and combat different pressures and systems of play with and without the ball

  • Players should gain an understanding of the five W’s (Who, What, Where, When and Why)

Tactical

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