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» Skill Development

In most countries young soccer players learn their individual skills in street games. They copy each other or their favorite adult player. Our children haven't yet adopted the street game, nor are they exposed enough to the adult game, to have idols they want to copy. When our children join a club or other soccer organization the immediate focus is on team results and the development of individual technique and tactics, in most cases, is neglected. The result is that many young players, and that include the select team players, know how to kick and run. However, few have a good first touch, few can pass with precision, few can maintain possession of the ball when under pressure, few can play out of trouble and even fewer can deliver the finishing shot that results in a goal. Without these skills a player can't achieve the freedom necessary to play with creativity and innovation.

Our skill development camp focuses totally on the basic technique needed to control a moving ball with a moving body. All other soccer components like dribbling, receiving, passing, shooting, heading, tackling depend on the development of that basic technique.

We present a variety of technical moves. The players are then allowed to start practicing at their own pace. Once a certain degree of success has been attained our staff coaches encourage and challenge the players to practice at their best pace. Next, we expose the players to specifically designed games and now the technique is practiced under match related conditions. Nothing motivates like success. We make sure that all participants reach a level of success. By doing that, we contribute to the enhancement of a player's self esteem and confidence.

We accept players from age 6 to 12 and 11 to 15 in the Skill Development Camp. On the first day all participants are divided into small groups. Assignment to a group depends first on friendship. Those who want to work together are allowed to do so. Our next considerations are age, size, maturity and skill level. Our goal is to create groups in which players are challenged but not intimidated.

Throughout we make sure that the players are enjoying themselves and the beautiful game of soccer.