Introduction
Beginning in the fall 2009, the Brookline Soccer Club (“BSC”) will roll out several exciting changes which we hope will enhance the learning and playing experience for both our players and coaches.
As you know, our goal as a club has always been to provide a quality experience for Brookline children which helps them: (i) learn the game of soccer, (ii) learn about team concepts and team play, (iii) meet and get to know other Brookline children, and (iv) do all of these things close to home. We have had wonderful success in meeting these goals to date, but we don’t wish to rest on our laurels.
As “premier” leagues, “skills schools” and other “training” opportunities have proliferated around us, some of our players and families have looked to these other opportunities in the hope of finding an even better soccer experience than what BSC offers. In response, BSC has challenged itself to identify ways to improve what we offer—and give our players and families an enhanced soccer experience right here in Brookline.
We are confident that the steps described below will preserve the joy and camaraderie that are emblematic of BSC soccer, while offering an improved learning and development environment for all of our coaches and players, regardless of age or skill level.
Plan
BSC will pay licensed, experienced coaches to coach select teams, generally the boys’ and girls’ first teams at U12 through U14 (6th grade through 8th grade) levels. These teams will continue to play a BAYS league schedule (10 games each in the fall and spring) and will practice two times a week during those seasons. No winter or summer training will be mandated. Participation in a Columbus Day Tournament will be strongly encouraged.
In addition, BSC will engage paid “SKILLS” coaches to provide training for the remaining U12 through U14 teams during one practice per week for both the fall and spring seasons.
We have chosen to engage coaches for these select teams because we understand that some 6th through 8th grade players have developed a tactical and technical sophistication that requires a high level of coaching to challenge their abilities during practices, and because we want to offer our players the opportunity to obtain that level of coaching without feeling the need to leave our community and the friends they often prefer to play with. In addition, we are hopeful that this new BSC program will help our players and families avoid the following:
With few exceptions, we believe that the BAYS League offers BSC players a similar level of competition to that offered by premier teams/leagues; and with an enhanced level of coaching, we expect that BSC players will be able to fully develop their skills alongside their classmates, friends and neighbors as part of a committed team unit.
Our younger players will also benefit. The BSC Director of Coaching will have more time to directly oversee the development of the players and coaches of the boys’ and girls’ U9, U10 and U11 teams. He will run one practice a week for the U9 teams during the fall and spring seasons, and will coach a 10-15 minute technical/skills session during one practice a week for the U10 teams. In addition, he will attend the home games of the U11 teams and work closely with the U11 coaches to help them with the transition from 6v6 to 8v8 games, help them analyze their teams’ performance, and assist in the creation of appropriate training sessions.
Changes for Players
As in the past, players will participate in a tryout process. The top 18 players in the U14/U13 age groups and top 15 players in the U12 age group will be given the option to play on a select team with a paid coach. Players who agree to play for a select team will pay a fee of $195 per season. Select team players must commit to attending 90% of the team’s practices and games. Scholarships will be available to players with financial needs. Any player who is asked to play on a select team but does not want to pay the increased fee has the option to play on one of the Club's regular teams.
One thing we wish to avoid is any sense that players who are not on a select team are considered second class citizens. Our hope is that by engaging quality coaches, we can develop a program of teaching and development that will extend to all teams, and enhance the level of learning and enjoyment for all players.
Coach Engagement Conditions
BSC paid coaches will have:
Coaches will be hired by a committee made up of the Director of Coaching, Girls Coordinator and Boys Coordinator (as well as any other members of the BSC Executive Committee who wish to participate in this process). The Director of Coaching will be primarily responsible for the supervision, orientation and training of the hired coaches.