Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Player Development Curriculum: A comprehensive guide to Association philosophy, programming and approach to youth soccer player development

The Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (CMYSA) Player Development Curriculum has been written specifically for CMYSA by curriculum expert David Newbery, SoccerPlus Director of Player & Coach Development. The curriculum provides comprehensive details of the Association’s philosophy for player and coach development, discussion of the 5 stage player development model and long term approach, an overview of the player competency model and assessment methodologies and identification of key considerations when implementing player development programming. The term ‘Player Development’ is now common soccer vernacular. Clubs and coaches all around the globe are using Player Development to convey a more modern and sophisticated approach to coaching young players. However, without good coaching it is completely impractical to expect meaningful player development. To this end, the curriculum is a critical reference point for administrators and coaches alike as they make important decisions effecting player development. In the context of youth soccer, learning is often left to chance. Clubs and coaches seem satisfied to accept the major benefits of participation as activity and having fun. Although these outcomes are very beneficial to the child, wider ranging results can also be realized through a structured and organized program – a ‘true’ curriculum.