This document serves as our over-arching plan as to what we do as an Academy, our values, our culture, our program, training methods, style of play and player expectations.
Youth Development Models are cornerstones for top academies in Europe, but from what we can see, we are the only Academy or Club in Canada that has such a plan. We have taken our Academy to the next level.
To develop our model, we have used Coach Tuukka’s experience and training in the Finnish and German systems in which he grew up in, and where he was trained and played professionally such as at Schalke04, TSG Hoffenheim, FSV Frankfurt. Clayton’s knowledge and experience in the French, Dutch and English systems are also woven into the model.
Our Youth Development Model is a source of pride in our professionalism and commitment to be among the top academies in Canada and the USA.
It is crucial that our players understand the model themselves - it is important that they know why they are in our Academy system. They will get maximum benefit from the academy if they fully understand the model.
It is crucial that our players understand the model themselves - it is important that they know why they are in our Academy system. They will get maximum benefit from the academy if they fully understand the model.
If you have any questions, please discuss with Clayton or Tuukka.
ELITE NIAGARA SOCCER ACADEMY
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MODEL
The Elite Niagara Soccer Academy Youth Development Model has been designed and adapted from proven models used in European Football.
The underlying themes are “The Game Is The Teacher”, and the “Player is at the Centre” of our coaching style. Coaches teach and measure technique, skills and fitness, but most importantly, they teach using Guided Discovery, that is, letting players play which in turn allows the game be the teacher.
Our training method is marked by small-sided, age appropriate, simplified but problem-solving games. This is a deliberate move away from traditional “cone-to-cone” drills. The emphasis is on developing creative players and stimulating their Soccer Intelligence through a full menu of small-sided problem-solving games.
What is Soccer Intelligence?
“Finding space, shooting, controlling and running with the ball, taking the ball past an opponent and winning the ball – these technical skills can be learned relatively easily. An intelligent player also understands how to merge these basic elements into a higher, more meaningful and effective whole.”
“In the search for the best possible solution to a game situation, an intelligent player quickly sees the available opportunities, but also the risks. While he perceives and analyzes the actions of his teammates, he already knows and has mastered the various solutions to the problems that arise and understands how to translate these solutions into practice.”
“An ounce of Intelligence is worth more than a pound of muscle.”
- Horst Wein
How do Elite Niagara Soccer Academy Coaches stimulate Soccer Intelligence? Our method is to allow the players to learn by playing the game rather than instructing through drills.
There is of course is a place for technical “drills with cones”, but our teaching philosophy is aimed at developing technique and soccer intelligence while playing in a complex game situation.
Coaches present players with game situations in which the players must make quick decisions and translate them to actions on the field. Our coaches ask players questions designed to stimulate them to discover answers for themselves – Guided Discovery
Players do not develop Soccer Intelligence by following the instructions of a barking coach. They develop Soccer Intelligence when they are put in an environment where they learn to solve problems and make game related decisions on their own.
Our Style of Play:
Tactically (for U13 and above) we play a 4-3-3 system, but we will also move to 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 from time-to-time. We teach our defenders to become midfielders when attacking, and we utilize our fullbacks in the wings of our attack. At all ages we teach our teams to play:
· high tempo
· with highest technical quality
· with attacking flair
· a pressing game high up the pitch
· a possession game
· with pride in defending - all players “hunt” to win the ball back when possession is lost
· quick transition and to be counter-attack minded
· with determination, confidence and spirit
· displaying sportsmanship, respect and maturity
Expectations of Players:
Our players have formal team training three times per week, eleven months per year. This is the minimum.
We also expect our players to invest in training on their own when formal team training is not scheduled. This includes additional soccer clinics and camps, physical fitness activities and other sports such as school teams, but most importantly includes “Free Play” at our private facility at least once per week.
We believe in Deliberate Practice and the 10,000 hour rule. We believe that truly dedicated soccer players will find a way to get meaningful touches every day.
Our Academy has a formal Fitness & Skills Testing Program. Players are tested regularly for fitness and strength levels and technical skills. Results are measured, evaluated and discussed with the players. Goals and targets are set for players. Tests are always age appropriate and soccer specific. This is an integral part of our player development model.
Our message to players:
- Progress with Each Session
- Always Focused
- Skills and Technique
- Team Player
- Energy
- Respect
- Smarts to Listen and Learn
Move to progress to your full potential. As a soccer player it is vital to have the correct attitude both on and off the football pitch. You need to be as positive and dedicated as possible to attain the mastery of the ball. Your skills will ensure that you can maintain your cool and composed nature when under pressure to keep control of the moment you’re in. You must work to be better every day.
Always Focused
If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything. You must be willing to stay focused at ALL times so that distractions have no room to operate in your environment.
Skills and Technique
At Elite Niagara Soccer Academy we believe that skills and technique are essential to inspire creativity, flair, excitement and entertainment. Skills can help make football fun, help you improve as a player and help you beat your opponent. Be inventive with the turns and tricks you use to move the ball, use both feet and don’t forget to work on the basic skills such as control and passing. Embrace your coach’s ideas and always think about different ways you can improve tactically and technically. Be creative with your thoughts and express them on the field whenever you can.
"At a young age winning is not the most important thing... the important thing is to develop creative and skilled players with good confidence."
"Young players need freedom of expression to develop as creative players... they should be encouraged to try skills without fear of failure."
- Arsène Wenger
Team Player
As much as you can work on your own development, soccer is a team game. The more you work with your team mates the better you will become as a player and a team. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, football is a game that can be played by everyone. Enjoy the feeling of belonging to a team and do all you can to help your team mates.
Never make excuses or blame others. Mistakes happen – pick yourself and your team mates up and move forward. Understand that being on this team is a privilege.
Energy
You need to have lots of energy to get the most out of playing soccer. The longer you can maintain a high level of fitness for, the more this will benefit you in games. If you’re not as fit as you can be, it becomes difficult to play to your maximum level. Drink plenty of water, avoid junk food and be as active as you can in your day to day lives.
Respect
Always respect your team mates, your opponent, your coach and the referee. In order to get the best out of yourself and your team it’s important to appreciate the efforts of those around you. If you fail to respect the opponent you underestimate their potential, which can make your own standards fall below the required level. Soccer should be played in the spirit of fair play, encouragement and fun. Take advice from your coach to help your game improve and remember self-respect is key for your own development as a player and a person.
Respect is why we demand that you arrive early for training and shake your coach’s hand upon entering the training field. Respect is why you always thank your coaches and again shake your coach’s hand when leaving training. We expect that you always maintain a neat appearance, keep your kits clean and shoes polished. This is respect for the game.
We treat you like young professionals and we expect you to behave as young professionals. Always remember that Coach Tuukka is a professional soccer player who you have the privilege to learn from. Treat him with the respect he deserves - which means coming to training ready to work hard.
Smarts to Listen and Learn
Learn where you are in your development. Never be satisfied and think you have “made it”. Understand that you always need to get better. Realize that you are always competing. Always listen to and understand your coach’s instructions. Talk to your coaches - ask your coaches for help to reach your goals. Always be on time, pay attention and play with your whole heart.
ELITE SOCCER ACADEMY NIAGARA Professional Staff Bios
Clayton Rosario
Founder | President | Technical Director - ph: 289-214-1414 | |
§ 25 Years coaching experience from grass roots to competitive.
§ Founder and President of Elite Soccer Academy Niagara
§ Current Technical Consultant for sport at Ridley College, St Catharines
§ 5 years as Technical Director of Club Roma, St Catharines
§ Technical specialist of the Dutch and French training methods
§ Produced training DVD “Train Like A Pro” Building the complete Soccer Athlete. www.soccerathletics.com
§ 8 times League Champion in OYSL , Central, and South Region Soccer League
§ Won over 70 Tournaments including the Robbie International, USA Cup and Central League U11 Little World Cup.
§ Established 5 free after school programs in the GTA for Nourish and Develop the Children Foundation.
§ Set up youth player development and scouting program for Glenshields SC and Kleinburg SC
§ Technical director for North Scarborough SC and Armour Heights SC
§ Launched first French International Camp in Toronto 2008
§ Formed Shooting Stars Soccer International in 2006. Full service Soccer Corporation. Leaders in placing Canadian talent overseas. Now Elite Soccer Development.
§ Consulted for clubs such as Georgetown SC, Woodbridge SC
§ Visited information Centres of OGC Nice & Lille and Manchester UTD training centre
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Tuukka Salonen
Academy Head Coach, Fitness and Agility Expert - ph: 289 257 6971 | |
Tuukka has been with Elite since January 2012 as he just moved to Canada with his wife and 3 boys. Tuukka played Striker/Defensive Midfield Pro Career – 10 years. After retiring Tuukka was trained at Shalke 04.
§ 2006 – End of career KFC Uerdingen 05, Oberliga Nordrhein
§ 2005 – 2006 Chemnitzer F.C., Regionalliga Nord
§ 2004 – 2005 1. SC Feucht, Regionalliga Süd
§ 2002 – 2004 FSV Frankfurt, Oberliga Hessen
§ 2001 – 2002 Eintracht Bad Kreuznach, Oberliga Südwest
§ 2000 – 2001 SV Elversberg, Regionalliga Süd
§ 2000 1899 TSG Hoffenheim, Verbandsliga Baden-Württemberg
§ 1998 – 2000 TPS Turku, Finnish Veikkausliiga
§ 1997 Hanko IK, Finnish First Division
§ 1996 TPS Turku, Finnish Veikkausliiga
Achievements
§ 2001/2002 Top goal scorer of the league Oberliga Südwest
§ Only Finnish soccer player to be a top scorer in a German league
§ 1996 Finnish Cup Final HJK – TPS
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Mailing Address:
Elite Niagara Soccer Academy
1100 Niagara St., Building A
Welland, Ontario Canada
L3C 1M6
