Coaching Education

Coaching Resources & Tools

“Better coaches equals better kids equals a better life”

Once you've reviewed the Philosophy, Rules, and Session Plans, feel free to contact our Director of Soccer and Coaching Education, Coach Seamus Reilly.

U6–U12 Session Plans (Start Here) Email Coach Seamus

How to use this page

Start with the Session Plans and run them as written.
Use the Age Pathway below to keep coaching age-appropriate.
Keep sessions game-like and minimize stoppages.

Need coaching support?

Questions, concerns, comments, or anything else — we’re here to help you run fun, safe, development-first sessions.

Quick coaching reminders

Coach during stoppages, not live play.
Maximize touches, dribbling, and 1v1s.
Make players feel seen and part of the team.

Philosophy

How we coach (development first)

U6–U12 Rules

Game rules + sideline expectations

Session Plans

U6–U12 training plans (start here)

Age-Appropriate Player Development Pathway

As players grow, their developmental needs evolve. Use this pathway to keep coaching age-appropriate and prioritize the right skills at the right time.

4–7 Years Old

Ball manipulation skills
Dribbling while changing direction
Correct passing technique
Executing 3–4 skills while moving
Have fun
Feel part of the team

Foundation

8–10 Years Old

Core technique
Pass and receive
Understanding width and depth
1v1 attacking
1v1 defending
Building out of the back
Correct striking technique
Encourage watching professional games

Core Skills

11–14 Years Old

Advanced technique
Team tactics
Team attacking
Team defending
Skills needed in the 3 phases of play
Keeping possession
Style of play
High-level technique

Team Concepts

15–19 Years Old

Team tactics
11v11 systems of play
Position-specific development
Counter attacking
Switching play
Set piece knowledge

Competitive

Coaching lens: At younger ages, the priority is touches, dribbling, and confidence — not perfect shape or rigid passing patterns.