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Club Philosophy/Playing Style
Soccer should be Fun! We believe that fun is the end result of hard work, your best effort, and committment.
We believe:
- Christian children should have an environment where they can enjoy and develop in sport, yet still be free to worship and pray. Good sports programs where faith is encouraged are hard to find.
- Soccer is the greatest game in the world.
- Our methods are so close to the cutting edge we are in danger of bleeding to death.
- The skillfull, dynamic, attacking based player has more fun than those who play on teams with 9 players defending behind the ball. Teams whose strategy is to try and prevent the opponent from playing are unfun (if that’s a word). So, we get numbers up into the attack and let em play.
- There is a shortage of teams that teach skills and dynamic play. So, we try to. Players seem to think its more “fun.”
- Self esteem is earned. Hard work, overcoming obstacles, doing something successfully, this is what provides genuine high self esteem. Executing a great play, doing your absolute best for God and the team, winning the game, the positive feelings that come from these things are what creates genuine high self esteem.
- There are a lot of organizations out there for recreationally minded players that do a good job of providing them a place to play. So, we also try to provide an environment for the young player who wants to reach their potential - who wants to push the envelope. If you love it, if you’re on fire for the game, then you will probably be really comfortable in our advanced programs.
- Team practices are mandatory. Playing on a club level sports team, or attending an academy is a commitment. Teammates need you to be your best in order for them to get better; they need your help in order to reach their potential. Our job is to provide the committed player the environment where he or she can reach the highest levels.
- Soccer is not world peace. Although we believe being placed on a West Vallley Soccer Team is a commitment, we recognize that competitive sports is just one important facet of developing a well rounded young adult. The game of soccer teaches wonderful life lessons and helps develop character, but Faith, Family, Education, and Personal Ethics always comes first.
- Athletes should be encouraged to play other sports. We believe that players develop necessary movements, reactions, and coordination by playing other sports. We believe, as do many top exercise physiologists, that players should not specialize in a specific sport until the ages of 13-14.
- Once they reach the age of 13-14, players have to look at their goals and decide if they want to pursue playing soccer at the Premier level, ODP level, College level, and National Team/Professional level. If so, then they need to decide if they are willing to do what it takes to reach those levels. At this time specialization in soccer becomes necessary.
- Team Rosters should be restricted to no more than 15 players. Player development should always be our first soccer related objective.
- Soccer players who play, but are not fit, are at risk of getting seriously injured.
- Becoming a top level player requires 10 years of proper (deliberate) practice and development. There are no short cuts. Although it’s hard work, if its not fun then you won’t do it. So, we try to figure out a way to make it more fun. We are still trying.
- Very well prepared coaches are mandatory.
- Gamesmanship is evil.
- Becoming a great soccer player may be one of the hardest things you will ever do – but, it’s worth it!
- Everything mentioned above is secondary to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!
