The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills including a life long love of the game.

• Recreational soccer - a soccer program that is primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high level competition.
• Recreational Player – a player who is randomly assigned to a team without regard to his/her abilities and skills.
• Recreational Team – teams formed randomly to play soccer.
• Recreational League – leagues composed of teams formed in a random manner.

What is recreational soccer?

What is the need for recreational soccer?

Characteristics of recreational play

Characteristics of recreational players

Developmental models for youth sports

Which model fits recreational players?

What does "small-sided games" mean?

Recreational soccer opportunities and challenges

Encouragement of the small-sided games

Creating dynamic recreation programs requires effective communication

How to encourage growth and enhance recreational soccer

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The Novice Coach (DVD)
$3.00 per DVD
(plus shipping: 1-3 copies-$3.00, 4-30 copies-$10.00)
Please make check payable to CJSA and mail to:
 CJSA, 11 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT  06032

New Instructional Coaching DVD
The Novice Coach:
An Introduction to Coaching Youth Soccer  

With the release of “The Novice Coach,” US Youth Soccer furthers its commitment to fostering the mental and physical growth of its players and coaches. The Coaching Education Department, in conjunction with our Recreation and Coaching committees, are proud to provide a teaching tool to adults to assist them in providing positive learning environment for our children. “The Novice Coach” DVD will show all coaches, with varying levels of experience, how to appropriately facilitate a child’s soccer learning experience.

 




Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer (DVD)
$2.00 per DVD
(plus shipping: 1-3 copies-$3.00, 4-30 copies-$10.00)
Please make check payable to CJSA and mail to:
 CJSA, 11 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT  06032

With the release of “Positive Parenting”, US Youth Soccer furthers its commitment to creating a supportive environment for young athletes. The US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department, in cooperation with the Coaching and Recreational Committees, has created this view from the sidelines in an effort to create a positive learning environment for those involved in the lives of young soccer players. The Department is proud to provide a teaching tool designed for administrators, coaches, parents and anyone who cares about children to assist them in providing positive learning atmosphere for our children. The DVD will assist adults in helping young players play and keeping the fun in youth sports.

Positive Parenting discusses the practice and game environment as well as the ride home, each from the perspective of the players, referees and coaches.
"Positive Parenting addresses positive behavior and supportive techniques to enhance the players' enjoyment of the game,” said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer. “The DVD is reasonably priced so it can be used by everyone and believe it to be an asset to those working with our youth players."

This presentation provides a unique blend of psychology/philosophy and interviews with children of various ages. This video provides insight on:
- Why children play
- Teaching sportsmanship by example
- How to be supportive soccer parents
- Developing vs. winning
- Red cards for parents
- Emotional needs of players
- Keeping it all in perspective