Player Development Model
Since 1994 Hollandia has continuously updated its player development methods to keep pace with conventional best practices, but our philosophy has always remained the same: Soccer is about players, and everything that we do should be based on what is best for the technical and tactical development of our players.
METHODICAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
We recognize the need to improve and develop the fundamental skills of all players, regardless of ability or division. Development is undertaken in a methodical, scientifically proven, maturity based model where players of each birth year are kept together where practical, and are exposed to training specifically designed for each such group. Mastery of the fundamentals is the key to future enjoyment and success, and we aim to reach out to the Community Associations to help them with developmental programs.
SINGLE YEAR AGE GROUPS
In keeping with best practices defined by Canada Sport for Life (CS4L) and the CSAs Long Term Player Development model, Hollandia, practices a single year age grouping policy. In the absence of the recommended single year age groups in the local leagues, Hollandia forms junior and senior teams in each age group up to the Under 16 age bracket.
This practice allows children to progress and compete at a level that is appropriate for their mental, social, cognitive, physical and technical ability. It also allow junior teams to retain stronger players as well as giving older players the chance to develop, rather than being displaced by a younger player. This means that our coaches often have to work to develop players rather than discarding them.
THE HUMAN COACHING MODEL
Hollandia coaches are asked to recognize that they are in the people business; dealing with emotions, ambitions and many different personalities. In addition to superior people skills, Hollandia coaches are required to be certified by taking relevant coaching courses, always to conduct themselves according to True Sport principles, and to remain civil and composed at all times. In short, Hollandia coaches are required to coach with CARE.
SPECIALIST COACHING
The backbone of Hollandia's coaching system is based upon a series of competent skills development coaches who supplement and mentor parent coaches. Specialist coaches develop player skills using age appropriate methodology, while sharing knowledge of the game with parent coaches. Age group specialist coaches understand the psyche and needs of the age group within which they work. The coach consequently must master and be capable of easily executing the different methods of coaching including guided discovery, the Socratic, and authoritative methods. He or she must also know how and when and where to apply the various styles. Hollandia does not recommend that coaches employ the laissez- faire as it can lead to bullying and other group dysfunctionality. Researchers have found that the laissez- faire leadership style is generally leads to the lowest productivity among group members.
COACHING QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION
Hollandia coaches are selected firstly on their willingness to cooperate and promote our developmental philosophy. A primary consideration is the potential coach's willingness to understand that learning rather than winning games is the primary objective of the Hollandia philosophy, especially at the younger ages. In addition, the coach's capacity to maintain a global perspective, to remain calm and dignified as well as game knowledge and coaching certification is considered. Coaches are selected also upon their coaching knowledge and credentials, and are required to take the new CSA coaching courses.
HOLLANDIA'S FOUR PHASES OF THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
PHASE ONE: THE BALL IS THE FOCUS
In the first phase of development the aim is to give children the ability to manipulate and control the ball, and this goal is main focus of the stage, but is coupled with interesting and playful activities that are designed to keep the child interested and develop a love for the game. The coach is positive and charismatic and provides constant positive feedback and discovery opportunities. This phase encompasses children from approximately 5 to 7 years of age.
PHASE TWO: GAME INTELLIGENCE IS THE FOCUS
In the second phase, players are roughly 8-11 years of age. The coach is more of a teacher, guiding players through new skills and techniques, using guided discovery and question and answer methodology. The ball is still the focus but players learn the basic forms of the game by constant repetition of small sided games and soccer specific situations in game-like forms. Players are encouraged to think and problem solve by being questioned rather than being told what to do, meaning that the coach is less authoritative in his/her style. Technique is practiced more in game situations, with drills becoming less frequent and used more in warm up or cool down phases of the practice. Individual tactics are developed with an emphasis on individual ball possession.
PHASE THREE: LEARNING TO WIN THE GAME
In the third phase, from 12-15 years of age, the focus on pure ball skills is supplemented by a focus on the small-sided game. Learning and training is intensified in this, the Training to Train phase, with the addition of tactical game situations that emerge from the three "moments of truth" - when in possession, when out of possession, and transition from offence to defense and vice-versa. Game intelligence becomes a major focus with the coach forcing players to think, and presenting them with positional specific challenges. Attacking play is based upon solid ball possession and methodical build up. Communication is important, and players are encouraged to coach each other, and to have open discussion with coaches. Coaches must learn to let go and be open to respectful questioning from players. The coach is not a hero with all the answers, but is a skilled learning facilitator. Individual development takes precedence over team development - a concept that is often difficult for parents to comprehend, and one which the coach must communicate to them.
PHASE 4: LEARNING TO WIN THE TOURNAMENT OR LEAGUE
The fourth phase encompasses the 16 to 18 year olds. There are many challenges in this bracket, as players realize other interests and options, including work, preparation for university and even the realization of exactly where the fit in the soccer world. The team now becomes more important than the individual. Coaches must teach position specific functionality and players learn to perform various roles for the betterment of the team. Players are now also taught to win games by using a variety of tactics, and employing their skills in a certain predetermined fashion.
COMPETITION
Hollandia subscribes to the principle of meaningful competition. This means that competition should be fair but that the outcome should not be totally predictable.
Competition should be designed to suit the developmental stage of the player. In our view, competitions that lead to National competition at the Under 14 age group is highly inappropriate and does not line-up with the LTPD recommendations. We therefore discourage children of 12 and 13 years of age participating in these competitions, or in National competitions.
