AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GAME

The DCFC Pre Soccer School is first and foremost a child development program. This introductory program is designed for U4, U5 and U6 (2018-2020) players eager to make their first steps as young footballers.  Above all, our main goal is to help children mature and develop a passion and love for the game. Our program is constructed to help build a strong physical, intellectual and emotional skill set that will help young children become more confident and successful on and off the field.  Each week, players will be introduced to basic age appropriate technical skill training through a game format. It's important to create an atmosphere that is both effective and fun. 

DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

• Share our Passion and Introduce young players to football
• Teach the game in a positive and instructive way
• Make players fall in love with the ball
• To teach the first basic steps of technique & coordination within a fun, structured environment
• Introduce game rules, guidelines and discipline while encouraging creativity and self expression
• Create a fun atmosphere where children can be playful, socialize and learn about healthy competition

WHAT IS PHYSICAL LITERACY?

Between the ages of 4-7, it is crucial for children to start regular exercise in a positive environment. Physical literacy has three components that predict lifelong physical activity: ability, confidence and desire. Those who have all three stay active longer. The goal within the DCFC Soccer 'Pre' School is improving young people’s physical literacy, and instilling the desire to play sport and exercise. 

ABILITY
Physical literacy requires fundamental movement— such as running, jumping, skipping and throwing — that young people typically develop during unstructured play. Consequently, children who lack the opportunity to build these skills become less interested in games, sports and free play as they mature.  We offer a variety of exercises that teach fundamental movement skills across the spectrum and geared toward multiple sports. 

CONFIDENCE
Confidence develops from early positive experiences with physical play and inclusive sports that welcome children of all abilities. When youngsters enter a hyper competitive sporting environment before they are ready, many experience failures that turn them off to sports altogether.

DESIRE
An interest in physical activity and movement fuel a desire to stay active. Desire develops from early positive and enjoyable experiences with play and sports. When surveyed, 9 out of 10 children said “fun” was the most important reason they played a sport. They reported that the most fun experiences were trying their best, being treated respectfully by the coach, getting playing time, playing well as a team, getting along with teammates, exercising and being active. (Aspen Institute, 2015).