1. Our Roster Sizes Are Not Driven By Financial Need
Our teams are not formed with financial objectives, rather we feel that a focus on technique and skills will serve the player’s development better in the long run. Players are to play as part of the team, not simply be on the roster.
2. Quality Coaching By Appropriately Licensed Coaches
All coaches are experienced and well-trained, not only licensed by the U.S. Soccer Federation, but have also undergone the highest levels of training and certification through AYSO. Regular staff meetings are held to discuss issues and keep all coaches up to date. We encourage professional growth and continued education.
3. Commitment to Player Development
AYSO is renowned for its commitment to player development and putting the player before the game. AYSO United Alabama continues with this commitment by valuing the growth of the individual player over team accomplishments solely.
All four components below are interrelated with the how we achieve a Challenging and Fun environment in soccer. Developing these components in the training sessions are essential to create an appropriate environment to develop top soccer players.
a. Intensity
Practices must be performed at game level intensity. Short working periods of high-intensity develops the technical quality and the quick, tactical decisions required in the game. Reproducing game level intensity during training sessions is essential.
b. Game understanding
Developing vision and game awareness is crucial from an early age. Game situations change constantly, therefore collective practices and experience with varied game situations assist player’s in developing their knowledge of the game.
c. Quality
A quality touch of the ball is indispensable to the tactical side of game-efficiency. Technique in soccer allows for great diversity; therefore, repeating specific technical actions in a game context provides the player with a wide range of technical movements. Coaches will insist on a clean touch on the ball as well as quality technique.
d. Competitiveness
Opposed and high-intensity practices are essential in the development of high-quality and competitive players. Developing committed and competitive players from an early age is an indispensable aspect in the creation of successful teams.
4. Playing Style
We believe a possession-based playing style, when employed correctly is the most effective approach to soccer and is beautiful to watch. All teams are encouraged to build out from the back, find the open player in midfield, and combine those elements to create chances. If the ball is continually cleared down the field, the defense and midfield are bypassed, meaning they will not learn how to connect passes and attack with creativity. Players should be able to possess, control, dribble, shoot, pass and receive in pressurized situations while feeling comfortable on the ball. This style is achieved through well-structured practices that consist of:
~ Communication and Awareness
~ Decision Making
~ Executing Decisions
~ Tactical insight
~ Game-Like
~ Soccer technique
5. Games & Tournaments
AYSO United Alabama is a member of the Alabama Soccer Association (ASA) which provides a highly competitive platform consisting of teams from different clubs from across Alabama. We enter into tournaments to not only develop the players’ skills but to provide players with opportunities to develop life skills, such as, becoming comfortable in challenging environments, learning to manage their nerves, and being gracious in both defeat and victory.