Spokane Shadow Youth SC

Updated July 9, 2012

**U10 Junior Program Overview for 2012-2013 Season**
Club Philosophy:	The Spokane Soccer Club Shadow focuses on what is developmentally and age appropriate for the player. Our goal at the U10 age is to produce better soccer players so they can enjoy playing the game even more; winning is secondary at this age. We want to build soccer players for life—fans of the game for life. More importantly, we want to provide an opportunity to learn in a friendly, educated, and enjoyable environment. We want kids to smile; we want kids to grow; we want kids to develop healthy habits; and we want them to have fun! Our U10 Program welcomes all interested players. There is no tryout, there are no “cuts." All players who register here and attend Evaluation Nights are accepted in to the program.
Players:	Will be formed into groups of like ability after ID/Evaluation Nights are held in mid-May. As many groups as can be accommodated will be. Our goal is to have 3-4 groups per gender.  Groups will number 12-24 in size.  Those born between August 1, 2002 and younger may participate.  Will be provided practice opportunities under a guided age and ability-appropriate setting.  Get to play in a new game format (explained below).  Become a part of a Club that has proven results in developing players and that has a philosophy of keeping the game fun for kids.
Program Director:	Shadow Senior staff will oversee weekly training sessions and will form the basis of the educational program for players and coaches. Kevin Moon serves as our Director of Coaching-Juniors and holds a US Soccer “A” License. He has direct responsibility for this age group.
Shadow Staff Coaches:	Will be actively involved in assisting the Director of this program. Get to know our outstanding coaching staff and their credentials here!
Group Assistant Coaches:	Will be volunteer coaches May be parent coaches Must support, follow and implement the club philosophy, training strategies, game philosophy and player first philosophy (team result is not as important as player development). We are not about developing teams, but we are very much about developing players.  Must be able to communicate to players, club staff and parents Should have soccer background Should be willing to seek coaching licensing if one is not already possessed
Parents:	Parent education will be provided in regards to how to best support their child’s activities within the framework of the club.
Program:	League: Players will be organized by ability level into groups. This will form their training/practice and game groups for the season, though groups can change from week to week if appropriate. Fall and Spring seasons: Two training sessions per week (Mondays & Fridays) with game days (Saturdays). Players will be formed into PODS/teams within their ability group.  Summer: In June, 1-2 opportunities to gather to “play." July & August will be off; enjoy the summer! Winter: Off Practice:  Will all be lead, either in person or by lesson plan, by Kevin Moon, Director of Coaching-Juniors, or his designee from the Shadow Senior staff. Practices will occur twice per week (Monday and Fridays, for example.) Practices will be held at Dwight Merkel Complex twice/week during Fall and Spring seasons. The Fall session will be 8 weeks and the Spring session 6 weeks. Each night will be Academy-style training to focus on skill development and playing opportunities. The organization and instruction is unmatched by any program in the state!  Games:  Will be conducted in the Fall and the Spring seasons. In their groups, players will compete in a 6v6 format per US Soccer guidelines (guidelines that have been developed by the top coaches at the highest levels in our country).   Creativity, enjoyment, sportsmanship and a positive atmosphere will be the emphasis. When players are partnered with and against players of similar abilities, true enjoyment and development can occur. This is the aim of our program!   Players will come back each week to play at the same time and at the same place, making it convenient for families.
Equipment:	Age appropriate, first class, real soccer goals provided for training and for games. High quality practice balls for every session Scrimmage vests First-rate equipment for first-rate kids! No one matches what we provide.
Cost:	$250 Club Dues (includes uniform, club registration, field rental) $75 Washington Youth Soccer membership and affiliation fee

U10 Parent Feedback

“Thanks so very much for offering this program. I wish I would of had this with my other kids. What a great way for the girls to learn skills and play for the love of the game as well as make many new friends. I have encouraged many families in our community to take this opportunity for their kids. My daughter loved participating in this program and your staff was exceptional.”
Lori, mother of U10 graduate Kyla.

"I'd also like to say how much we like your U10 program. With all the pressure on getting the kids "started early" in sports these days, it was refreshing to be involved in a program that is a competitive environment, but keeps in mind that these kids are only 9 and 10 years old. I love that the focus was put on improving their skills and not just winning. I think there were some that felt the Saturday games were kind of anticlimactic since the kids were playing against each other, but when I watched them play, they were out there having a blast and still learning and improving! There's going to be plenty of times for these kids to travel and play other teams, thanks for keeping it simple for them now."
Teddi, mother of U10 graduate Tyler

“I want to thank you and your staff for a job well done. I thought the programs greatest strength is that it allows for like vs. like competition. I understand the importance of this so that the kids are challenged. They would have a difficult time finding that week in and week out playing rec. at this age...” 
Jeff, father of U10 graduate, Trent

"To tell you truthfully when we started last year I was not all that thrilled with the program. Mike told me to give it a chance, before I decided to pull her. So it goes without saying my opinion changed. I think the girls moving out of the U10 program are as a whole better than any 10/11 year olds that I have watched play over the last few years. I am excited to watch them continue to grow. I know you took a chance going this route, but I think over the next few years we are see how much of a benefit this program is."
Lidiya, mother of U10 graduate Kelsey

“I just wanted to let you know that our daughter thoroughly enjoyed your program. She loved her games & practices every week too. We felt as parents that this program was very beneficial in her soccer development as a 9/10 yr old! I would recommend this program to others with kids in this age group Thanks for all you hard work & effort you put in for these kids!!!"
Kristi, mother of U10 graduate Sophie 

“My daughter loved the program and we saw a lot of improvement throughout the year. I did appreciate the no pressure environment and agree that they are too young to have to deal with that still. We have an 8 year old who will definitely be doing the U-10 the year after next. So we definitely found it very beneficial and the coaching staff was very great and we loved their positive attitudes...” 
Mary, mother of U10 graduate Lilli

“You guys did an awesome job. No question. I played at college level and I'm here to tell you that you and your staff is going over and beyond to develop and train. Your program is the best thing that could happen to youth soccer in the area. Keep up the good work.”
Mark, father of U10 graduate Joel

“Thank you for a great year! Your program and academy program really stoked the fire for our daughter’s love of the game and drive to improve. So happy we did it! Thanks for everything.”
Rachelle, mother of U10 graduate Hope