Story and photos submitted by Nor’West London SC
About four hundred U4-U6 year-olds took to the Nor’West Soccer built fields behind West Park Baptist Church this June for Active Start 2.0.
“Our goal this year was to add some of the extra structure that parents and coaches asked for, to focus on high fives, and to give the kids a passion for soccer,” said Chris Louks, Nor’West’s Technical Director. “Our focus has been coach education and support.”
OSA trained NW staff is always on hand to oversee Active Start 2.0, but the kids are directly mentored by parents, coaches and local soccer youth, including Lauren Canton, Anna Ryan, Camryn Sanders and Duncan Sanders. The program is divided up by year of birth, and is spread out over three hours every Saturday morning on 20×25 metre grids and fully complies with OSA’s LTPD matrix (which is available online).
Under 21 Co-ed
The release of Under 21 Co-ed has been smooth sailing this year.
“Our teams are focused on fun and exercise,” said Gavin Corcelli, a volunteer U21 organiser. “Kids aren’t the only ones who need to get offline and off the couch these days!”
“Gavin came to our board with the idea and the board agreed that it deserved our support,” said Jennifer Jaquith, Club Administrator. “It has provided some role great models for our Youth Program. Players like Dylan Zambon have volunteered to coach kids’ teams with us. We’re proud of Gavin and his program!”
Grassroots Development Program
The players between these two groups were offered the NW Grassroots Development Program. Grassroots Soccer is a player-centred program that specializes in U8-U10 player development using the Game-Activity-Game method. It’s an extension of the 20-week NW Development Program that was run out of The Old Dome this winter and replaces the NW Select Team program.
The development program is open to all players looking to improve technically, and it is favoured by players planning to try out for Competitive. NW plans to take this program Indoors this Fall to work with interested players in the off-season. Watch for online registration!
www.norwestsoccer.com
