Soccer in international schools looks very different from soccer played in academies, clubs, or any organized institution outside the school program. The main reason why it is so different is because students are frequently moving from country to country or school to school, and so lack consistent training and correct progressions, which translates into accumulated gaps in their learning over a period of time. Academic pressure in some geographical areas also hinders the appropriate development of every student in the area of sports, and it can impact students’ active lifestyle in both the short term and longer term. The truth is that coaches and teachers can make all the difference in this fluid situation.
If a coach or a teacher understands the dynamics of the international school systems, they will start changing the way they teach and coach soccer to ensure that every single one of their students will grow to love being active, will consistently improve and develop, and will grow to love soccer and transfer those skills to any invasion games situation or life scenario. We, as coaches and teachers, have a greater battle to fight, as our job is harder when we have to cover gaps and bring the enjoyment and the beauty of every game and activity back to life, so that every child would love to play, score, win, while staying active and loving to move.
Learning Outcomes- Participants will learn about different teaching models and how they apply to an educational based soccer program.
- Participants will learn to select the correct activities for their students when differentiating for every individual.
- Participants will also learn to analyze and assess players as they play and set up a simple assessment activity in order to create their season plan for the students. This way, coaches will develop a “coach’s eye” and be able to not only spot gaps and suggest improvements, but also make the difference between what activity is effective and what activity is not, and how to choose it.
- Participants will also discuss the main issues that can impact on trying to deliver and implement an effective program and to measure success. Topics will include: time, space, equipment, number of students, administration and behavior management, etc.
