Southern Soccer AcAdemy GuidinG principles 2013

100 Pages·2013·5.55 MB·English

2013 - 2014
The SSA
Way.
Southern Soccer AcAdemy
GuidinG principles
VerSIon 1.0
SOUTHERN SOCCER ACADEMY
success is no
AccidenT. iT is HArd
Work, perseverAnce,
leArninG, sTudYinG,
sAcrifice And mosT
of All, love of WHAT
You Are doinG or
leArninG To do.
Pelé
2 | THe ssA WAY
thIS IS A guIde to the
SSA wAy. iT Will leT You
GeT To knoW us beTTer...
contents
04 Welcome
06 THe ssA WAY
08 orGAniZATion
16 developmenT proGrAms
22 code of conducT
25 Guidelines
Tryout process | Team Taxonomy | Team organization | practice & Games | player evaluations
Tournaments & Team Travel | uniforms | club fees | Team fundraising | private Training
44 Appendices
directory of coaches | Tournament expectations | sports science program
this document is available
to download at:
http://www.ssaelite.com/Portals/231/the_ssa_way.pdf
THe ssA WAY | 3
SOUTHERN SOCCER ACADEMY
welcome. leTTer from THe
direcTor of coAcHinG.
once again we are at the start of a new season.
SSA brings together parents and players with different levels of soccer sophistication. For some
of you this is a brand new experience, but for many others it is quite routine. However, in both
respects i hope that this season is another step in forging a lasting relationship with ssA.
As an organization, we are all in this together. our common goal is to maximize the
potential of each player and provide opportunities to compete at all levels and age
groups. The sport of soccer is growing dramatically in this country, and every season
brings new ideas. our philosophies and policies, especially those impacting
development and training, must continue to evolve.
SSA has experienced many changes, and I believe these have been for the benefit of the
club and players. However, there are still areas that we can improve upon. My staff and
i are committed to providing quality programs to serve the needs of our players and the
club as a whole, not only on the pitch and training ground but in the entire way we
conduct our business.
communication is a vital part of our responsibility. feedback and regular assessments
with our players are important. This handbook answers some of the recurring questions
about the club, its philosophy and policies. Your familiarity with what is contained here
will help ensure that you and your child have a fun and rewarding ssA experience.
Simon davey
director of coaching
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welcome. leTTer from
THe boArd of direcTors.
on behalf of the board of directors, we welcome you to ssA. it has been an exciting
first year as the club has grown to nearly 9,000 players across the southeast.
ssA was formed to provide the highest quality recreation, academy and select level play
in our region. programs such as the u8 player development Academy (pdA) and the
super Y league provide additional development opportunities for our ssA players.
We are honored to be a “football partner” with chelsea fc. This relationship
is founded on the belief that promoting respect for others, healthy living, and
sportsmanship through soccer will build better communities for all.
We welcome your suggestions as well as your participation in the workings of the club.
This is your club. It takes tremendous effort to accomplish all that must be done in
order to sustain a successful soccer program. volunteers are essential! There are many
opportunities for families to become involved in making sure that ssA is the most
successful club in the southeast!
This handbook includes important information regarding our organization. We hope that you
will find it a useful resource to get better acquainted with SSA during the upcoming season.
Thank you for your continued support.
SSA Board of directors
THe ssA WAY | 5
SOUTHERN SOCCER ACADEMY
the SSA wAy. GuidinG
principles.
SSA a not-for-profit organization, with its own management, board of directors, coaching staff,
operations and finances. We serve over 9,000 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 19
with recreational and competitive soccer programs in Georgia and across the southeast.
We are a services organization with an overriding commitment to quality
• We operate as a nonprofit organization with a minimal bureaucracy and a focus on value and
productivity
• We promote and foster healthy competition and development for all players regardless of
individual ability
• We think and act with compassion and fairness
• outstanding, dedicated people make it all happen, particularly when we work together as a team
• We are sensitive to the needs of our coaches, players, parents and communities in which we
operate
• our primary measures of success are retention of players
and coaches and the number of elite teams
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the SSA wAy. mission
And vision.
mission
To enhance the growth and participation of youth soccer by promoting player development and
fostering healthy competition in an environment that is enjoyable and sporting for all participants
regardless of individual ability as well as creating a more challenging environment for those players
who strive to reach their fullest potential.
Vision
ssA strives to develop the skills, knowledge, character and love of the game for all players. our
vision centers on the premise that the club exists for the players. All decisions must serve the best
interest of these players and follow the club’s guiding principles.

ssA’s development and training program will focus on the individual technical, tactical, physical,
and psychological development of every player. We believe that team sports help to develop the
talents and skills children will use throughout life. While winning is a component of any sport, ssA
seeks to develop the virtues of sportsmanship, physical fitness, and a positive self image.
THe ssA WAY | 7
SOUTHERN SOCCER ACADEMY
orgAnIzAtIon,
YouTH soccer.
US Soccer
Federation
(USSF)
Professional US Development
Youth Soccer
Soccer Academy
United Soccer
US Club Soccer US Youth Soccer
League (USL)
National
Elite Club Olympic
Identification & National Premier National Super Y League
National League Development PDL
Development League (NPL) League (USYL)
(ECNL) Program (ODP)
Program (id2)
Member Geographical Region Premier
Affiliates Leagues League (RPL)
State
georgia Soccer
Associations
Local Clubs
SSA
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orgAnIzAtIon. reGions
WiTHin us YouTH soccer.
SSA
THe ssA WAY | 9
SOUTHERN SOCCER ACADEMY
orgAnIzAtIon,
usA locATions.
ssA was founded in the greater metro Atlanta, Georgia area and has expanded to include
• Arkansas: mighty bluebirds
• Tennessee: Harpeth
• Georgia: oconee, cairo, northside, savannah
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