CDC PROGRAM

Our program is designed to follow the long-term player development plan (LTDP) of the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA).  It is a tailored program that follows our young players between the ages of 9 and 12 and runs for approximately 40 weeks (summer and winter season).  Between the ages of 9 and 12, there are no longer regular teams (except for in our recreational soccer).  The CDC, “Club Development Centre”, is a training program focusing on the individual development of the players through different drills, exercises and games and is run by the Club’s technical staff and volunteer coaches.

Players are put into their respective age categories and then divided into 2 or 3 groups. Our goals are to meet the needs of all the club’s players in learning the sport and to ensure that they enjoy the game all the while developing their abilities.  Practices will be carried out through stations to maximize the player’s development by working on different elements of their game. The players could be placed in different-ability groups each week to keep them motivated and challenged while developing at their own speed and level.

Each practice will focus on four main areas of the child’s development: technical-tactical, physical, mental and psycho-social. Throughout the practice, the players will rotate through different drills and exercises.  Most drills/stations run for about 20 minutes, including an intro and debrief.  Groups can be changed from week to week or month to month, depending on how the players are doing and what they need to progress in their development.

Training sessions are designed to enhance the athlete’s skills, fitness, and overall understanding of the game. Consistent attendance is crucial for maximizing growth and making the most of our CDC program. Players are evaluated throughout the year and placed according to performance, progression, attitude and commitment.  For these age groups, we have year-round technical support, self-evaluations and meetings held with players, coaches, parents and a member of technical staff to discuss progress and developmental improvements that need to be made.

There is a strong technical staff presence on the fields during training who work closely with our qualified and experienced coaches.  These are the individuals who are responsible for making decisions relating to player movement and groupings of players in training. Volunteers are still crucial to run the program. We will still need support for weekend games, tournaments and management of our groups (group budgets, communication, etc). Those interested can reach out to us at technicaldirector@soccerpointeclaire.com.

Schedule

• Practices:
  • End April to mid-September: 2 sessions on artificial turf (U11-U12: +1 session)
  • No practices during the construction holiday
• Games:
  • Early May to late August/early September: on weekends

Click here for fall and summer schedule

Expectations for players and parents 

In order to achieve the objectives of the program, we have the following expectations for players and parents.

1. Dress code

Players will be asked to wear their red practice jersey to all practices. The jersey is part of the competitive kit purchased prior to the start of the season. Shorts and socks must be worn (pants allowed in cold weather only).

Players may also be asked to purchase the Pointe-Claire team apparel: track jacket, track pants and backpack

2. Attendance

We expect players to attend practices and that parents indicate their availabilities in the team management tool used by each group if they were to miss a session. Also, parents are responsible to enter availabilities for the matches in the team management tool. Failure to do so may result in the player being ineligible to participate in the games.

Players must be present 15 minutes prior to practice start time, and 30 minutes prior to game start time.

Extra fees will be collected for the group budget (said budget to be established by the group manager and/or coach and approved by the majority of the parents) to cover the following costs: Participation in friendly matches, festivals and tournaments, team management software, etc.).

Player Identification

Player identification is a process that allows us to build a bigger roster of players for the future while keeping the focus on the individual players and their long-term development. Within the new club structure, the CSA is recommending that we eliminate tryouts and that the development sessions (CDC) be made available to all players demonstrating a willingness to play at the development level. The players interested must show high levels of commitment, motivation, desire to learn and improve. This approach will allow players and coaches the time and freedom to develop without the pressure of competition and selection.

Technical Content

In the CDC, practices will be carried-out through stations to maximize the players development by working on different elements of their game. The players could be placed in different ability groups each week to keep them motivated and challenged while developing at their own speed and level. Each practice will focus on four main areas of the child’s development: technical-tactical, physical, mental and psycho-social. Throughout the practice, the players will rotate through different drills and exercises and they will be coached and/or supervised by the club’s technical staff and volunteer coaches.

Game Day Roster

Players will be registered within the CDC program as a Pointe-Claire development player. These players will be eligible to be placed on different game rosters each week depending on their level of commitment, ability and/or other varying factors determined by the club and/or the league (such as physical maturity, date of birth, etc.). This will allow for appropriate and healthy competition on a weekly basis.

This Youth Recreational category is for those U9 to U12 players who wish to play in a more recreational league and enjoy the team aspect of playing.  It is open to both male and female players and all skill levels are welcome to join.  Youth Recreational soccer is a great place for players to grow, play the sport they love, and be part of a great community while building friendships!

Guided by qualified technical staff and volunteer coaches, players benefit from a positive training environment that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and respect for the game.  The League offers a fun and positive environment for players to enjoy the game of soccer during the summer months, staying active and making connections.  Players can make a request to have player friends rostered to the same team.  Although we cannot make any guarantees, we will always do our best to accommodate.

As the player graduates to higher age categories, refinement of technical skills and enhancement of tactical awareness are introduced along with more advanced game strategies. There is a greater emphasis on physical preparation, discipline, and performance in game situations. The goal is to help develop physical competencies, technical skills, and the decision-making process all while allowing the children to learn to play in a team setting and have fun.

Games and practices are structured but relaxed, allowing each child to learn at their own pace.  A few specifics for the recreational program are to help players:

• Learn the ins and outs of soccer in an encouraging environment
• Build confidence through positive coaching and manageable challenges
• Stay active and develop good habits
• Make friends and learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect

Teams will play in a local league comprised of nearby recreational teams from cities in the Lac St-Louis Region (e.g. DDO, Pierrefonds, Dorval, etc.). If we have enough registered players to make up 4 teams in the U9/U10 category we will form our own Pointe-Claire House League.

Team balancing:  In order to balance teams each season, we hold a mandatory evaluation practice in April or May (see link for dates:  xxxx).  We only hold evaluations for those age categories where we have more than 1 team.  Teams are then selected and put together for two exhibition games after which the teams are re-balanced for the regular season. The Youth Recreational Coordinator reserves the right to change players from one team to another early in the season in order to continue balancing the teams.

Attendance:  Players are expected to attend practices and parents are expected to notify the coaches/manager if they must miss a practice.  Players must be present 15 minutes prior to practice start time, and 30 minutes prior to game start time.

Coaches/assistant coaches/managers:  The Youth Recreational Program could not work without the precious help of our volunteers.  Parent volunteers always help in bringing our programs to life, and families are encouraged to get involved if they can.  We are always looking for coaches/assistant coaches/managers at the various age levels. Please email our Youth Recreational Coordinator if you think you can help out.

Schedule

• Practices
  • Mid-May to End-August: 1 session/week
  • No practices during the construction holiday
• Games
  • End-May to End-August: 1 game/week

Click here to see tentative nights for each category