Understanding DPSC Player Development Philosophy
Developmental vs Recreational vs Competitive programs
WHAT IS THE BEST SOCCER PROGRAM FOR MY CHILDREN? RECREATIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, OR COMPETITIVE?
In the US, Soccer is divided into different programs. Below you will find the differences between these programs.
1. PRACTICES:
RECREATIONAL have fewer and shorter practices. Regularly it is only one class per week of 30 to 50 minutes on average.
DEVELOPMENTAL have 2 or more practices per week of 1 and a half to 2 hours.
COMPETITIVE: Starting 12 years old and up practices are 2 to 3 days a week for about 2 hours each.
2. HOW LONG ARE THE SEASONS?
RECREATIONAL programs are seasonal and last on average 6 weeks in spring or fall.
DEVELOPMENTAL programs are all year long.
COMPETITVE programs are all year long.
3. COACHES:
RECREATIONAL have volunteer coaches.
DEVELOPMENTAL coaches are licensed or certified coaches from the US or other countries (US soccer licenses: Grassroots 4v4, 7 vs 7, 9 vs 9 and 11v11 licenses.
COMPETITIVE coaches have multiple licenses by the NSCAA, NFHS, UEFA, ICA, and many international associations.
4. SOCCER LEARNING:
RECREATIONAL is focused on having fun and socializing. The correct soccer foundation is low and does not matter.
DEVELOPMENTAL are focused to teach the correct basic soccer FOUNDATION, improving self-esteem learning skills and at the same time provide fun and socialization.
COMPETITIVE is focused on teaching top-level techniques from different parts of the world, and develop players to compete in top-level competitions.
5. ATTENDANCE EXPECTATION:
RECREATIONAL has a low expectation in practice attendance.
DEVELOPMENTAL attendance is expected regularly. Player and parent commitment are fundamental for the right development of the player.
COMPETITIVE attendance is mandatory. Player selection to games is reciprocal to training attendance.
SO, WHAT IS THE BEST PROGRAM FOR MY CHILD?
DPSC believes that if parents expect to have fun or enjoy the sport, the best program is RECREATIONAL.
DPSC believes that if parents’ expectation in the sport of soccer is learning and grow in a fun and socializing environment the best program is DEVELOPMENTAL.
DPSC believes that if parents` expectation is to develop the player to reach new levels, participate in school teams and use the skills learned for college scholarships, and professional soccer the best program is COMPETITIVE.
DPSC Player Development provides DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS.
DPSC is an Open door institution and everyone is welcome to join DPSC programs.