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See What they are Saying...
Youth Development Program (YDP) and the 4-goal game
John,
Wanted to let you know my thoughts on the YDP program my son participates in with OFC (U6 boys). After bringing up 3 kids through other traditional soccer developmental leagues, and as a coach, I was a bit skeptical. However, after seeing the kids play with four goals ...
I am now a huge fan of the program. The game allows the players to do naturally, the same things I tried in vain to teach my players at weekly practices held at the local school playground. The key benefits I see for my son are having fun, learning ball skills and being comfortable with the ball during competitive play. Seeing the kids change the direction of play because there’s a goal somewhere else on the field, not because a parent-coach is yelling at them to, is brilliant. To my son, he’s simply scoring goals and participating on a team with friendly faces.
My son has the luxury of watching his older siblings play in countless soccer matches. Not once has he questioned why he doesn’t get to play “real soccer”. Soccer to him is getting the ball and scoring goals. I am thrilled that he gets to try many of the skills his trainers teach before the game.
What I’ve witnessed is that while more advanced players still have lots of chance to use their skill, all of the players have more of an opportunity to participate. The non-stop action begins where one player dribbles the ball to the goal, shoots and celebrates his accomplishments. Immediately, one of the perimeter coaches has restarted play in another direction. Another player who wasn’t previously involved, now has a quality chance with the ball. Thus, more players are engaged during the time they are playing. With OFC’s YDP, the 4 goal game is non-stop, simple and simply more fun.
In contrast, the North-South game is usually dominated by 1 or 2 players, usually the fastest kids, and they get the most touches. After a goal or out of bounds, restarts take a few minutes as the ball is collected and players are momentarily realigned by coaches. The interest by the other players who are continually left chasing the fastest players, (where the ball is) wanes until they stop chasing and/or sit down. Parents wonder why their son/daughter isn’t engaged.
Finally, let me add that it’s great having a club-defined training plan with quality trainers that work on age-appropriate drills. The training sessions by the YDP staff are fun, clear and complementary. The staff is well prepared so kids listen and learn. I love having my 6 year old teach me what skill the trainer showed them that day. Finally, the fields we use are great. Playing on a well groomed surface makes a huge difference in giving the players immediate feedback on whether they are controlling the ball or if the bumps, divots, and long grass are in control.
In conclusion, my son is having a great time. YDP is a winner!
Thanks John, Alex & YDP Staff.
Sincerely,
Doug
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Academy Program
Mr. Keating & Mr. Mason
As the spring season draws to a close, we wanted to take time to say thank you for your wonderful staff. Our daughter plays in the U9 academy. She may not be the fastest, strongest or most skilled player, but the time taken by Jeff Oksman and his staff with each player regardless of skill is greatly appreciated. The smile on her face ...
after training/games reinforces that we made the right decision to go with Omaha FC. We would especially like to thank, John Magana, who has been her trainer for the majority of the spring season. His patience and attention to detail, has not only helped her grow as a soccer player, but as a young lady. She continuously speaks of “coach John” . It is refreshing to see coaches who not only help develop great players, but also great people. We hope the club takes time to thank John and all the other coaches & staff who give their time to girls. Lastly we would like to express our thanks to Jeff Oksman for his attention to detail and communication. The communication with players and parents has been outstanding in our opinion this season.
Again we express our appreciation to the coaches and staff of Omaha FC for making this the best place in the Omaha metro to train & play soccer.
Sincerely,
Tim & Angela
John and Alex
I just want to drop a note as the first year of the Academy draws to a close. My son Evan has enjoyed this year and has developed his skills quicker than he could have without the academy format. He has made some great friends and is developing into a skilled soccer player. The recent festival in Des Moines really helped me to see how far Evan and the other boys on the Pride team have come, every one of them is comfortable and confident with the ball at their feet. They all have an attacking mentality and are very quick to get back and defend. The boys were just as athletically talented in fall, but did not have the same ball handling, passing, and shooting skills. The training that the boys have had has given them the tools needed to let their talent shine through. Evan has particularly enjoyed the sessions when either of you have trained them. Mike Perdunn and Jason Black are both doing a great job and I appreciate them a great deal.
My youngest Will, just started the U7 academy and is just getting up to speed, but has already developed as a player. He in particular is drawn to the goalkeeping sessions that Daniel Galvis has coached, Daniel is a great coach and I hope that he sticks with OFC for a long time to come. I was actually quite surprised to see Will volunteer for the goal keeping training but he does every time it is available, due in large part to the coaching he is receiving.
Thanks,
Dave
Dear John & Alex,
The first year of the OFC Academy is coming to an end in a couple of weeks and as a parent, I would like to share some of my thoughts with you. First I want to say what an amazing program you have in the Academy. This year Sam has taken a tremendous leap forward in terms of his soccer skills, which can be directly attributed to the emphasis on player skill development rather than winning games, and to the efforts of all the great coaches you have in the Academy program. The skills Sam has learned this year will lay a strong foundation for him in the future. Sam is starting to grow in confidence as a soccer player, but more importantly this confidence is also permeating through to other aspects of his life.
This "thank you note" would be incomplete without mentioning the names of some of the coaches who have helped in Sam's progress throughout the year, in particular I would like to mention the names of Coach Michael, Coach Guillermo and Coach Chris.
You could not have made a better decision in hiring Coach Michael Perdunn as the Director of the Academy. He has some special qualities that I would like to highlight. He has tremendous patience, a great ability to connect with the boys and is well organized. He is respectful, a good communicator and a good listener.
Coach Guillermo has been very instrumental in the development of Sam's foot skills and continues to motivate and guide Sam whenever he can.
Coach Chris Jensen has also been great. Sam has learned to be a better passer and team player through Chris's efforts.
Please share this feedback with your coaches and in particular with the coaches I mentioned above.
A couple of things I noticed which were very reassuring to see was the involvement of both of you in the Academy program. John you were there at the UNO Dome facility in winter (a tough winter, I might add) preparing the boys for their first tournament and Alex you were there this spring providing additional guidance on passing and shape. Thanks to both of you.
In summary, the Academy is a great program for aspiring soccer kids in Omaha. Please continue with all the great work you are doing.
Sincerely,
Sachin & Kelly
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