Exercises for Soccer Players: How SABR Trains Grassroots Coaches and Youth Rec Players
Why Training Matters in Youth Soccer
Training is a big part of how young athletes experience sports, just like in school, learning builds over time. In youth soccer, the better the training, the more confident players become and the more they are able to enjoy the game. That’s why training is about creating an environment where kids feel supported, challenged, and excited to keep showing up.
At the recreational level, training often gets overlooked, with the assumption that youth soccer training has no structure and is just about playing games, when in reality it is so much more and plays a major role in youth development. We know fun matters, while structure also plays an important role for all ages and skill levels. This development is upheld and led by Carrie Barker, SABR’s Director of Recreational Player and Coach Development. With her expertise, we create exercises for soccer players that help young athletes learn soccer ball control, teamwork, and decision making in a way that fits their stage of development.
When asked Carrie why training matters at the recreational level, she answered, “The training environment helps replicate the game-day environment, which supports players in decision-making and working as a team. The training environment matters for multiple other reasons. It builds physical fitness, improves technical skills, is fun, and builds friendships. It teaches kids life lessons while stressing the importance of fun, which keeps them motivated to continue with their player pathway.” This is a direct reflection of how the program is led.
Strong youth soccer training also supports parents and volunteer coaches. When practices are thoughtfully planned and rooted in best practices, coaches feel more prepared and players feel more engaged.
How SABR Trains Grassroots Coaches and Youth Players
SABR is intentional about how training is delivered at the grassroots level, as many of our volunteer coaches are parents who want to support their child and the team, but may not have formal coaching experience. That is why SABR focuses on providing guidance, and ongoing support so coaches feel confident leading soccer practice sessions, plus have a little fun!
Training is built around age appropriate models that help players learn at their own pace, such that younger players are introduced to simple activities. Our training is built as soccer drills for 5 year olds will differ from soccer drills for 10-12 year olds, with focus on movement, coordination, and comfort with the ball based on the age. As players grow, training becomes more structured and introduces new challenges that support skill development, teamwork, and decision making. This approach allows youth soccer lessons to grow alongside the players, rather than rushing development.
By following US Soccer best practices, SABR creates a consistent training experience for both coaches and players. The goal is to make training feel supportive and approachable, so youth soccer training becomes something coaches feel prepared for and players look forward to each week.
Building Confidence and Lifelong Participation Through Training
At SABR, training is designed to support both players and coaches at every level. This effort starts by pre-season training clinics for all SABR grassroots coaches, along with on-field practice nights throughout the season for players from U5 through U18. We also have SABR Soccer After School, which provides individualized player development through small group training sessions. Being able to offer these opportunities helps keep training positive and accessible for everyone involved!
Players who have positive early experiences through strong, purposeful training gain lifelong benefits. Those early experiences also make players more likely to continue playing through different stages, whether that is youth recreation, competitive programs, or adult leagues, all of which SABR offers. That is why SABR focuses on having a clear and consistent training program in place, from coach education through each practice. This structure helps players feel confident while also supporting our volunteer coaches.
If you would like to learn more about SABR’s training programs and how we support grassroots coaches and youth players, you can explore our training opportunities here:
https://sabrsoccer.net/training-programs/
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