THE DUTCH VISION ON YOUTH SOCCERIn the early eighties the Technical Staff of the Dutch Soccer Association (KNVB), spent a lot of time thinking, studying and practicing, under the leadership of Rinus Michels (national coach), about the youth soccer education in Holland. Much time was spent on thinking about the best way to teach children to play soccer. Ideas used from street soccer were the foundations of the development of youth soccer and youth coaching in a modern style. In the early 50's and 60's young players used to learn to play soccer in the streets. They played before school, during the breaks, and after school. Every day, 6 or 7 days a week. Time was on their side. There were no adults, parents or coaches, involved in street soccer, except sometimes a bad neighbor or a policeman. All aspects of the game skill; technique, tactics and fitness developed by playing in simple situations, in which WINNING was very important. Today the situation has completely changed! The streets are too crowded to play soccer and therefore too dangerous. The alternative is that children can be members of a soccerclub from their sixth year on. At the most they train two hours a week and play one short match. Naturally there are children who apart from this kick a ball now and then. But it isn't only soccer anymore. Other sports, hobbies and watching TV often take the priority. In short: the young soccer player in the year 1994 spends a lot less time playing soccer than his father used to do. All knowledge of street soccer process and the knowledge we now have of how people and especially children learn, have brought us to the "Dutch Vision" of soccer, soccer training and soccer coaching for junior and senior players. Basic Ideas Of The Dutch Vision |