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Wakefield Soccer Association

Core Compentencies related to curriculum

To check to see how the core competencies relate to the to the curriculum for your age group please refer to the document located HERE.

Link to Preseason Coach Meeting

To review the entire 2025 Fall Preseason Coach Meeting slide show click Here.

G2 Core Competencies

Technical Skills

  • Basic Dribbling – Gently moving the ball with small touches using dominant foot but preferably both feet.

  • Stopping and Starting with the Ball – Controlling the ball while starting and stopping movement.

  • Simple Ball Control – Using the sole or inside of the foot to receive/stop the ball.

  • Pass with Purpose – Learning to aim to a target, not just kick.

  • Directional Dribbling – Moving the ball intentionally toward a goal or open space.

Tactical Awareness (Emerging Concepts)

  • Understanding “My Team vs. Their Team” – Knowing who to pass to and defend against.

  • Finding Space – Learning to move away from crowds to receive the ball.

  • Staying on the Field – Developing awareness of field boundaries and staying in play.

  • Recognizing Goals and Direction – Knowing which way to attack and where to defend.

  • Sharing the Ball – Learning to pass and involve teammates.

Physical Development

  • Running with the Ball – Coordinating dribbling and running at the same time.

  • Balance and Body Awareness – Staying upright and in control during movement.

  • Basic Agility – Navigating cones, obstacles, or direction changes with the ball.

  • Kicking While Moving – Striking the ball during movement without stopping entirely.

  • Safe Physical Play – Understanding appropriate physical interaction (no pushing, tripping).

Mental & Social Development

  • Listening and Following Directions – Paying attention to simple coaching instructions.

  • Trying New Things – Being willing to experiment and take risks in play.

  • Positive Attitude – Displaying joy, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

  • Being a Good Teammate – Taking turns, supporting others, and playing fairly.

Enjoying the Game – Smiling, laughing, and wanting to come back next time.



G4 Core Compentencies

Technical Skills

  • Dribbling with Control – Maneuvering the ball confidently with both feet while keeping the head up.

  • Ball Mastery – Performing basic footwork skills like toe taps, pull-backs, and sole rolls.

  • Basic Passing – Executing short, accurate passes with the inside of the foot.

  • Receiving and First Touch – Controlling the ball using different surfaces of the foot.

  • Shooting Technique – Striking the ball using proper technique with power and accuracy.

  • Confidence with the Ball – Willingness to try skills and make mistakes in play.

Tactical Awareness

  • Spacing and Positioning – Basic understanding where to be on the field relative to teammates and the ball.

  • Love for the Game – Showing joy, excitement, and motivation to play and improve.

  • Support Play – Moving support teammates in possession.

  • Transition Awareness – Quickly shifting roles when possession changes. Offense to defense and defense to offense

  • Understanding Roles – Basic knowledge of positions like defender, midfielder, and forward.

  • Decision-Making – Choosing when to pass, dribble, or shoot based on the situation.

Physical Development

  • Agility and Balance – Moving efficiently and maintaining balance in play.

  • Speed and Acceleration – Performing quick sprints and fast movements with or without the ball.

  • Endurance and Stamina – Sustaining energy and effort throughout a game or practice.

  • Basic Strength and Body Control – Holding off light physical pressure and maintaining form.

Mental and Social Development

  • Listening and Following Instructions – Applying coaching directions with focus.

  • Resilience and Growth Mindset – Bouncing back from errors and showing persistence.

  • Teamwork and Communication – Working cooperatively and communicating simply with teammates.

  • Sportsmanship and Respect – Playing fairly and showing respect to all involved.

G6 Core Competencies

Technical Skills

  • Dribbling Under Pressure – Keeping control of the ball while being challenged.

  • Passing Variety – Executing short, long, and through passes accurately.

  • Receiving with Intent – Using first touch to prepare for the next action.

  • Shooting Accuracy and Power – Finishing from various angles and distances with proper form.

  • Ball Control in the Air – Receiving and settling balls played in the air using chest, thigh, or foot.

  • Shielding and Turning – Protecting the ball from defenders and turning effectively.

Tactical Awareness

  • Creating and Using Space – Moving off the ball to create options.

  • Basic Team Shape – Maintaining structure and balance in attack and defense.

  • Combination Play – Engaging in give-and-go’s, overlaps, and simple passing combinations.

  • Recognizing Overloads – Spotting and using numerical advantages on the field.

  • Transition Play – Responding quickly when the team gains or loses possession.

  • Game Understanding – Beginning to read the flow of play and anticipate moves.

Physical Development

  • Improved Agility and Coordination – Showing control during quick and complex movements.

  • Functional Strength – Using the body to hold off challenges and maintain possession.

  • Speed Endurance – Sustaining fast movements repeatedly throughout a game.

  • Balance and Core Stability – Staying upright and composed during actions like jumping or turning.

Mental and Social Development

  • Decision-Making Under Pressure – Choosing effective options quickly during active play.

  • Leadership and Communication – Verbally and non-verbally guiding and supporting teammates.

  • Resilience and Accountability – Accepting responsibility and learning from performance.

  • Respect and Team Culture – Displaying integrity and supporting a positive environment.

G8 Core Compentencies

Technical Skills

  • First Touch Under Pressure – Maintaining control when receiving the ball while closely marked.

  • Passing Precision and Weight – Delivering the right pass with accuracy and correct pace.

  • Advanced Dribbling and 1v1s – Using foot skills and deception to beat defenders.

  • Crossing and Finishing – Delivering effective balls into the box and scoring from dynamic play.

  • Receiving on the Turn – Turning into space while controlling the ball with purpose.

  • Weak Foot Development – Competently using both feet in technical play.

Tactical Awareness

  • Positional Play and Rotation – Understanding dynamic positioning and switching roles effectively.

  • Pressing and Defending as a Unit – Coordinating defensive actions with teammates.

  • Exploiting Space and Overloads – Creating and attacking space strategically.

  • Reading the Game – Anticipating actions and adjusting positioning or decisions.

  • Switching Play – Changing the direction of attack to take advantage of field space.

Physical Development

  • Explosiveness and Recovery – Executing short bursts of speed and recovering quickly.

  • Strength and Contact Confidence – Handling physical play and winning duels.

  • Mobility and Injury Prevention – Maintaining flexibility and body control to reduce injury risk.

  • Fitness for Full Match Duration – Sustaining high performance over 70–80 minutes.

Mental and Social Development

  • Competitive Mindset – Embracing challenge and focusing on growth and results.

  • Emotional Control – Managing reactions and behavior under pressure.

  • Tactical Communication – Organizing and leading with effective in-game communication.

  • Accountability and Self-Reflection – Taking responsibility and seeking ways to improve.

  • Leadership and Influence – Motivating and guiding teammates through behavior and play.

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