Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)

Big Country Soccer Association (BCSA) is committed to implementing and providing the model of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).  The LTPD model is a philosophy that offers participants registered with BCSA a vision and understanding for the correct approach as we aim to develop and offer youth participants registered with BCSA the best experience in the sport of soccer.

This means by offering LTPD, we endeavor to ensure players are play in the sport of soccer, stay in the sport for life and enjoy their experiences.  The LTPD model puts the needs of the players first while offering them a platform to learn and shine in the sport while also contributing to their personal growth as individuals.

As part of the Standards for Quality Soccer (SQS), BCSA believes the coaches and parents play a vital part in the LTPD process and will be included in the LTPD program with BCSA.

Values and Benefits of the LTPD Model

• Lets the kids play without unnecessary performance pressures.

• More focused player development on the basic skills that support proper play.

• Players are encouraged to make more decisions on the ball as part of the learning process (supporting the development of problem-solving competencies).

• Clear development pathway through established age-appropriate development curriculums.

• The game grows as the youth player grows.

These are but a few of the benefits and values established and achieved through commitment to LTPD.

How do we play to implement the LTPD model within BCSA successfully?

• Look for opportunities for coaching development courses and training to provide coaches with the necessary tools and skills that support the LTPD model.

• Self-analysis of our coaching and actions against established age-appropriate curriculums to ensure we are reflecting the principals of LTPD.

• Tackle the "win at all costs" culture in sports.  Competition is important but must be done so without sacrificing our values for proper youth development.

• Balanced and fair game time for all participants.

• One-to-one support coaching and feedback sessions.

• Educate parents on the LTPD model through our written polices, guidelines, and supportive resources.

• Academy sessions are developed to support LTPD and participants are provided evaluations on their continued development and success in the sport.

• Continually seek out new and emerging information on LTPD that BCSA can assess to determine next steps in our evolution of our own LTPD model.

The four-corner development model BCSA recognizes is as follows:

 Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Presentation

SOCCER PROGRAMS OFFERED

BCSA offers grassroots soccer through its Registered Members.  The programs each Registered Member offers its communities is based on the number of players that are available for any age group.  In the event that a player in a community does not have an age group team available, BCSA has a player transfer process to ensure that each player is given an opportunity in BCSA to play the sport of soccer.  For more information on the current grassroot programs offered, go to the "Member Towns and Program" page.  Throughout BCSA, the grassroot programs that are offered are as follows:

GRASSROOTS HOUSE

Under 5 Age Group- ACTIVE START

Under 7 Age Group- FUNDEMENTALS

Under 9 Age Group- FUNDEMENTALS

GRASSROOTS COMPETITIVE

Under 9 Age Group- FUNDEMENTALS

Under 11 Age Group- LEARN TO TRAIN

Under 13 Age Group- TRAIN TO TRAIN

Under 15 Age Group- SOCCER FOR LIFE

Under 17 Age Group- SOCCER FOR LIFE

Under 19 Age Group- SOCCER FOR LIFE

Due to the available numbers of players for boys and girls, teams may be mixed.  This allows BCSA to ensure that regardless of the number of players for any given group of players, there is always an opportunity for players to participate on a team and develop in the sport of soccer.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Canada Soccer Association- LTPD

Alberta Soccer Association- LTPD