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FOR MATCH DAYS WE WOULD ASK THAT THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES BE ADHERED TO BY BOTH COACHES AND PARENTS AT THE SSG LEVEL (U8s – U12s)

The FAI Player Development Plan for Under8/Under 9 players is also available on the FAI website. This document aims to help coaches, clubs, administrators, parents and others involved in the development of our young players.

COACHES

• The 2 primary coaches are responsible for the team on match-day. During the games only the 2 primary coaches should be pitch-side – all other assistants / parents should be behind the ropes, including at half-time and during the switch-over between games. Please ensure both teams abide by this guideline
• The task of the coaches is to facilitate the players, to help them learn, play and enjoy the game
• Team coaches should rotate players so that they get equal game time and experience different positions on the pitch
• Players must have the freedom to express themselves in this format and once the game begins the coaches (and parents) should just let them play and not “direct” the play - let the players make their own decisions on the pitch
• Coaches/parents who dictate to players all through the game undermine their confidence, hindering development. Young players must learn to play as part of a team according to simple guidelines when attacking and defending
• Focus on the quality of play (when attacking, defending and in transition) rather than on “winning the game”
• Engage with the players by asking questions – this will help improve their awareness of what they are doing during games
• Use language that is simple and age-appropriate
• Encourage your players to show respect for the opponents and match officials (no comments) and to play by the rules
• At the end of every game team coaches and players will line up and shake hands with each other.
• Please do not post “results” from these matches on any website or social media platform – remember, the leagues are run as “no trophy” leagues; results on the DDSL website up to up to and including Under 12’s  will show all wins as 1-0 regardless of the actual score.