Philosophy

The Madison Area YMCA Traveling Soccer Philosophy


The main objective of the Madison Area YMCA is to teach children to embrace CORE VALUES of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Players and parents need to understand that the goal of the program is to create an atmosphere for positive learning experiences, where fun and enjoyment, improvement and healthy competition go hand-in-hand.

Players, parents and coaches are expected to follow strict standards of responsibility, role modeling and sportsmanship and to follow the guidelines of SAGE (Set a Good Example).

The main philosophy of the Madison Area YMCA’s Traveling Soccer program is to develop players using the guide and discovery method. We are not looking for results. This is a competitive program, we believe in long-term development. We try to keep the players open-minded and expose them to playing different roles as part of their total soccer experience. Our view is if everything is done well, results will follow.

In this type of environment, the coach encourages personal technical development in training with exercises designed to reinforce and challenge personal growth. With positive reinforcement if you will, the soccer Socratic method, players begin to take personal responsibility in the game.

The Madison Area YMCA focuses on individual training within the group setting; game- related activities are created to test the individuals at the highest level. The combination of technical training (repetitive movements), functional training (positional) and economical training (group) through small side games creates a lasting impression of how the game should be played- we feel a positive, attractive style with an attacking flair.

Training Guidelines of the Madison Area YMCA:

Personal Development (Life Skills)
Embracing the club spirit “ More than a Y”
Sportsmanlike, friendly conduct on and off the pitch
Technical training integrated into small group tactics
Strive for perfection of techniques with maximum pressure
Small group training aimed at improving position-specific techniques

Thank you for your continual support and understanding.