Woburn Youth Soccer Association

16

Oct, 2025

Inside the Game: WYS Reflections 9/29/2025

WYS Weekly Player/Coach Development Update

This weekend, I had the opportunity to watch several games across our city/travel teams, from our youngest players in grades 2–3 to our oldest in grades 7–8. Across the board, I saw encouraging progress—and clear opportunities for growth that we, as a club, should continue to prioritize.

Grades 2–3

The energy and enthusiasm at this level were infectious. Coaches were engaged and vocal, and parents were positive and respectful on the sidelines. The biggest challenge was spacing. Players were often bunched up and chased the ball as a group, rather than spreading out and creating options. Our focus should be on teaching “playing into space”—helping players understand how spreading the field and passing opens opportunities for everyone. Instilling this early will pay dividends in teamwork and game awareness as they move up. – Speak to the teams about playing from sideline to sideline while emphasizing the spacing language.

Grades 3–4

These players are beginning to think more tactically, but many still rely on individual runs and crowding the ball. We should emphasize ball movement and reward players who find teammates in space. Coaches can start introducing triangles (always 2 options while on the ball) and passing options (look to the sidelines) to help the game flow more naturally. The level of effort is high, and the desire to learn is there—our job to channel that energy into structure and smarter play. – Discuss open spaces and putting the ball there.

Grades 5–6

This group showed signs of real maturity. Players passed backward off the kickoff, showing trust in teammates—a great development. But it has become the default, which limits our ability to set the tone. I recommend practicing forward kickoffs: play to the wings or drive the ball into the corners to apply immediate pressure. These builds attacking confidence and forces opponents to respond. Also, reinforce “play the way you’re facing”—do not force the ball forward. Trust teammates behind you to recycle possession and rebuild the attack. – Start teaching the basics of kickoffs and free kicks and how they can become momentum builders.

Grades 7–8

At this level, technical ability is catching up with decision-making, which is exciting. Coaches should continue emphasizing rhythm, patience, and ball circulation—not just forward play. Again, every kickoff started with a backward pass. That is not the culture we want at WYS. Let us train forward-thinking kickoffs: touch forward, play to the corners, and apply pressure from the first whistle. This sets the tone and shows opponents that Woburn teams play with confidence, intent, and purpose. – Striking first sets the tone for the game.

My Final Thought

The key themes from this weekend are clear: spacing, ball movement, and trust in teammates are the pillars of our next developmental leap. Combine these with a bold, forward-looking kickoff mentality, and we will not only elevate our team’s performance we will define the identity of Woburn Youth Soccer.

Jeremy Long
Director of Player/Coach Development

Website Manager

Woburn Youth Soccer Association

News Detail

16

Oct, 2025

Inside the Game: WYS Reflections 9/29/2025

WYS Weekly Player/Coach Development Update

Grades 2–3

Grades 3–4

Grades 5–6

Grades 7–8

My Final Thought

Site Links

Contact Us

Woburn Youth Soccer Association