Stages of the Framework

Patient, systematic and optimal training processes provide the foundation for both excellence and a lifelong love for the game. A clear distinction between stages of the players’ development is necessary to guide players progressively towards reaching their ultimate goals as an adult soccer player. Based on a player-centered approach, the training stages outlined in the Paramus United Soccer Development Framework provide coaches with specific guidelines for each stage.

The goal, as players enter the adult phases of their soccer careers, is to have mastered each of the previous phases of development. This will provide players with the greatest range of opportunities from which to choose the next stage of their careers, whether it is to play Division I college soccer, sign a professional contract, or represent their country. By Phase 3, players should have mastered:

• Technical perfection in all positions
• Perfectly trained tactical systems with differing interpretations in implementation
• Dynamic, pace-oriented play until the last minute of the match and longer
• Top players emerging as personalities with leadership qualities, enabling the success of a team over and over again