About Challenge

Login

Forms Fall 2010 Home Schedule Downloads Newsletter Board Meeting Minutes JUSA STORE Practice Schedule Fall 2010 Game Schedule Fall 2010 Recreation Alliance (CRA) Recreation Overview Practice Schedule Fall'10 About Challenge Challenge Teams '10 - '11 Challenge FAQ Team Budget Template Practice Schedule Fall'10 About Classic Classic Teams '10 - '11 Classic FAQ Team Budget Template Coaching Lesson Plans Coaching Education Coaching Abuse in Sports First Aid Tips Risk Management Coach Application Player Evaluation Form Soccer for Parents Age Table Parent Code of Conduct 2010 Soccer Camps Scholarship Board & Staff Members NCYSA US Youth Soccer US Soccer Soccer in College Carolina Railhawks United Soccer League Major League Soccer FIFA

JUSA Field Status:

OPEN

Last updated:

9/7/10, 1:40pm

YOU SEARCH OR SHOP...
WE GIVE!

Raise money for JUSA just by searching the web and shopping online!

Add to your site

Get our toolbar!

About Challenge

JUSA currently provides challenge level opportunities for girls and boys in the U-10 through U-16 age groups. Challenge soccer is designed to be mid-level youth soccer filling the competitive gap between recreational soccer and Classic soccer. JUSA believes and is committed to the development of challenge players so, if they wish, they can move on to the classic level. This involves an emphasis on technical skills and age appropriate tactical training for all players. Coaches should have prior experience and are encouraged to attain at least an NCYSA “E” license. In addition, all challenge coaches are required to attend continuing education through club sponsored training. Players are expected to attend one- two training sessions per week and one game per week. Games are typically played on Sunday afternoons. JUSA teams play in the Mid State Soccer League (MSSL). The Mid State Soccer League is 11 associations that cooperate in scheduling games for all of its members. MSSL also holds one tournament per year for its association members.

Is my child ready for Challenge Level Soccer?

Has your child been asked to tryout for a Challenge Level Soccer team? If so, then use this tool to help determine if they are ready to play at the next level.

They enjoy playing soccer year round.
They look forward to going to practices and not just the games.
They enjoy learning more about the game and not just scrimmaging at practice.
They listen to coaches intently when new skills / directions are being given. They don't complain or whine about a training session that is geared toward player development and not just fun, little games and

scrimmaging.
They are "intense" during training sessions and matches.
They don't just kick the ball. They put a first touch on the ball and then look for the next option of dribbling, passing or shooting.
They can dribble the ball around opponents on purpose not by accident.
They can purposely pass the ball to a teammate
They are starting to understand the ideas of positions, space on the field, support, etc.
They can pass / cross / shoot the ball with power.
They don't use their toe very often to kick the ball. They use the laces and inside / outside of the foot to pass or shoot.
They don't take 3-4 touches on the ball to get it under control when someone passes a ball to them.
When dribbling, they make the ball go where they want it to go, not where the ball takes them.
They are starting to incorporate simple moves / turns into their dribbling skills.
They are frustrated by the lack of effort / skill given by other team members and want to get to a new level.
They are starting to understand the concepts of individual and team defense.
The game appears too easy to them and they can routinely score at will.

Although this is not everything needed, this might help you to evaluate your own player to see if they might be ready for the next level. Parents also need to be honest in their appraisal as well. Plus don't forget to ask your child if they understand some of these things and if they want to play at the next level. Some simply want to have fun, don't care what level they are playing, and don't want mom and dad pushing them to the next level. Soccer can be enjoyable for your child at all levels and most importantly should be fun for them. Don't try to push them if they are not ready. Their talents might lie elsewhere or they might develop some of these traits later.

printer-friendly