Beadling SCS Player Development Philosophy

The SCS UNITED coaching philosophy is based on long-term player development over short-term team success. Players learn, develop and understand the game by being instructed with age appropriate directions and instructions. Players are encouraged to take chances with the ball and apply their own creativity.  The SCS UNITED philosophy is based on the premise that the game consists of sequences between 2, 3 and sometimes 4 players, in various parts of the field, and team success is determined by the player’s collective performance in these exchanges.

SCS UNITED embraces this method, as it gives ownership to the individual player. When the responsibility is given to the player to apply a thought or idea, or to execute a skill, this creates an environment that fosters the player's self-motivation to continually improve and excel. By the coach emphasizing creativity and individuality, players are given the opportunity to learn themselves to make logical decisions. This allows players to remain less stressed and ultimately develop vision and execution for the game at the highest level.

SCS UNITED emphasizes the concept of coaches asking a series of leading questions during training and games. The players’ answers can be used as a gauge of their development and understanding of the game. The players will take pride in using their own reasoning and decision-making rather than always being provided with an answer or instruction. The goal is for the players to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. They will be empowered to make corrections and adjustments. We reinforce these ideas with small-sided games and activities. The end result is increased ability for the players to showcase their soccer talents and play with confidence on the ball.

In addition to encouraging creative play, SCS UNITED supports the idea of simplicity. It is our philosophy that through the player’s own creativity, development, and decision-making, with technical guidance from the coaches, players develop their vision and understanding of the game. At times, the need for playing the simple ball far outweighs the urge for complex execution. We encourage a possession-based style of soccer and the players’ capability to use their technical skill will prove successful over time. We want players to have confidence to hold and possess the ball until a penetrative situation presents itself.

Patience for player development is essential. Our philosophy and vision are based on long-term player development over short term success. At SCS UNITED, we put our players' development first.

SCS UNITED Phases of Development:

SCS United Pre-Academy 2017-2018 birth years  [4v4, 5v5, 7v7 playing format]

Academy Director -- Allan Brown [email protected] 

Introductory Program -- ALL LOCAL PITTSBURGH BASED GAMES, NO TRAVEL TOURNAMENTS.   
FALL TRAINING, GAMES & FESTIVALS
WINTER TRAINING & GAMES (AT NORTHPARK SPORTS COMPLEX)
SPRING TRAINING, GAMES & FESTIVALS.

Academy Style Coaching - SCS will deploy and Academy Model where each age group will have a team of coaches under the leadership of a Director, Allan Brown.  The player benefits of an academy model:

●      Multiple Coaches/Voices/Styles/Background and Experience
●      Fluid Training Groups - mix players by skill/ability, position etc.
●      FUN, Functional/Technical Training
●      Opportunity for players to play multiple positions and playing opportunities
●      Player-centric approach vs coach-centric approach

• Program runs from August 2024 thru June 2025
• Accepted players will be placed into birth year training pools before the Fall season begins.  
• The focus of the SCS Academy age groups is PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.   
• Two outdoor practices in the Fall and Spring
• PA West Academy games on Saturdays or local festivals.
  
• Winter Training will be at NorthPark Sports Complex, at least once per week.    
• Winter games at NorthPark Sports Complex specific Saturdays, 1 hour in length will be scheduled internally.
  
  

 
SCS United Academy  2015, 2016/2017 birth years  [7v7 playing format]

Academy Style Coaching - SCS will deploy and Academy Model where each age group will have a team of coaches under the leadership of a Director, Allan Brown.  The player benefits of an academy model:

●      Multiple Coaches/Voices/Styles/Background and Experience

●      Fluid Training Groups - mix players by skill/ability, position etc.

●      Functional/Technical/Tactical Training

●      Opportunity for players to play multiple positions

●      Player-centric approach vs coach-centric approach

●      Periodized Structure based on US Soccer and World Soccer Standards

●      The players will participate in a progressive club wide curriculum from 8 - 18 years of age.

This 10 month program will focus on technical development while improving their overall balance, coordination and agility.  Players will become proficient using all of the surfaces of both feet.  1v1 moves will be emphasized and players will find themselves in a One Player:One Ball scenario in training.  It is not uncommon for each player to have multiple thousands of touches in a training session.  Players will learn to excel in small sided situations and be introduced to team play.  The Games will be used as a barometer to gauge how the players are applying what they are learning in training to the game situation. 

The Academy Program curriculum will be directed by Allan Brown, and the coaching sessions implemented by the assigned coaching staff for each birth year.

• Program runs from August 2023 thru June 2024
• Accepted players will be placed into birth year training pools before the Fall season begins.  
• The focus of the SCS Academy age groups is PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.   
• Two outdoor practices in the Fall and Spring
• PA West Academy games on Saturdays
• Fall Tournament
• Spring Tournament
• Winter Training will be at NorthPark Sports Complex, at least twice per week x 1.5 hours.    
• Winter games at NorthPark Sports Complex specific Saturdays, 1 hour in length will be scheduled internally.
  
• Team rosters Black/White will be created for Fall/Winter/Spring games and tournament scheduling purposes, but they are flexible where players can move between teams to fill-in when conflicts arise.  

2013, 2014 birth years [9v9 playing format]

The next phase of development builds upon individual technical development but starts to emphasize team play.  The technical phase will place a heavy emphasis on the players’ first touch and passing & receiving. The players will be encouraged to exercise their creativity but will become more dependent upon small sided situations within training and in games.  11U and 12U teams will play 9v9 format.  Tactical formations options (3-2-3, 2-4-2) will be introduced and each player will begin to understand the roles of different positions as the concept of TEAM becomes more evident through this cycle.  Building out of the back, incorporating the goalkeeper and transitioning through each 1/3rd of the field will be developed via club-wide emphasis of a possession-based style of play. Players at this level will improve their agility and coordination with a stronger emphasis on bio-mechanics.  Proper hydration and nutrition will become increasingly important and players will be educated and encouraged to develop good habits.

Players will be placed on the following teams:

• Red
• White
• Blue

* Blue teams may be formed if numbers allow for a committed group of players
All players are rostered on a “Club Pass” and are eligible to play for any team if asked to fill-in for games/tournaments.

Teams will train 2-3 times per week.  The teams join the PA West Classic League, and will play 9v9 format.   They will attend tournaments, and also participate in winter training and optional winter league play.   Winter training may be at NorthPark Sports Complex.

SCS United teams will participate in the PA West Classic League, US Club Great Lakes Alliance (GLA) and/or USYSA National League Great Lakes Conference (GLC) or National Academy League (NAL).  They will attend top-level tournaments and also participate in winter training and optional winter league play.  12U top teams may enter the PA West State Cup or President's Cup.

2011, 2012 birth years [11v11 playing format]

This phase marks the transition to 11v11 and tactical training and the concept of team become more in focus.  The possession-based style of play will be further developed and teams will learn different systems of play (4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-5-2) and the patterns of play therein. Individual player development will remain an emphasis as some players will begin to settle into regular positions.  Principles of Attack, Principles of Defense, Counter Attack, Possession & Transition and Patterns of Play will be reinforced to advance the players to the next level.  Speed of Play and Decision Making will enable players to compete at the highest level in the region.  Players will be challenged physically and mentally in training and games and elite level players and teams will begin to emerge. Power, Speed and Flexibility will become more evident as players mature at different levels.  Adequate sleep, proper hydration and nutrition pre-game and recovery will ensure optimal performance.

Players will be placed on the following teams depending on the numbers and standards, there could be 1,2, or 3 teams:

• NAL
• Red
• White
• Blue

2006/2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 birth year [11 v 11 playing format]

15-18 year-old players compete in this phase and begin in November at the conclusion of the High School Season.  This is the most competitive phase and the phase that exposes players to opportunities beyond High School and Club Soccer.  Players at this level will have the opportunity to compete among some of the highest ranked teams in the country in local, regional and national play.  Optimal performance, recovery and injury prevention are very important at this phase. Continued development of flexibility, speed, power and core strength through proper training will enable players to remain healthy.  Speed of play, speed of thought and decision making will be reinforced through high-intensity training and challenging gameplay.  Mental training may also be introduced.

Teams will compete in showcase events aimed at providing exposure to top colleges and academy programs.  Assistance with player profile and the recruiting process will begin in the early high school years.   The SCS United top teams will participate in the National Academy League (NAL) and top-level tournaments or Showcases in the region, as well as the PA West State Cup.  

Beadling SCS White teams will apply to premier-level tournaments, potentially the President’s Cup based on the level of play.

Teams will train 2-3 times per week.

Winter training will be held at NorthPark Sports Complex

Players will be placed on the following teams by ability:

• NAL
• Red
• White