Youth Soccer Player Characteristics

Listed below are player characteristics to look out for when training youth football I am sure you will recognise many of these as you read through them

Player characteristics for under 8”s

There are many different characteristics displayed by children under the age of eight, its important that we as coaches understand and recognise them.

Also there are many different issues that can affect and influence children in this age group such as School life, Home life, and also friends.

The basic characteristics to look out for at this age are as follows:

• Talkative
• Sensitive
• Selfish
• Excitable
• Short concentration span
• Another characteristic that we as coaches should always encourage at all times is Enthusiasm.

Player Characteristics under 10

Players at this age level are at what is known as the Golden age of learning, at this age players are becoming more aware of others around them and Are now starting to make decisions during game play bringing their team mates in to play, They now enjoy a challenge and have a greater enthusiasm to win.

At this age it becomes important to invite questions during and after matches and training, another characteristic of players at this age is a loss of flexibility so it becomes important to incorporate warm-up sessions before games or training, and a warm down after any activity.

Characteristics of under 10”s:

• Awareness of others
• More attentive
• Enthusiasm
• Enjoy a challenge
• Beginning to Lose flexibility
• Golden age of learning

Player characteristics for under 13-14

At the age of 13-14 players now become more aware of team play and the importance of working together to get results this is the ideal time to work with players developing their understanding of team play and tactics, also we must be aware as coaches of the body’s physical changes at this age and the impact that puberty can have on them as individuals:

• Team play
• Peer pressures
• Competitiveness
• Physical change

Player characteristics under 16

Players are now reaching adulthood as their body’s become stronger, they are now able to cope with any Physical and mental challenges put in front of them, they are also able to reflect on their own performances after games and this should always be encouraged:

• They are also more competitive during play and training.
• Physically stronger
• Mentally stronger
• Tactically aware
• More competitive