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Soccer is one of the only team sports that is more an art than science. Players on the field are encouraged to be creative as the game is played. Soccer has no set plays as you would find in basketball, football and other similar team sports. It is the players and their imagination working together as a team looking for opportunities to pentrate the opposing teams defense.
Knowledgeable soccer coaches know that your style of play depends on your players. Instead of forcing all of our teams to play one style, we analyze our strengths and weaknesses and set up a style of play that is beneficial to each individual team. Also, situations in games and tournaments require different tactics to be used in order to be successful.
Our teams are educated in more than one style of play; therefore, ready to adapt to different situations that arise on the soccer field. This experience helps them not only to be successful in youth play, but it prepares them for different styles they may see in high school and collegiate soccer.
Ages U9-U10
Training is focused on having fun, developing foot skills, and learning the game. Teams go to 1-3 tournaments a season as decided upon by the coaches and parents. Developing as a player and a team is put ahead of winning at all costs. Team tactics are introduced. Players start learning their foot skills, which they work on during practice.
Ages U11-U13
Training is focused on having fun, continuing foot skill work, and laying the groundwork to become serious soccer players. Teams go to 2-4 tournaments a season as agreed upon by coaches and parents. Player development and team development continues with an emphasis on performing at the best levels to achieve success. Tactics are developed and teams work on team tactics as well as individual skills.
Ages U14-U18
Training is focused on the serious players and prepares them for High School and College soccer. Teams go to 3-6 tournaments a season. Achieving winning results through providing their best effort through team tactics and individual performance is expressed.
Family Atmosphere
All teams and players support the other teams in the club. Some teams practice together and scrimmage each other. A lot of the players work at camps in the summer and get to know the younger players. We also have a club picnic at the end of each year. In 2007, we had KC Wizards player Michael Harrington attend our picnic where he signed autographs and played soccer with the Prodigy players who attended.
Small Numbers
The Prodigy Soccer Club consists of a strong group of teams. We do not have the most teams, but we have a core of strong, successful teams. We do not have tryouts every year to start new teams just to have new teams. We believe in starting teams for the right reasons and making sure we have the time devoted to the teams we already have. Our trainers/coaches are at every practice and game for all of our teams. In rare instances, a trainer who trains multiple teams may have scheduling conflicts. If a game change cannot be made then another Prodigy trainer will be there or a designated assistant coach.
Games
The future development of players is more important than winning games in the present. Players are encouraged to concentrate on playing their best while learning from winning and losing. Winning will be the result of their development as a team and as a player and this will show on and off the field.
Tournaments
We try to play the best teams we can, while at the same time, accommodating the needs and schedules of our players and families. Our young players are not forced to play in several tournaments where they could reach burn out, and each team decides the tournaments they will play. We will go where our teams will be challenged. Teams can play as many tournaments as they want per season, but teams normally play 1-5 tournaments per season. Most tournaments are within 1-2 hrs from Topeka while some older teams may venture further to cities such as Omaha, Springfield, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Wichita, Des Moines and Columbia.
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