Register for the Player Development League
All players enrolled in a weekly Brit-Am program for players K-3rd grade may also participate in our weekend match day for a fee of $35 per player. Due to the age range, players will be grouped by age and ability.
Player Development League (PDL) Skills & Matches, K-1st
Player Development League (PDL) Skills & Matches, 2nd & 3rd Grade
Spring PDL Matchday Description
K-1st Match Day: Our Player Development League (PDL) for kindergarten and 1st Grade offers soccer education at its best in a positive, fun environment where players improve their skill during continuous play. The 4 v 4 system accelerates development of dribbling, turning and passing abilities as it provides a basic picture for players to learn the game. Our professional staff takes the necessary steps to ensure each game fits the players’ needs, ultimately leading to better game intelligence and understanding.
2nd-3rd Match Day: Our Player Development League 2nd-3rd Grade match day provides players a fun environment with coaches focused on building a strong technical foundation. These five-a-side games, first used as a developmental tool in the UK, feature four field players and a goalkeeper. This style is simple, yet allows for players to gain experience through realistic, game-like situations. Along with a basic introduction to goalkeeping, the five-a-side format results in consistent touches on the ball and a fundamental understanding of the principles of attack and defense with the guidance of our professional coaching staff.
Spring PDL Practice Description
K-1st Practice Day: The PDL program offers players a unique practice environment where they are able to learn foundational skills in fun, energetic and age appropriate games while also applying these skills in 4v4 games. Our professionally licensed staff will provide attention from both an individual and team standpoint to help your child’s development. Our focus will be centered around developing the 4 core skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and ball control. Each week players will focus on one of these core skills and learn how to apply them in game like settings. Throughout our practice season, our coaches will also explain rules of the game.
2nd-3rd Practice Day: The PDL program offers players a unique practice environment where they are able to learn foundational skills in fun, energetic and age appropriate games while also applying these skills in 5v5 games. Our professionally licensed staff will provide attention from both an individual and team standpoint to help your child’s development. Our focus will be centered around developing the 4 core skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and ball control. Each week players will focus on one of these core skills and learn how to apply them in game like settings. Throughout our practice season, our coaches will also explain rules of the game.
Potomac and Brit-Am Soccer Player Development League Program
Our Potomac and Brit-Am Soccer Academy Player Development League is our developmental program for players to enjoy and learn the game of soccer through fun and dynamic training. Success comes from the joy of playing soccer regardless of a player’s experience or ability. Our PDL program is rooted in small-sided games so players are assured a high frequency of touches on the ball and can achieve a basic understanding of their role within a team.
These sessions are perfect for returning Brit-Am players who are looking to continue with professional coaching, players who are new to the sport and demonstrate an interest in the game as well recreational players who are looking to supplement the parent-led programs
“Would you like to sign up a group of friends?” Bring your group to train and play with the best! Submit a WEEKDAY CLASS BOOKING FORM and join us for your choice of Match Day!
Why Potomac and Brit-Am Soccer Academy
The Player Development League is a product of our fun, energetic, and educated staff and their desire help players of any level develop their technique and understanding of the game. Small-sided games allow us to cater to players’ needs, provide feedback, encourage players to take risks and try new things both with and without the ball. Over time this results in increased self confidence, a desire to work hard and a long-term love of the game.
What to expect from my child? Long-term success is built on the importance of being able to learn from failure and an environment free of unnecessary criticism. With higher anxiety levels, players become less efficient, so it is vital that we do not become another obstacle in our children’s success.
Understanding of the game for children at this age comes from playing the game. They do not compete as much as they imitate competition. Many will not remember the result, but they will never forget the experience so let’s make it the best one each week.
Much of their focus is solely on the ball and players rarely recognize open space. The concept of space is limited at this age so spreading out or forcing players to pass will be futile. Coaches will not be focusing on spacing or positions.
Over time, there will be moments to introduce and teach the basics of spacing and passing, but the players at this age will naturally react first and foremost to the ball.
What you should encourage? Please encourage your players to show respect, good sportsmanship, an eagerness to learn, and the importance of care for other players and officials.
What children expect from adults? We are to foster a fun, confident, and unique soccer environment where players can learn by doing. Children can expect all adults involved to be patient as they make their journey through the very early stages of the game. We want each child’s experience with soccer to be unique and for them to feel free to learn through guided and self-discovery.
Have more questions? Please reach out to Coach Tom at [email protected]