Kick-Start

Rage Youth (U8-U10) Development Program

If your daughter is going to be in these age groups, we have some exciting news for you.
There are many soccer clubs in the Tri-Valley area which field fall soccer leagues. Over the past two years, Pleasanton RAGE has been offering the most progressive and unique youth development program in Northern California and possibly the United States.  The emphasis at these younger age groups is to introduce the players to the fundamentals of soccer in a fun, yet more challenging, environment than traditionally has been the case. We are convinced that girls at these ages show very rapid physical, mental and psychological growth, and can absorb information and develop skills at a remarkable rate if provided with the appropriate environment for learning. Our three-year development program is based on a “low-pressure” in-house playing league, which encourages the players to incorporate the advanced skills, learned during the training sessions, into the weekend games and not fear “failure”.  The success of this three-year program will be measured by the enthusiasm of the players, coaches and parents to continue with soccer for many more years. There is an incremental fee only for the U10 Competitive teams and Flight. Below is a brief description of the individual programs:

U8 Program:  We have enhanced this traditional recreational soccer program.  Each team receives at least two training sessions during the season with RAGE professional technical staff.  The main focus of these sessions is to introduce the players to 1) basic technical skills and 2) professional staff coaching.  The idea is to give the players a beginning soccer foundation, which will be strongly reinforced once they reach the U9 and U10 age levels. The club makes available, free of charge, a series of coaches’ licensing classes which will reinforce the skills and principles coaches pass along to the players.

U9 Program:  At this age, we have developed a truly revolutionary curriculum for a comprehensive recreational program from top to bottom.  The RAGE U9 Program is designed to completely immerse the players into a soccer environment, while maintaining the goal of having fun with friends.  The purpose of the program is to provide players the individual ball mastery of soccer to instill confidence with a ball at their feet.  Using small-sided activities, each participant will be provided an environment to create a magician on the ball (1v1/player versus opposition) and the understanding of cooperative play (2v1/teammates versus opposition, 2v2 etc...).  The environment is structured so that the players are strongly encouraged to try the skills taught in practice without fear of consequences.  Winning and losing becomes secondary.  Teams train twice a week for the entire season under the direct supervision of RAGE professional technical staff and volunteer parent coaches.  Volunteer coaches also receive more comprehensive coaching education which reinforces the skills and principles being taught. Players and coaches will emerge from the U9 program with a more sophisticated awareness of the game.

U10 Program: 
Competitive – This is a RAGE player’s first experience with competitive soccer, which can sometimes be intimidating.  Because of this, the focus continues to be on individual skill development rather than winning and losing.  Teams train twice a week with RAGE technical staff and paid coaches.  Games played are against teams from neighboring cities (San Ramon, Danville, Livermore, etc.).  Players are still strongly encouraged to be creative with the ball at their feet without fear of consequences.  Winning and losing, at least for our teams, is secondary to skills mastery and enjoyment of the game.
Recreational :  Rage Flight – teams are for players interested in being slightly more competitive than the recreation division. They will receive additional training (5 team sessions) from technical staff and play in an in-house league. They may attend a festival at the end of the season which will allow them to play teams from other leagues of similar abilities. Their season is August through November. There will be a $100 additional cost associated with this program.  Space will be limited to 6 teams.  Players will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, with the $100 deposit securing a spot.
Enhanced Rec - Much like the U8 Program this is an enhanced recreational program.  Each team receives at least two training sessions with RAGE professional technical staff.  The focus continues to be on individual skill development.  This program offers an excellent environment for recreational players as well as those wanting to play competitive soccer who may have not been ready (emotionally, physically, etc. – late bloomers) earlier in the year.  Teams are coached by parent volunteers who will receive coaching education which reinforces the skills and principles being taught.

Should you have further questions regarding any of these programs please contact RAGE Program Director, Tamie Shadle, at (925)251-9116.