Sources: Nick Parker teaches classes in sports/PE pedagogy at HSU. Students from his classes are frequently placed in grades k-1, where they teach Physical education to the children. Throughout 2004, Nick has been developing and presenting clinics for 5-6-7 year old soccer “newbies” (and their coaches) as part of his work with MRYSL. In the winter of 2004, this curriculum was presented to Board members and instructors of Inside Sports (Futsal), and much of it has been adopted by IS.

California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) has an excellent entry level training program for youth coaches. Much of the material can be found in both the Pre-F and “F” license training manual, and has been utilized here.

The written curriculum and the assumptions underlying its development, were “field tested” during a meeting with Ms Terri Desch, a 20-year teaching veteran, who teaches quality PE to 4 and 5 year olds every day at Sunset School. Thank you Terri!

Small-sided games are almost universally accepted (USSF, USYouth,Soccer, Nederlands FA, CYSA etc) as the correct environment for very young players…and incidentally it is this format that is in place as the best skill development approach. In 2001, the Coast Youth Soccer League in Fort Bragg/Mendocino underwent the “big switch” to small-side. They have been “100% happy with their decision. Former CYSL president Teass albino-Smith is available at 961-1123 for reassurance and consultation!

Additional reference: Children Moving: a Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical Education” (2004) by Graham, Holt-Hale, and Parker. (6^th edition) McGraw Hill Publications.This is the course text for future teachers at HSU.