Characteristics of Elite Junior Footballers

Youth soccer coaching for 2-8 year olds.

Thousands of players have passed through the First Steps Soccer Academy over the years, and it always gives the Coaches a great thrill to see our graduates competing, whether it’s for their school, junior club, or a professional academy/centre of excellence.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ELITE JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS

WELL MOTIVATED: Put simply, the child

shows a commitment to improvement that stands out. They will practice for

longer periods, and with greater intensity, than other players.


• REACT WELL TO FAILURE: The player learns from a failure, is not discouraged by it, shows tenacity to overcome the problem, and has the ability to move forward quickly to the next challenge.

• DOMINATES MATCHES: The player is always the best footballer on the pitch in school or club games.

TAKES RESPONSIBILITY: Children are honest about their performance, whether good or bad, and do not hide behind excuses,

or blame others, when things go wrong.

GAME AWARENESS: The player makes good choices on the pitch, anticipates well, and identifies vulnerable space in attack and

defense.



SELF CONFIDENT: By this I mean the child trusts their ability, wants and demands the ball even in a difficult game, and is willing to try the technically

advanced skill or technique that might turn a match.

AGILE: More than straight line speed, agility is a vital tool for a footballer. This young footballer moves well, is light on their feet, and can react quickly and with

precision in tight situations.

GOOD TECHNIQUE: The child has a good first touch, controls the ball well with a nice range of

skills, and passes and shoots with sound technique.

LOVES THE GAME: A child, who has an enthusiasm and passion

for football, wants to play at every opportunity, whatever the weather is, and loves watching,

or talking about the game.


EMOTIONAL MATURITY: The junior footballer listens well, concentrates, and has a well rounded character.

FIT AND HEALTHY: The player possesses an athletic build, has a decent level of aerobic fitness, and enjoys a diet that compliments their

sporting activities.


First Steps Soccer

Address: 29 Parkstone Avenue, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0BXAddress: 29 Parkstone Avenue, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0BX

Phone number: 07825994671

Email ID:- [email protected]

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Characteristics of Elite Junior Footballers