Vero FC – Club Philosophy

At Vero FC, our philosophy is built on creating a clear, consistent, and purposeful pathway for every player in our club. We believe that

development should be structured, challenging, and honest - giving athletes a roadmap that grows with them as they advance.


COACHING

CORE COACHING PRINCIPLES (ALL COACHES)

  • Make training fun and challenging
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early and have everything set up
  • Have a plan for every practice - do not "wing it
  • Build a season plan using the club curriculum

Practice Layouts

  • U9-U12 (Academy): Training Game -> Rondo -> Positional Play -> Training Game
  • U13-U19 (Competitive): Rondo -> Positional Play - Training Game -> Training Game
  • Always refer to players as "our players," not "my players."
  • Make decisions based on what's best for each individual player

QUALITIES OF A GREAT COACH

  • Animated and energetic
  • Patient and encouraging
  • Positive with players, parents, and fellow coaches
  • Long-term focused over short-term wins
  • Goofy and fun when appropriate
  • Firm, but never negative - keep attention through respect

OUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY

  • "The game is the best teacher" - players learn best through play
  • Training must develop both technical skills and decision-making
  • Promote critical thinking - players must read, adapt, and choose
  • Use guided discovery, not constant instruction

U9-U12 (ACADEMY) COACHING FOCUS

  • Prioritize fun and development through small-sided games
  • Master our 8 Habits Taught Weekly
  • Hips open to the Field
  • Receive Back Foot
  • Check your teammates (Scan)
  • Check your Lines (Scan)
  • Check the Defender (Scan)
  • Play Simple
  • Keep the ball moving
  • Play the way you face

U13-U19 (COMPETITIVE) COACHING FOCUS

  • Reinforce positional play and tactical understanding. Focus on
  • Promote autonomy and responsibility
  • Reinforce
  • Use consistent club language and methodology. Reinforce our 8  habits.

TRANSITION COACHING (THE 4 MOMENTS)

  • Teach players to recognize and react to:
  • When we lose the ball (defensive transition)
  • When we win the ball (attacking transition)
  • When we start with the ball (build-up)
  • When we start without the ball (defensive shape)

GAME MODEL FOCUS AREAS

  • Resets - recycle and switch through the back when needed
  • Counters - transition quickly when we win the ball
  • Pressing - press with purpose using known triggers

FINAL NOTE: BE A CLUB-FIRST COACH

  • Always speak positively about VERO and other coaches
  • Model character and professionalism on and off the field
  • Remember: we coach people first, players second
  • Take pride in shaping good humans, not just soccer players