Oct 10-11, 2009

GFC u9u10 Teams Demonstrate High Quality Soccer at Columbus Day Tournament

Sanford, ME. The Grasshopper Football Club u9u10 teams demonstrated over the weekend the brand of high quality developmental soccer for which the club is known. In addition to the Academy program, which offers a variety of year-round training options for u7-u10 boys and girls, GFC offers a Teams program for u9u10 boys and girls which includes specific weekly team training as well as Sunday 6v6 league matches. Both the boys u10 and girls u10 teams participated in the Sanford Soccer Columbus Day Tournament this past weekend in Sanford, ME.

Both teams had great success on the field in terms of score lines, despite competing as u9u10 mixed teams in the u10 divisions, outscoring opponents 37-16, and winning 6 out of 8 matches. But much more importantly, the GFC u10 teams showed again that, even at an earlier developmental age, thoughtful, well-organized soccer is the right path to player and team development.

The GFC u10 teams demonstrated great ball movement, with purposeful passing and support, involving all players in the build up, including the goalkeepers at times with back passes to draw opposing players out of their half. Both teams showed great development as well in their ability to go to goal with potent attacking setups and finishing of all types. Defensive responsibilities were not forgotten. Despite a strong attacking mentality, the players maintained their team shape well, allowing for quick transitions between attacking and defending.

Both the boys and the girls u10 teams were very successful in meeting the coach's specific objectives of play for the tournament: 1) strong individual possession to maintain team possession, 2) consistent team shape (1-1-1 with 2 wide players) involving length, wide, and depth, 3) timely support at all times for players on the ball, 4) combination play between wide players and center back to safely change the point of attack, 5) forward target player combining with teammates to bring numbers into the attack.

The GFC u9u10 Teams program will finish out its busy fall season with 3 more weeks of Sunday league matches (6v6), the GFC Fall 3v3 Jamboree, and an end-of-season tournament. The teams will transition to the winter program in early December with weekly indoor training and Saturday Futsal league matches (5v5 without walls). Then it will be back outside for more training and 6v6 matches again in the spring.

The GFC u9u10 Teams program is looking to expand going into the winter and spring. Interested families should contact GFC Academy Director, Tom Mitch.

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