A great new initiative by SOSA .... please take a moment to read this!

If your son or daughter is involved in youth soccer in Ontario, you may by now have heard the term "Long-Term Player Development” (LTPD).
What is LTPD?
In short, LTPD is very simple. It is a thoroughly researched, tested, proven, and
overwhelmingly well-received approach to working with young athletes in soccer-rich countries around the world.
Whether a youngster is in soccer to simply stay active and fit or aspires to play at very competitive levels, LTPD is geared to developing youngsters in an environment that is stimulating, enriching—and fun.
The basic premise is this: at the younger ages (4 through 12) we will focus,
incrementally, on physical literacy, touches on the ball, skill development and
eventually, training to "compete”. The objective is to help every player develop to his or her true potential, at whatever level they want to play. We can achieve this through improved coaching methods along with superior training and development programs that we will start to introduce in 2012.
Changes will be phased-in throughout the province next year and as well as 2013 and beyond, to ensure Districts, Clubs, coaches and players will be able to make as seamless an adjustment as possible to this new approach to player development.
What will you notice, as parents?
· At the earliest ages, you will see a real emphasis on movement, coordination and athleticism. This will lead into skill development, ball work and the many skills
required to play -and fully enjoy -the great sport of soccer.