Welcome to the West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association Soccer Program!

At the West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association (WBYAA) Soccer Program, we are dedicated to fostering a love for the beautiful game while emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Our program provides a supportive and inclusive environment where players of all ages and skill levels can thrive.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to promote the growth and development of young athletes in West Bridgewater through the sport of soccer. We aim to instill values of respect, responsibility, and resilience while cultivating a passion for the game that lasts a lifetime.

Program Highlights:

1. Professional Coaching:

   Our experienced and certified coaches are committed to providing quality instruction tailored to each player's needs. They focus on developing fundamental skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness in a fun and engaging manner.

2. Age-Appropriate Curriculum:

   We offer age-appropriate training sessions and games designed to suit the developmental stages of our players. From our youngest participants in our introductory programs to our competitive travel teams, we ensure that every player receives appropriate challenges and opportunities for growth.

3. Community Engagement:

   WBYAA Soccer is more than just a sports program; it's a community. We encourage family involvement and volunteerism, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among players, parents, coaches, and supporters.

4. Emphasis on Sportsmanship:

   Integrity and sportsmanship are at the core of everything we do. We teach our players to compete with honor, respect their opponents, and exhibit good sportsmanship both on and off the field.

5. Facilities and Resources:

   Our program benefits from excellent facilities and resources, including well-maintained fields, equipment, and access to additional training opportunities. We strive to provide the best possible environment for our players to thrive.

6. Opportunities for Advancement:

   For players seeking additional challenges, we offer opportunities to participate in competitive leagues, tournaments, and advanced training programs. Our goal is to support each player in reaching their full potential and achieving their soccer aspirations.

Join Us Today:

Whether your child is just starting their soccer journey or looking to take their skills to the next level, the West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association Soccer Program welcomes you. Come join our community and experience the joy of soccer while building lifelong friendships and memories.

For registration information and program details, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you on the field!

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association Soccer Program: Where passion meets opportunity, and champions are made.

Fundamentals of Coaching

Many of our town coaches are parent volunteers, with varying levels of experience in playing or coaching soccer. This section provides foundational knowledge for beginner and intermediate coaches to ensure a positive and productive season for both players and coaches. Below are guidelines tailored to each age group in our youth program:

U5 & U6 Coaching Fundamentals

At this stage, many players are joining their first formal soccer team. Ensuring that soccer is fun and enjoyable is key to fostering their love for the game.

• Focus on making activities fun and age-appropriate for 5-6-year-olds.

• Adapt coaching to match their physical and mental capabilities.

• Prioritize enjoyment and the basics of the sport over technical skills.

Goal: Help U5 & U6 players fall in love with the game while introducing minor technical elements.

U8 Coaching Fundamentals

U8 players have varied levels of experience—some are new, while others may have several years of play. Coaching should account for these differences and aim to help each player improve.

• Focus on individual skill development and ball mastery.

• Encourage cooperative play, including playing in pairs.

• Tailor coaching to improve each player based on their current skill level.

Goal: Build a strong foundation in technical skills to set players up for future growth.

U10-U16 Coaching Fundamentals

Most U10-U16 players have prior soccer experience, though some may still be new to the game. At this stage, players begin to understand decision-making and can handle more complex challenges.

• Introduce tactical concepts such as movement without the ball, passing to open spaces, and defending in pairs.

• Continue to emphasize ball mastery and technical skills, increasing speed and pressure in drills.

• Encourage decision-making by placing players in challenging, game-like scenarios.

Goal: Develop technical skills and introduce tactical understanding to prepare players for the next level.

Please see links below with sample practice session plans from Mass Youth Soccer.