IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6) PDF

IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6): Building Technical Foundations Through Progressive DevelopmentIRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6): Building Technical Foundations Through Progressive Development
IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6): Building Technical Foundations Through Progressive Development
IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6): Building Technical Foundations Through Progressive Development

IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS (WEEK1-WEEK6): Building Technical Foundations Through Progressive Development

Introduction: The Foundation Phase of Football Development

The Irish Football Association has developed a comprehensive skill development programme that represents a paradigm shift in youth football coaching methodology. This meticulously structured six-week curriculum for 7-9 year olds focuses on building fundamental technical skills through a game-based approach that prioritizes enjoyment and long-term development over short-term results. The programme embodies modern pedagogical principles that recognize children in this age group as active learners who develop best through exploration, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Unlike traditional coaching methods that often prioritize winning above development, this programme creates an environment where technical mastery emerges naturally from engaging, football-specific games and activities.

The philosophy underpinning this programme aligns with the best practices in youth development advocated by leading football associations worldwide. By focusing on the critical 7-9 age range, the programme targets the “golden age of learning” where fundamental movement patterns and technical skills can be most effectively developed. This approach represents a significant advancement beyond generic coaching methods, offering a structured pathway that balances technical development with the psychological needs of young players. The methodology incorporates principles similar to those found in the UEFA B License Coaching Manual PDF while specifically adapting them for younger players’ developmental characteristics.

Programme Philosophy: Child-Centered Development

The Irish FA’s approach is built upon a deep understanding of how children aged 7-9 learn and develop, both as footballers and as individuals.

The Four Pillars of Development
The programme simultaneously addresses four key areas of development:

  1. Technical Skills: Fundamental ball mastery, dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques
  2. Physical Literacy: Development of coordination, balance, agility, and fundamental movement skills
  3. Psychological Development: Building confidence, resilience, and love for the game
  4. Social Skills: Learning teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship

This holistic approach ensures that children develop as complete individuals rather than just as football players, creating a foundation for long-term engagement in the sport. The balance between these elements reflects the comprehensive approach seen in advanced coaching frameworks like the UEFA A Licence: The Complete Coach’s Guide PDF.

The Play-Based Learning Methodology
Central to the programme’s philosophy is the belief that children learn best when they’re actively engaged and enjoying themselves. Rather than using repetitive drills, the programme employs game-based activities that:

  • Maintain high levels of motivation and engagement
  • Present football problems in realistic contexts
  • Allow for natural repetition without boredom
  • Develop decision-making alongside technical skills
  • Encourage creativity and experimentation

Week 1-2: Ball Mastery Foundations

The first two weeks focus on developing fundamental ball control and comfort with the ball.

Week 1: Introduction to Ball Mastery
The initial week establishes basic ball control techniques through fun, engaging activities:

  • Ball Familiarization Games: Simple activities that help children develop comfort with the ball at their feet
  • Basic Ball Manipulation: Introduction to using different surfaces of the foot to control the ball
  • Movement with the Ball: Combining basic movements with ball control

Each session begins with dynamic warm-ups that incorporate ball work, similar to approaches found in Warm-Up Exercises with Ball PDF, but specifically designed for 7-9 year olds. The activities are short, varied, and maintain high activity levels to match children’s attention spans.

Week 2: Developing Touch and Control
The second week builds upon foundation skills with more specific technical focus:

  • Stationary Ball Control: Developing touch and coordination in static positions
  • Moving with the Ball: Introducing basic changes of direction
  • Introduction to Turns: Simple turns to change direction with the ball

The coaching methodology emphasizes demonstration and imitation rather than complex verbal instructions, recognizing that children in this age group learn best through visual cues and practical experience.

Week 3-4: Introduction to Core Football Skills

Weeks three and four introduce fundamental football techniques in game-like contexts.

Week 3: Dribbling Fundamentals
This week focuses on developing confidence in moving with the ball:

  • Dribbling in Various Directions: Changing speed and direction with the ball
  • Basic Beating Moves: Simple skills to evade passive defenders
  • Dribbling in Game Situations: Applying skills in 1v1 and small-sided game contexts

The activities progressively increase in complexity while maintaining high success rates to build confidence. This approach aligns with modern soccer training programs that prioritize learning through realistic game situations.

Week 4: Passing and Receiving Introduction
Week four introduces basic passing and receiving techniques:

  • Basic Passing Techniques: Using different surfaces of the foot for short passes
  • Receiving Fundamentals: Controlling the ball with different body parts
  • Combination Play: Simple passing patterns in pairs and small groups

The programme emphasizes the importance of developing both technical competence and decision-making ability, introducing basic principles that will be expanded in later development phases.

Week 5-6: Skill Integration and Game Application

The final two weeks focus on integrating learned skills into game situations.

Week 5: Introduction to Shooting and Scoring
This week introduces shooting techniques in fun, engaging contexts:

  • Basic Shooting Technique: Developing proper striking form
  • Shooting from Various Angles: Practicing accuracy and power
  • Game-Related Scoring: Shooting in game-like situations with defenders

The activities are designed to build confidence in front of goal while developing technical proficiency. The programme recognizes that scoring goals is particularly motivating for children in this age group and uses this natural enthusiasm to drive technical development.

Week 6: Skill Integration Week
The final week focuses on combining all learned skills in game situations:

  • Skill Combination Activities: Exercises that require players to dribble, pass, and shoot in sequence
  • Small-Sided Games: Applying skills in 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 games
  • Celebration of Progress: Activities that allow children to demonstrate their new skills

This culmination week reinforces the programme’s philosophy that skills are ultimately meant to be used in game contexts, preparing children for continued development in more structured environments.

Session Structure and Delivery Methodology

The programme employs a consistent session structure that maximizes learning while maintaining engagement.

The Four-Component Session Model
Each session follows this progression:

  1. Arrival Activity (10 minutes): Simple, fun activities that children can begin immediately, minimizing downtime
  2. Technical Introduction (15 minutes): Game-based activities focusing on the session’s technical objective
  3. Skill Application Game (20 minutes): Small-sided game that emphasizes the technical focus
  4. Scrimmage (15 minutes): Free play that allows children to apply skills in a fun environment

This structure ensures a balance between guided learning and creative expression, with smooth transitions between activities. The approach reflects modern coaching methodologies found in resources like UEFA A Coaching Session Plans.

Differentiation Strategies
The programme includes specific strategies for accommodating varying ability levels:

  • Activity Progressions: Each activity includes simple progressions and regressions
  • Individual Challenges: Opportunities for children to work at their own level
  • Positive Reinforcement: Focus on individual improvement rather than comparison

Coach Education and Development

The programme recognizes that coach development is crucial for effective player development.

Coach Support Materials
Each week includes comprehensive coach resources:

  • Session Plans: Detailed activity descriptions and coaching points
  • Technical Demonstrations: Key technical elements to emphasize
  • Questioning Guides: Prompts to encourage player discovery
  • Assessment Tools: Simple observation frameworks

These resources ensure consistency in delivery while allowing for coach creativity and adaptation.

Coach Development Philosophy
The programme emphasizes the coach’s role as a facilitator of learning rather than a director of activities. Coaches are encouraged to:

  • Ask rather than tell: Using questions to guide discovery
  • Demonstrate rather than explain: Showing techniques visually
  • Praise effort and improvement: Building confidence and resilience
  • Create a positive environment: Where mistakes are learning opportunities

This coaching philosophy aligns with modern educational approaches and represents a significant evolution from traditional command-style coaching methods.

Parental Involvement and Education

The programme includes specific strategies for engaging parents as positive partners in development.

Parent Education Sessions
Regular sessions help parents understand:

  • Age-appropriate expectations: What constitutes realistic development
  • Positive support strategies: How to encourage without pressure
  • Home practice ideas: Fun activities to reinforce learning
  • Long-term development perspective: Understanding the journey ahead

Communication Frameworks
The programme provides structures for maintaining regular, positive communication with parents, including:

  • Progress updates: Celebrating individual achievements
  • Programme information: Explaining the methodology and philosophy
  • Involvement opportunities: Ways parents can positively contribute

This approach recognizes parents as crucial influences on children’s football experiences, similar to philosophies employed in professional academy environments like the Leicester City Football Club Academy PDF.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

The programme includes simple, effective assessment tools that focus on development rather than comparison.

Technical Assessment Framework
Key indicators of development include:

  • Ball mastery competence: Comfort and control with the ball
  • Skill application: Willingness to try skills in games
  • Improvement over time: Progress relative to starting point
  • Enjoyment and engagement: Positive attitude toward participation

Individual Development Tracking
Simple tracking tools help coaches monitor each child’s progress and provide appropriate challenges and support. This individual focus ensures that all children experience success and continued development regardless of their starting point.

Integration with Long-Term Development Pathway

The programme is designed as the foundation of a long-term development pathway.

Preparation for Future Development
The skills and attitudes developed in this programme prepare children for:

  • More structured training: As they progress to older age groups
  • Tactical understanding: Building on technical foundations
  • Advanced technical skills: More complex techniques in future years
  • Lifelong love of football: Regardless of competitive level

Progression Pathways
The programme clearly outlines how the skills developed connect to future learning objectives, providing a roadmap for continued development through the Irish FA’s player pathway.

Conclusion: Building Foundations for Footballing Future

The IRISH FA SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7-9 YEARS represents a comprehensive, research-based approach to youth football development that balances technical development with psychological well-being. By understanding how children in this age group learn and creating engaging, developmentally appropriate activities, the programme builds strong technical foundations while fostering a lifelong love for the game.

The programme’s success is measured not in short-term results or trophies won, but in the number of children who develop the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm to continue their football journey. By prioritizing enjoyment and development over winning, the programme creates an environment where all children can experience success and progression at their own pace.

For coaches, parents, and associations implementing this programme, the ultimate reward comes in watching children discover the joy of football while developing skills that will serve them both on and off the pitch. This approach to youth development represents an investment in the future of Irish football and, more importantly, in the health and happiness of the children who participate.


External Links for Further Reading: