Programs > Development Program (U5-U12)

The Blackhawks U5-U12 Development Program offers year-round soccer activities for boys and girls who want a soccer experience that is both challenging and fun. Activities include camps, skill building, practice, training, league play, festivals and tournaments.

Although the developmental program has produced players who have competed at the highest levels of the sport, the program is designed to empower players at any level to play the game with confidence and creativity. Blackhawks development program is appropriate for all players, regardless of current skill level.

Our developmental program has 4 areas of focus:

1. Skill development
2. Fitness training
3. Respect for teammates, coaches, referees, and other teams
4. Enjoyment of the game

What is unique about Blackhawks?

• Trained and experienced coaches facilitate growth with consistent, positive instruction during both developmental and competitive years. Many players join at U5 and stay through U19.
• Our teams grow up together and compete together for years resulting in life long friendships.
• Blackhawks offers teams at most levels of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association's traveling league.
• U15 teams travel to Sweden and Denmark to compete in Gothia Cup and Dana Cup. 2011 was the 18th consecutive year that Blackhawks teams have competed in Europe.
• Blackhawks teaches soccer skills for life long enjoyment of the game and is a welcoming environment to all interested players.

U5-U8 Little Hawks

U5-U6 Focus — Ball Control, Creativity, Fun!

This age group will participate in fun activities that explore their physical capabilities! At this age, the soccer ball is their toy. Players are encouraged to discover the many possibilities of their new toy, the soccer ball. This is an age, and a developmental period, where players should play with their ball in a variety of creative settings. The goal of this age of development is individual touches, touches, and more touches!

U7-U8 Focus — Ball Control, Creativity, Sharing, Team, Fun!

At this stage, soccer is still all about fun! Players are now beginning to enter the developmental period where working with a teammate is important. During this time players learn to share the ball and work together for a common a goal. Independent time with the ball is still stressed, however players are introduced to the concept of teamwork in partner settings. The goal of this age group is to reinforce ball control skills while adding the idea of passing.

Key Features

• Teaches fundamental soccer skills in a fun environment.
• Fosters confidence, teamwork, creativity, enjoyment of the game.
• Winning not stressed.
• Activities are co-ed.
• Professional coaches and parent volunteer coaches.
• Choose whatever combination of activities you want.

U5-U8 Activities

U9-U10 Development

Focus — Ball Skill, Creativity, Insight

Players are now demonstrating an improved ability of basic soccer techniques. They are cognitively ready to apply their techniques to the broader game. At this stage players are taught fundamental tactical applications such as, the give and go, overlap, and takeover. Working together as a team is a core concept. Players now experience the joy of the game with a collective consciousness!

Key Features

• Focuses on skill, fitness, confidence, respect, teamwork.
• MYSA 6v6 league games, festivals, tournaments.
• Winning not stressed.
• Gender-specific teams.
• Teams balanced by skill.
• Equal playing time at all positions.
• Trained parent coaches guided by professional coaches.

U9-U10 Development Activities

U11-U12 Development (Transitional)

Focus — Ball Skill, Creativity, Insight, Tactical Awareness

Tactical awareness is paramount in this stage of development. These players now have the ability to apply abstract thought within the demands of the game. Players are taught and exhibit an understanding of the "third man" in soccer. In addition, players are taught to use teammates to help solve problems within the game. The U11/12 player will be exposed to as many game-like situations as possible during training.

Key Features

• Advanced footskills, fitness, creativity, teamwork.
• MYSA 8v8 league games, tournaments.
• Scores and standings kept.
• Teams selected by ability.
• Equal playing time, exposure to all positions.
• Professional coaches and trained parent coaches.

U11 / U12 Differences

• U12 assessments held in August to determine teams for following summer season.
• U12 teams begin training in November.
• U12 players allowed more focus on desired positions.

U11-U12 Development Activities

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