GraspYouth Soccer
Soccer, the world’s most popular game, is inevitably a reflection of life with all its passions, complexities, challenges and rewards. As such, it is an ideal vehicle to mold and shape young people. The two fundamental pillars of the game are technique (ball mastery) and decision-making (understanding of the game). Despite the impressive growth of soccer in the USA, too many young players fall in love with the beautiful game and develop aspirations of playing at a competitive level only to realize too late they have missed the critical “Golden Age of Skill Acquisition”.
GraspYouth Soccer is a unique and innovative program that uses the superb vehicle of soccer to develop young people. The program is cutting-edge in its developmental approach, engaging young players early in the formative stage, the critical “Golden Age of Skill Acquisition” to teach them excellent technique, stellar decision-making and timeless life lessons. GraspYouth Soccer’s mission centers on utilizing these developmental pillars to empower players to….. enjoy the game, affect the game and excel within it and life.
GraspYouth Soccer’s technical team is led by renowned youth soccer coach Sona Walla. Coach Sona is a passionate development coach with extensive experience spanning over two decades serving in youth soccer in various capacities (Technical Director, Age Group Director, Head Coach, writer, consultant..). A USSF licensed coach, he has a stellar track record of developing top young soccer talents, many of whom have gone on to compete at the US Youth National Team level, the collegiate level, as well as the professional level. Coach Sona is an obsessive student of the game with rich and diverse international experience acquired from various studies and internships abroad at some of the world’s top youth development soccer clubs. He also worked in the USSF Development Academy League, the top platform of youth soccer nationally at the time. A well-traveled and evolutionary coach, he has initiated many innovative programs such as ATP and its international competition component as well as the unique player-centered Futsal League to accelerate the development of young players locally. Coach Sona cycles back via GraspYouth Soccer to teach and transmit his contagious passion for the beautiful game to young aspiring players in their critical formative years.
Program
GraspYouth Soccer’s goal is to develop creative, technically proficient and independent-thinking soccer players who can enjoy and impact the game. Teaching the balance between individual and collective expression is also a central theme. GraspYouth Soccer’s approach prioritizes individual player development and its program includes:
– Soccer Fundamentals Clinics (U8-U10):
Teaches players the pillars of the game which are individual technique (ball mastery) and decision-making (understanding of the game) via fun small-sided games. Players get lots of touches on the ball and get to make lots of in-game decision… fundamental tools for future excellent soccer players.
FALL: 1-2 weekly sessions (September – October)
WINTER: 1 Weekly indoor training sessions (January-February)
SPRING: 1-2 weekly training sessions (April- May)
– Travel Soccer (U11 and up):
Identification of players and formation of teams to compete in Travel soccer leagues against other select soccer teams in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
FALL: 2 weekly training sessions + match on weekend (September – October)
WINTER: 1 -2 Weekly indoor training sessions (January-February)
SPRING: 2 weekly training sessions + match on weekend (April- May)
* Supplemental training programs available to GraspYouth players to accelerate their development include:
> Winter Futsal League and its innovative player-centered design.
> Advanced Training Program (ATP) and its unique international travel & competition experience (available in appropriate age groups)
> Summer Camps
For more information contact Sona Walla – Director of Soccer – GraspYouth Soccer at graspsona@gmail.com,