The Community Stars and Stripes Program runs every fall. It usually begins in late August and runs through early November. Indiana Soccer alongside colleges and universities throughout the state work together to provide an opportunity for players ages 8-14 and not in high school to work on different soccer skills. This program is in it's third year and some of the specifications change each year. The following synopsis is how the program will run in 2010.
The purpose of this program is:
1. To promote individual skill development for players 8-14 (not in high school)
2. To encourage players to practice on their own. The coaches will focus on how each player can develop in each of these four skills at home.
3. To promote college and university soccer programs throughout the state of Indiana so that players can see soccer at a higher level.
This program is open to any child between the ages and 8 and 14 and not in high school. There is no charge for this program. There will be two ways for a player to participate in the "Stars and Stripes" program.
Option 1-College/High School Clinics (On Site Version)
Attend 4 college/high school matches and particpate in all of the clinics that are set up by each college/high school program.
These skills sessions take place at participating college campuses throughout the state of Indiana. Each college/university or high school soccer program that is participating will select 2-4 days/nights for players to come and work on a different skill each time. These sessions will take place either before or after one of their matches. The four skills that will be focused on are: Dribbling, Juggling, Receiving, and Passing.
Each skill session will be conducted by the college or high school's coaching staff possibly with the help of their players or a member of Indiana Soccer's ODP coaching staff. These mini clinics are approximately 45 minutes in length. The sole purpose of these sessions are to teach players how to get better at the four skills listed above when they are at home.
Option 2-College/High School observation and self-training (Home Version)
"Stars"-Attend any 2 college/high school soccer matches (could be any program around the state) and write an observation report. The match observation report does not have to be lengthy. Please see download below AND
"Stripes"-Complete the Stripes Skills program either at home or with your coach. There are 5 skills included in the "Stripes" Self-Training Program. These are: Dribbling, Juggling, Passing, Receiving, and Shooting. There are also video examples of how to set up and practice at home or with your coach. Please see below:
Complete "Stars and Stripes" Program
"Stars" Match Observation Report
"Stripes" Self" BackyardTraining Program
"Stripes" Self Backyard Training Videos
"Stripes" Skills Checklist
Players must pre-register for these sessions on the Indiana Soccer website. Dates will go up about 4-6 weeks before the season begins. Some dates may be added throughout the season as each high school or college decides to participate. There will be no charge for this program.
For more information, please contact the Indiana Soccer Director of Education.
Some of the possible participating schools have included:
Colleges/Universities
Ball State University
Bethel College
Butler University
Evansville University
Franklin College
IUPUI
Indiana University
IPFW
Notre Dame
Purdue University
Valparaiso University
High Schools
Eastern High School
Evansville Harrison High School
Fort Wayne Carroll
Gurein Catholic
Jefferson High School
Zionsville High School