Spring 2012 Thunder Development Program
Welcome to the Thunder Development Program – TDP. The TDP offers two entry programs to boys and girls aged 4 thru 10. These programs are designed to be fun and pressure-free, and serve as a gateway to starting a lifelong passion for the best sport in the world!
TDP
1.) Micro Soccer – For 4-10 year olds that want to play and learn with a “one session per week commitment”
2.) Pre-Travel School of Excellence (PTSE) – For 5-8 year olds seeking to learn advanced techniques and additional training opportunities.
About: The children “warm-up” playing lots of tag games, and learn exciting new skills… and then break up into ‘mini-teams’ and have some well earned scrimmage time. What we think is special about this program is that it deliberately caters to the beginner soccer player with minimal commitment. All players are intentionally being guided to learn and gain skills thru playing fun games... not thru setting up "drills" whereby players stand in lines and listen to lectures, and get "told" what to do. Thru "guided discovery", the players are having fun, learning new skills, and hopefully, learning to LOVE the beautiful game!
Cost: $125 – Includes registration, 1 game t-shirt, and a drawstring back-pack.
Who: This program is coed and open for children aged 4-10 years old. Prior soccer experience is not a requirement for the program.
When: Eight week program, once per week on Monday’s - Runs from 5:30 - 7:00pm starting March 26th. A maximum of two make-up sessions will be held should there be any rainouts. No additional make-up days will be scheduled.
About: This professionally trained School of Excellence is structured to provide quality training, skills learning, and game play. This program is technical and scrimmage based training, with the goal to teach skilled, imaginative and creative play. The PTSE has 2 practices per week and a game on Saturday mornings.
Cost: $250 – Includes registration, coaching fees, 2 t-shirts, and a drawstring back-pack.
Who: This program is open for children aged 5-8 years old. Boys and girls will practice separately. Prior soccer experience is the usual standard, but is not a requirement for the program**.
When: Ten week program, training is twice per week on from 5:30 - 7:00pm starting March 26th, with 4v4 games on Saturdays.
** All registrations are contingent upon player evaluation – more for behavioral maturity than soccer ability. Player Evaluations will be performed at first training session. If a child is deemed not ready for this program, we will contact parents to discuss alternative programs that may be more appropriate. Registration fees can be applied to another TSC program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What Should My Child Bring to the TDP?
A: Water, shin guards (worn under their socks), and T-shirt (provided at the 1st session) and they should be ready to have fun! Thunder will have balls available for the players each session.
Q: How do I find out if the session is cancelled due to rain?
A: As we are utilizing fields run by the Howard County Rec & Parks, if they determine the fields are too wet, we have to follow their guidelines. We generally are notified by 3:00pm. As soon as we are notified that the fields are closed we will do the following:
1. Send out an email to everyone stating that the session is cancelled. Please make sure the email address that you provided when signing up your child is the one you would like to receive these messages.
Q: Does my child need any special shoes for the Thunder Micro-Program?
A: Absolutely not, sneakers at this age are fine, soccer cleats are good but not necessary. Please refrain from wearing baseball cleats however!
Q: What should I as a parent do or be expected of while my child is playing?
A: Enjoy this experience with your child, and let them enjoy themselves.
