Penn Legacy accepted into the Directors’ Development Program (DDP)

Beginning in the fall of 2012, Penn Legacy will be participating in the DDP, a new initiative in Eastern Pennsylvania created to provide the best possible soccer environment for all U9 and U10 Penn Legacy players. Players will be introduced to a curriculum based module that puts the focus on “playing and training".  While the competitive element of the game is very much still present, the results-based environment is removed.
The general essence of the DDP program, and thus of Penn Legacy's U9 and U10 programs, will be one of developing players to be the best they can be, while allowing them to thoroughly enjoy and learn the game in the best possible environment.
We are very proud to have been accepted into the DDP program and we look forward to creating this special environment in our club.  Below is the official outline of the DDP.

DDP Mission Statement:

The Directors’ Development Program (DDP) will provide a player-centered developmental    program that focuses on creating a nurturing, educational soccer environment while    concentrating on "what’s best for the players".

Participating Clubs:

Nether United, Rage SC, Spirit United, West Chester United, West-Mont United, YMS  & Penn Legacy.

DDP Objectives:

  • Provide appropriate competition
  • Encourage creative freedom in training & in games
  • Create free player movement within clubs
  • Reduce fear of failure, by eliminating the pressure of winning games with more emphasis on individual player development
  • Reduce the labeling players as “A” & “B” players at such a young age as all players will be registered with US Club & will benefit from the club pass system thus enhancing the development process.
  • Appropriate travel to play time ratio

 Structure:

  • Clubs will participate in four festivals in the fall & four festivals in the spring.
  • Game formats will include but not limited to 8 v 8, 6 v 6, 5 v 5, free-play & ability based games.
  • Set dates for friendly games which clubs can choose to utilize or not.
  • Emphasis on players making decisions on the field by coaches limiting their coaching  points to natural stoppages & ensuring the players learn the game as they play.
  • Emphasis on keeping the games flowing by limiting the amount of time substitutions are made.
  • Emphasis on setting technical goals during games rather than measuring success by results as there will be no scores or standings kept in any DDP event.