Florida 4-H Soccer for Success

4-H S CCER FOR SUCCESS

WELCOME FR U.S. SOCCER F

CREDITS Xiomara Diaz, Purdue University Laura Valencia, University of Florida Valerie Seefeld, University of Arkansas

U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION Michael Vaughan Cherabin Eren Munir

NATIONAL 4-H COUNCIL JoAnne Leatherman

ROM THE FOUNDATION The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs

are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Its mission is to provide underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidencebased soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential.

GOALS The Foundation envisions a future where every child from every community has access to the game and a safe place to develop healthy habits and critical life skills through trained coach-mentors and community engagement. By 2026, the Foundation strives to engage 1 million children in Soccer for Success and create 1,000 mini-pitches in communities across the country through 4-H and other program partners.

THE PLAN Working with mission-aligned partners like 4-H, the Foundation will fill the out-of-school time hours with quality, positive youth development soccer programming and create safe places for children and families to play in their neighborhoods. By supporting the development of places to play, places to grow, and places to learn, children in underserved and from underrepresented communities can reach their full potential on and off the pitch.

The National 4-H Council/U.S. Soccer Foundation partnership began in 2018. . Since its inception, thousands of 4-H youth have taken part in the program, and over 100 4-H coach-mentors have been trained.

...thousands of 4-H youth have taken part in the program, and over 100 4-H coach-mentors have been trained.

PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM PROGRAM The Soccer for Success program model is evidencedbased and built upon five core components that provide youth with structured physical activity and nutrition lessons, an opportunity to build social skills, and access to positive adult role models. These components make up the foundation of the Soccer for Success program and are the building blocks of the curriculum.

• Physical Activity: The program provides children with the opportunity to learn the sport of soccer in a supportive environment, while also offering the recommended amount of physical activity for school-aged children and adolescents, (60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day).

• Health & Wellness: Participants are empowered to establish life-long healthy habits through integrated activities that blend nutrition education with soccer instruction. Each week, participants learn lessons to promote healthy bodies that provide them with the nutrition information they need to succeed on and off the field.

• Mentorship: A positive mentor connection can make a critical difference in a child’s life. Youth thrive when they are surrounded by stable, consistent, and meaningful relationships with caring adults (Indiana Youth Institute, 2018).

Therefore, staff and volunteers at partner organizations are trained as coach-mentors who not only teach children soccer, but also serve as role models by helping participants build confidence and recognize the value of hard work, teamwork, and persistence in setting and achieving personal goals.

• Community Engagement: The program connects families to resources and provides them with information to help them live healthy lifestyles and nurture their child’s personal growth. These resources are available in English and Spanish.

• Safe Spaces: The program provides spaces that are physically and emotionally safe or participants.

CURRICULUM The evidence-based K-8 grade curriculum is designed to run up to two 12-week sessions per year with 3 days per week of integrated learning activities and 60-75 minutes of active play and recreational soccer per session. In the 4-H Soccer for Success curriculum, both the soccer education topic and the nutrition education topic are delivered in progression with each lesson plan building from previous lesson plans. It is important to provide the students with knowledge of the game of soccer and an understanding of how each soccer skill relates to the nutrition topic of the day. Coach-mentors will use the Introduce, Reinforce, and Review (IRR Method) to teach participants the soccer and nutrition topics associated with each session. (See section “Questions that Coaches use to Relate Nutrition and Real-Life Situations to 4-H Soccer for Success Program” for the interrelationship of the IRR Method components.)

Soccer for Success in the SNAP-Ed National Toolkit: The SNAP-Ed version of the Soccer for Success curriculum has been approved on the national level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is a big step in identifying sustainable funding streams to support our evidence-based work. By being placed in the SNAP-Ed National Tool Kit, Soccer for Success is eligible for SNAP-Ed funding.

TRAINING All 4-H coach-mentors are required to be trained by a U.S. Soccer Foundation certified trainer prior to administering the 4-H Soccer for Success program on their own. Coach-mentors can be trained in person, virtually, or using a hybrid format.

The training is designed to teach coachmentors the framework of the curriculum as well as provide coach-mentors with communication, cultural competence, and conflict resolution tools. Coach-mentors are advised to see themselves first as mentors to youth and second as soccer coaches.

Coach-mentors also meet with families to educate parents and guardians about how to embrace active and healthy lifestyles and nurture their youths’ personal growth.

Training materials for coach-mentors can be found at the U.S. Soccer Foundation Hub. Annually, it is recommended that each 4-H state participating in this program create professional development opportunities for coach-mentors. 4-H Soccer for Success coaches are also considered mentors. Coachmentors teach youth the fundamentals of soccer, but also strive to help children build confidence and recognize the value of hard work, teamwork, and persistence in achieving personal goals.

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a framework based on an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and providing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths. The 4-H system, with its 110+ land grant universities delivering positive youth development in every county across the U.S. 4-H PYD, is based on the mentorship of youth by a caring adult over time, receiving programming based on best practices, and research with opportunities for Mastery, Generosity, Independence and Belonging. This is based on the research of Dr. Rich Lerner, Tufts University and the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (4-H PYD) with a longitudinal examination of a group of youth over a decade (2016).

Key characteristics of the 4-H PYD Model include: A. Positive relationship with a caring adult B.

A safe emotional and physical environment

C.

An inclusive environment

D. Engagement in learning E.

Opportunity for mastery

F.

Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future

G. Opportunity for self-determination H. Opportunity to value and practice service to others

THE INTERFACE OF 4-H SOCCER FOR SUCCESS AND PYD Utilizing the assets of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the 4-H Soccer for Success program will help youth learn life skills through directed programming that strengthens their ability to make healthy decisions, solve problems, and support their peers in building better and stronger lives. 4-H Soccer for Success meets each of the components for PYD as follows:

Belonging A. Positive relationship with a caring adult: In this case, the caring adult(s) is the trained coach-mentor who supports youth participants throughout the program.

A child: coach allowable ratio is 15:1. Nationally, 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor (The National Mentoring Partnership, 2015).

B.

A safe emotional and physical environment: This is a basic requirement for Soccer for Success, and coaches are trained to be sure youth are kept safe physically as well as emotionally with training specifically related to cultural competence and empathy.

C.

An inclusive environment: Soccer for Success is a recreational sports opportunity welcome to all youth with all skill levels. Soccer promotes universal principles of respect and fair play that transcend language and culture. It has been used in 4-H programs across the country to reach new audiences.

Every session provides an opportunity for families to cheer on participants and engage with 4-H leaders.

Mastery D.

E.

Engagement in learning: The Soccer for Success curriculum is designed to teach youth physical, mental, and social skills. Youth learn about their bodies and the importance of nutrition, rest, and hydration through healthy eating and active living education. They also practice listening skills and decision making, develop self-discipline and personal responsibility, and are taught the value of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Playing outdoors also provides opportunities to teach youth additional lessons about environmental stewardship. Mastery is often one of the first concepts associated with a 4-H experience (Keinath, S. 2018).

Opportunity for mastery: All youth in the program can participate equally in the physical benefits of exercise and acquire knowledge of sound nutrition and exercise best practices. Participants have opportunities to demonstrate mastery of soccer skills and nutrition points throughout the lessons.

Independence F.

Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future and for self-determination: Because this is recreational soccer and open to all at little or no cost, youth may continue as participants throughout the eligibility ages and may continue as youth leaders working with an adult coach-mentor after aging out. Youth also have opportunities throughout the activities to incorporate personal creativity in the demonstration of soccer skills and to expand their experiences and participation in 4-H. According to The Aspen Institute Project Play, 77% of youth living in households that earn less than $25,000 annually are not playing sports (Aspen Institute, 2020).

Self Determination G. Opportunity to value and practice service to others: The group should select a community service activity on health, fitness, and well-being topics and implement it during the season. Youth help set up and put away equipment, bring snacks for fellow participants, clean up the grounds, and encourage teammates. As youth grow, they can assume leadership opportunities in related fields under the guidance of the adult mentor (Martz, J. e al., 2016)

Generosity H.

Opportunity to value and practice service to others: The group should select a community service activity on health, fitness, and well-being topics and implement it during the season. Youth help set up and put away equipment, bring snacks for fellow participants, clean up the grounds, and encourage teammates. As youth grow, they can assume leadership opportunities in related fields under the guidance of the adult mentor (Martz, J. e al., 2016)

4-H SOCCER FOR SUCCESS CLUBS The 4-H Soccer for Success club experience can be offered once or twice a month (or as appropriate) as a program quality support focuses on fostering youth’s development, life skills, connections with caring adults, and leadership in addition to the weekly lessons, game days, and family engagements. 4-H Soccer for Success clubs provides opportunities for: • club officer experience • additional educational program and 4-H activities • project work that addresses community issues • community service experience • career exploration • recognition

QUESTIONS THAT COACHES USE TO RELATE NUTRITION AND REAL LIFE SITUATIONS TO 4-H SOCCER FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM A key component to delivering and reinforcing nutrition education is asking participants questions that allow them to arrive at the answers themselves. The following is an example on how to incorporate nutrition questions to a SfS lesson.

Each lesson includes specific nutrition and soccer teaching points that utilize the guided discovery method, which is a technique where coach-mentors ask a series of questions that allow participants to think through and discover things for themselves.

The guided discovery method is used primarily in the opening and closing circles to introduce the soccer and nutrition topics of the day.

• Using the guided discovery method, which is based on asking a series of questions that allow participants to think through and discover things for themselves (ex. OPENING CIRCLE) • Introduce Soccer Topic: Dribbling – Running with the ball • Use the laces or the pinky toe to run with the ball or dribble • Keep ankle locked, head slightly up • Introduce Health & Wellness • Introduce Nutrition Topic: Energy-in vs. energy-out • Introduce Soccer for Success and goals to develop soccer skills and healthy habits • Ask players if they know what calories are (energy) • Explain to players that it is important to balance energy-in (anytime foods and beverages) with energy-out (exercise, like soccer); this makes for a healthy body • Ask players for examples of anytime foods (fruits, vegetables, whole-grain snacks, etc.)

• Check-In: 3-2-1 Thumbs • Ask players to show how they are feeling by doing 2 thumbs-up (feeling good), 1 thumbup (feeling okay), zero thumbs-up/sideways (feeling bad) • Explain that all feelings are okay, and the goal is to get physically active and have fun together

• Relating the soccer/nutrition topic to their lives (ex. Have you ever been hungry at school when you missed breakfast?)

• Providing personal examples that relate to the soccer/nutrition topics (ex. Drinking low-fat or nonfat milk with my meals helps me feel strong) During the activities, coach-mentors will reinforce the soccer/nutrition topics by: • Highlighting when participants execute the soccer/nutrition topic correctly • Providing guidance to participants who have a hard time grasping the soccer/nutrition topics • Encouraging individual participants to use the soccer/nutrition skills Coach-mentors will review the soccer/nutrition topic during the closing circle.

• Using the guided discovery method (ex.

CLOSING CIRCLE) • Review Soccer Topic: Dribbling – Running with the ball • Review Nutrition Topic: Energy-in vs. energy-out • Check-In: 3-2-1 Thumbs CHEER [Players stay in their designated player zone] • Have players give 2 thumbs up to their teammates, holding them outstretched towards their neighbors • Choose, or have a player choose the cheer • Relating the soccer/nutrition topics to the game of soccer (ex. Did anyone find it easier to avoid running into people when you kept your head up while dribbling?)

• Issuing off-the-field challenges (ex. I challenge you to bring one nutrition food label with you to the next session)

LESSON PLAN: POINTS OF EMPHASIS Adaptation: Be flexible in your ability to adapt the soccer and nutrition topics; understand that some games should be altered based on the playing surface, space, age appropriateness, number of youth, player skill levels, etc.

IRR Method: Use the “Introduce, Reinforce, and Review” method to coach the soccer and nutrition topics of the session (see “Soccer Education: Integration” and “Nutrition Education: Integration”).

Demonstration: Remember that children are visual learners, so it is important to supplement verbal instruction with a physical demonstration (“demo”) of the activity/skill. As you explain the activity verbally, ask a coach-mentor or child to demo the activity in order to “paint the picture” for the participants. Demonstrations should follow the “I, You, We” method to introduce the skill. First, as coach-mentor, demonstrate the action (“I”); second, ask a participant to demonstrate the action (“You”); and third, ask the entire group to engage in the action (“We”).

Mentorship: Coach the activities in a positive manner that ensures full participation and provides encouragement for soccer and character development (see “Mentorship”).

Fun: To build a love for the game and healthy habits, ensure that 4-H youth are enjoying the experience.

Instructions: Verbal instructions should be clear and concise. Give only one to two instructions at a time, asking youth to repeat back instructions as a whole group when appropriate.

Physical Activity: Coach in a way that keeps 4-H youth active, minimizes or eliminates lines (maximum of 2-3 youth in a line), teaches the flow of the game with limited interruptions, and allows for flexibility to make changes on the fly if an activity is not working.

Safety: Prior to practice, ensure the site is safe and clear of debris. Walk the field and ensure the surface is safe for physical activity. After practice, ensure all 4-H youth have a safe plan for transportation away from the practice location.

REFERENCES Martz, J. Mincemoyer, C.Nestor McNeely, N. (2016). Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development Programs nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Essential%20 Elements%20of%204-H%20v.2011.pdf Keinath, S. (2018) By being intentional with reflection and goal setting, youth involved in 4-H master a variety of skills.

Retrieved from canr.msu.edu/news/essential-elements-of4-h-mastery#:~:text=Mastery%20is%20often%20one%20 of,skills%2C%20they%20grow%20in%20confidence.

Mentoring Impact (2015). The National Mentoring Partnership.

Retrieved from mentoring.org/why-mentoring/mentoringimpact/ SNAP-Ed Soccer for Success (SfS) - SNAP-Ed Toolkit (2019).

UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Retrieved from snapedtoolkit.org/interventions/programs/ snap-ed-soccer-forsuccess-sfs/ Project Play:The State of Play (2020). Aspen Institute.

Retrieved from aspenprojectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/ ages-6-12 Soccer for Success: Evaluation Overview (2014) Retrieved from ussoccerfoundation.org/impact/evaluation/

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

Learn more online at 4-H.org.

For more information about 4-H Soccer for Success in Florida contact Laura E. Valencia at lauraval@ufl.edu