Soccer Nova Scotia to focus on consistent, quality programs

Thursday, August 21, 2008 (Halifax, NS) -- Soccer is the highest participatory sport in Canada and as such, today, Soccer Nova Scotia took a leading-step and launched the Wellness to World Cup program during their under-12 invitational development camp.

The Wellness to World Cup, a Long Term Player Development program is designed for soccer player development, training, competition, and recovery based on biological age (physical maturity) rather than chronological age. It is player-centered, coach-driven, and administration, sport science and sponsor supported.

The timing of the launch was fitting, as some of the top under-12 players in the province play to develop themselves in the game. Some of these might be National Training Centre players in a few years, and others may continue to play recreational soccer simply for the love of the game. But no matter at what level a player is, Soccer Nova Scotia, through the Canadian Soccer Association's new long-term player development program, will not only help develop skilled players, but also establish lifelong wellness through participating in soccer.

The Wellness to World Cup program will create a consistent approach to coaching and player development across the province, and the country as a whole. It provides the framework for Nova Scotia clubs to deliver age- and stage-appropriate programs consistently across the province. This will ensure enjoyable lifelong playing opportunities for players of all levels and abilities. It will also provide development pathways for elite players who wish to pursue excellence in the sport. Whether you are living in Halifax, Yarmouth or Sydney, you will be able to receive the same type of training as a coach and a player.

“This is a national coach and player development program that the Canada Soccer Association has rolled out,” said Mike Hudson, Director of Coaching and Player Development for Soccer Nova Scotia. “Now we, at Soccer Nova Scotia, want to be at the front of this initiative, leading the country in the provincial implementation of this program.”

“This program is a tremendous step forward in player and coach development,” said Sean Fleming, CSA Staff Coach. “Not only will it help promote life-long wellness for Canadians but it will raise the level of competition and align all soccer associations across Canada with Wellness to World Cup.”

The first step of implementation is creating awareness throughout the province and looking for partnerships with clubs and regions to effectively operationalize the programs across the province from a regional standpoint. Newly hired staff coach, Daniel Worthington, will undertake this task.

“The challenge will be bringing everyone together to meet a common goal,” said Worthington. “We need to come together as one large community and make this a reality for our players. The long-term player development model will benefit everyone, not just the elite players, and this is the message we want to get to clubs, coaches, parents and players.”

Soccer Nova Scotia is the non-profit governing body for soccer in Nova Scotia. With it’s 30,000 registered players across the province.

For more information, please contact:

Daniel Worthington

National Training Centre Atlantic, Director
Soccer Nova Scotia, LTPD Officer
Soccer Nova Scotia, Staff Coach

(902) 445-0265 or daniel@soccerns.ns.ca