In existence for over 40 years, the Bruce Samlan Soccer League (BSSL) has always focused on the kids and fostering/improving their enjoyment of the game. A recreational league, the Bruce Samlan Soccer League is about teaching the game in a small-sided format (see below text box), allowing players to "learn by doing", make mistakes and to "enjoy the game". BSSL offers soccer for all children ages 4-15 and everyone plays.
Recreational soccer focuses on player development in many positions and not just limited to instruction in one position (i.e., Outside Midfielder). Many younger players will naturally gravitate toward a position that is comfortable (easy) but this might not challenge the player to develop necessary skills for follow-on (older) divisions and many players who start off in one spot (defense, midfield, forward) often find their niche later in other positions.
As many teenage soccer players will tell you, once you understand the game, you can play soccer in any position. Here's to your player's journey in soccer... we are very honored to help facilitate.
Why Small-Sided Soccer?
Small-sided soccer is about what is best for young soccer players. Small-sided soccer applies to even the highest levels of the sport as most players cannot pass to all 10 teammates on the field at any time, it is the "game within a game" removed from 21 other players on the field and applied in a smaller setting where your player(s) receive more touches and make more decisions with the ball. Small-sided soccer allows players to learn through the game by trying new techniques, learning when a teammate is open, when to pass, when to dribble, when to finish (score). It is the best starting position for learning the game and most easily adapted by younger players.
Young soccer players need special consideration
Educators agree early learning experiences are the most important and produce the most retention
Children love to learn
Residual benefits