In the Senior Prep Phase (SPP) we look to challenge our players individually and as a group. With long term player development at the front of everything we do as a club, in the Foundation Phase (FP) we were teaching the players in a fun yet challenging way to ‘train to love the game.’ In the Youth Development Phase (YDP), our U13-U15 players start to advance their tactical knowledge around the game as the ‘train to understand the game.’ Now in the SPP, we ‘train to win the game’, 

As players get to the 16-19-year-old ages, each needs to be challenged to push themselves further for their teammates and as an individual. As players are moved to new positions, away from our traditional 4-3-3 formation, and overall playing time awarded to players is adjusted based on the competitive edge. 

As the SPP coaching staff, we work closely with our players and with the phase coaches within the club to continually adjust our approach to development to ensure each player coming through the full OUFC pathway is prepared to reach their highest potential and goals within soccer. 

Our aim is to create a whole person, whether they decide to try-out for their High School Varsity team, play in college, or stop playing altogether. No matter what path they take, we want to be there to support their ambitions. Here’s how we do that for our 16-19-year-old players:

Senior Prep Phase Focus

The Senior Prep Phase is the final phase in the OUFC developmental cycle following the Foundation Phase (FP) and Youth Development Phase (YDP). During this phase, players are in their high school program and begin training to compete and ultimately prepare for college or professional playing opportunities.

Our main aim at this phase is to aid the players to get to the desired level of their choice. At this point players usually know if they want to play collegiately. It’s OK if a player does not, and as a coaching staff, we ensure we know each individual’s goals so we can continue to aid in their development to meet those goals.