Naperville Soccer Academy - Tradition of excellence
NSA CLUB CULTURE
We believe the NSA Club Culture is what sets us apart, it is what makes our club unique and we believe all our success is based around our culture of development, togetherness, belief & hunger. We have a culture that prioritizes player development, this can be seen in our initiatives such as the Player Development Model & the Technical Development Center. Our aim is to be known across the US for how we nurture and develop talent into creative soccer players who play without fear of failure in an attacking, expanisve style.
NSA prioritizes but is not limited to these 6 factors when building our Club Culture: Accountability, Character, Competitiveness, A Growth Mindset, Motivation & Presence.
Below we discuss how these 6 factors impact our club, players, parents & coaches on a daily basis and is what helps us strive to be the best individually, as a team & as a club. The heart of this club culture can be seen every day on and off the fields, in and out of practice & before, during and after games.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Defined as the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility, or to account for one’s actions. We want to teach our players to take ownership of their development throughout the NSA Pathway. NSA and it’s staff will make available the Player Development Resource folder, this provides the players with extra curricular technical, tactical and mental homework that can supplement their development.
Accountability also transfers over to the coaches in how they plan the sessions, prepare the players for games and how the build the NSA culture with each of their teams. It also relates to club and how we develop our players, culture and club as a whole.
CHARACTER
If we define 'winning' not by the score of a game, but by maximizing the potential of each of our players, character becomes an integral component. Players will encounter situations in games and tournaments that put their character to the test. It's no different in life. Certain situations demand difficult decisions and part of developing players is developing the person as well. We take a holistic approach when it comes to development.
At NSA we are committed to developing not only elite players, but also individuals of strong character. The players that grow through the ranks at NSA will develop leadership skills and character qualities they can use in all walks of life.
COMPETITIVENESS
There is a misconception that competition is bad; that self-esteem will be affected if a child loses. If a player can experience the thrill of winning and the disappointment of losing and we as coaches can help process the message that you don't lose, you learn, then it can be a very important tool in creating a culture of players who compete with hunger and drive, towards individual and team success.
Competition provides motivation to achieve a goal; to demonstrate determination, creativity and perseverance to overcome challenges; and to understand that hard work and commitment leads to a greater chance of success.
GROWTH MINDSET
Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).
Belief in Hard Work
Does not Fear Failure
Potential is only Potential without Development
Seeks Feedback
Desire to Learn and Improve
Embraces Challenges
Seeks Growth Opportunities
Be comfortable, with being uncomfortable!
MOTIVATION
Motivation in athletes is broken down as INTRINSIC & EXTRINSIC.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within the player. It includes a desire to overcome challenges and enjoyment in the repetition of a skill. At NSA we support this by helping to SET GOALS with players & teams. The Technical Development Center can help set individual technical goals for certain tasks such as skills/juggling.
Extrinsic motivation is motivation that comes from an outside source. Some of it is tangible, such as financial or other material rewards i.e. trophies. Intangible extrinsic motivation includes praise, recognition and achievement.
PRESENCE
It may seem like a given to be present, just to physically be at the sessions & games is not enough, when we talk about presence we are talking about players who impact the group positively , both on and off the field. These are players who are engaged and are actively being A part of the process, asking questions, answering questions, increasing the tempo, encouraging team mates etc...
Being a presence is a conscious effort and NSA coaches help each of them by building their confidence, as individuals and as a team. We encourage player participation at every session & every game and we use a coaching tool of guided discovery, to help players find the solutions to the challenges or questions we pose on and off the field.
Be an active participant in your own development!
