Introduction: Breaking the Youth Development Plateau

Youth soccer in the U.S. often reaches a frustrating plateau. “Every player is unique, and cookie-cutter training won’t get you where you want to go.” This adage rings true when we examine why many promising players stop improving despite regular team practices and games. The core issue is simple: team-based training alone isn’t enough to maximize individual potential. Research and data bear this out. In a standard 11v11 youth match, the average U10 player touches the ball only about 22 times in 60 minutes (roughly 0.37 touches per minute) . In contrast, small-sided games or individual drills provide exponentially more repetition, a 4v4 game can yield over 200 touches in under an hour . Fewer touches and generic drills mean less skill growth. Over a season, the disparity is huge. It’s no wonder players who rely solely on two team practices and one game a week often stagnate, while those who supplement with individual training keep improving.

Coaching experts have observed this plateau for years. Former pro Alan Merrick noted that fundamental skill teaching in early years has declined, “which creates several lost years for youth development” . In many American clubs, especially at the recreational and early competitive levels, there is “very little if any, foot skills training provided to young players” . The result? By ages 12-14, players without a technical foundation struggle to progress, their first touch betrays them, their weaker foot is unusable, and their creativity stalls. Team coaches, pressed to produce results on the field, often double down on tactics or fitness, inadvertently neglecting the individual technical and decision-making work each player needs. This traditional approach might win some youth games, but it fails to serve the long-term interests of the player. As one club Director of Coaching put it, focusing on team success over player development is shortsighted: building individual skills, game IQ, and confidence should take precedence over chasing trophies .

The solution is clear, and it’s one embraced by top academies and forward-thinking clubs: a deliberate focus on individual development within the club environment. In this article, we’ll break down why individual development plans (IDPs) are transforming youth soccer, explain the current U.S. youth development landscape (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA, etc.), and provide a roadmap for implementing IDPs at a club-wide level. We’ll also draw lessons from global giants like Ajax and La Masia, always bringing the focus back to practical steps American club directors and coaches can take today. The goal is direct and honest: to show how investing in each player’s growth not only sharpens their skills, but also boosts motivation, retention, and pathways to higher levels. By the end, you’ll have concrete ideas to ensure no player in your club falls through the cracks of “team-only” training.

Team Training Alone vs. Individual Development: Why Players Plateau

If you’ve coached long enough, you’ve seen it: the player who dominates at 10 years old because they’re early-maturing or on a strong team, but by 14 others catch up and they suddenly stall out. Often, this is because team-based training alone allowed them to coast on their strengths without ever addressing their weaknesses or pushing their skill ceiling. Team practices typically prioritize collective tactics, set plays, and general drills meant for an entire squad. While these are important, they seldom provide the high-volume repetition or targeted feedback needed for a player to significantly improve specific technical skills. Studies on youth training effectiveness note that lack of varied, individualized practice leads to stagnation in skill acquisition . In plain terms, if a player only trains in the predictable environment of team drills and games, they stop learning new things.

Real data illustrates the limitations of team-only environments. As mentioned, an average player might only get ~20 touches in a full-sided game . Even in team practices, which often include scrimmages or waiting in lines for drills, the number of quality touches per player can be limited. Contrast that with a dedicated individual session: for example, Beast Mode Soccer’s “Challenge” program packs 5,000 ball touches into a single workout, leading to over half a million touches in 100 days . It’s “literally impossible to not improve” with that level of ball contact . The science of motor learning backs this up, skill development requires repetition and progressive challenge. If a player isn’t getting enough deliberate practice (focused, high-volume reps) on their dribbling, finishing, first touch, etc., they simply won’t improve those skills past a certain point.

Another factor in plateauing is that team training masks individual weaknesses. A youth player might go months relying on a couple of stronger teammates to carry the play, or sticking to one side of the field to avoid using their weaker foot. Coaches trying to optimize team performance might unintentionally avoid putting players in uncomfortable situations that expose their flaws. This can lead to “functional errors” later, e.g. a center mid who never learned to turn under pressure or a winger who never developed a 1v1 move because the team always played a direct style. Research by US Youth Soccer and others has pointed out that an overemphasis on team results (wins, standings, tournaments) at young ages often comes at the expense of individual skill mastery and creativity . Players end up with gaps in their game that become evident at higher levels.

On the flip side, clubs that prioritize player development over team success reap rewards. They produce players with better ball control, more game intelligence, and adaptability . These players don’t plateau as early because they’ve been encouraged to expand their toolbox continuously. They’re more confident trying that left-foot shot or new trick move, because the culture emphasized learning over avoiding mistakes . In short, the quickest way to create a plateau is to do what you’ve always done. To bust through plateaus, we must change the approach, enter the Individual Development Plan.

The Modern U.S. Youth Development Landscape (MLS NEXT, ECNL, GA, USL Academy)

Before diving into individual development frameworks, it’s important to understand the competitive ecosystem our youth players are navigating. The U.S. youth soccer landscape has evolved rapidly since 2020, with new leagues and pathways emerging after the U.S. Development Academy dissolved. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major youth development leagues that club directors, coaches, and players are part of today:

MLS NEXT (Boys U13–U19): Launched in 2020 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT is “the most elite platform for youth player development in North America.” It features the academy teams of all 29 MLS clubs plus 122 top non-MLS academies, totaling 151 clubs and over 16,000 players in 2024-25 . MLS NEXT organizes league play, regional/national events, and showcases for U13 through U19 boys. This platform replaced the former DA and emphasizes top-level competition, professionalized standards, and a direct pipeline to MLS. MLS-run events like the MLS NEXT Fest and MLS NEXT Cup draw scouts and college coaches from around the country. For any elite male player in the U.S., MLS NEXT is now the pinnacle league to be in, it’s where the highest level of weekly competition and training standards can be found outside of professional soccer.

MLS NEXT Pro (Men’s U23/pro development): Introduced in 2022, MLS NEXT Pro is a relatively new third-tier professional league designed to bridge youth and the MLS first teams. It launched with 21 teams and as of 2024 has expanded to 27 MLS club reserve sides plus a couple of independent clubs . Essentially, these are the official “MLS reserve” teams, where a mix of homegrown players (18-22 years old), academy standouts, and other prospects compete against each other in a professional environment. For context, it occupies the space that used to be filled by MLS affiliate teams in USL. Now, instead of sending their second teams to USL Championship or League One, most MLS clubs field them in MLS NEXT Pro. For a youth player, MLS NEXT Pro serves as a stepping stone to full professional soccer, a place to get games when they’ve outgrown the academy but aren’t ready for the MLS first team. Ambitious clubs will view their top academy graduates as candidates for MLS NEXT Pro minutes at 17, 18, or 19, accelerating their development against older competition.

ECNL (Elite Clubs National League), Boys & Girls: The ECNL is a nationwide league founded in 2009 (initially girls-only, now also with boys divisions) and is sanctioned by US Club Soccer. It has become a flagship platform particularly for elite girls’ soccer and non-MLS boys’ clubs. ECNL is a first-tier, national league with high-level competition and college recruiting exposure. It emphasizes “innovative, player-centered programming”for development . ECNL clubs compete in regional conferences and national events. On the girls’ side, after the demise of the Girls DA, ECNL is widely considered the top level for youth development, with many of the best clubs and nearly all NCAA recruiters focusing there. On the boys’ side, ECNL provides a top league for strong clubs that aren’t in MLS NEXT. It’s not uncommon for an area’s best non-MLS affiliated club to play ECNL and be very competitive nationally.

ECNL Regional League (ECNL-RL or ECRL): The ECNL Regional League is the second-tier under ECNL, created as the talent pool in American soccer grew. It was piloted in 2018 and expanded subsequently . The biggest difference is scope: ECNL-RL teams play a more regional schedule, reducing travel, whereas ECNL “National” teams compete across the country . The ECNL-RL still maintains high standards and is operated by ECNL, often featuring the reserve teams of ECNL clubs or strong clubs that for geography or other reasons aren’t in full ECNL. Think of it as an avenue to extend the ECNL model to more players and areas. A top Regional League team can even earn promotion into ECNL events (through showcases or the Open Cup where RL teams play ECNL teams) . For club directors, having both ECNL and ECNL-RL teams allows you to place players at the appropriate level while still keeping them in a development-focused environment. Many clubs use RL as a proving ground for players who may move up to ECNL, or for late developers who need a bit more time.

Girls Academy (GA): The Girls Academy, formed in 2020, is an all-girls youth development platform that emerged when U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy for girls was disbanded. With around 95 clubs in U13–U19, including youth academies of NWSL pro teams, the GA’s mission is to be “the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the U.S.” . GA clubs are organized into regional conferences, with national showcases, playoffs, and even a “Champions League” for the top teams . In many ways, GA is similar in competitive level to ECNL Girls, in fact, some clubs left ECNL to join GA or vice versa, and there’s ongoing debate in the girls’ soccer community about ECNL vs GA. Importantly, both ECNL and GA offer elite competition and college exposure for girls. GA prides itself on being club-driven (it was founded with heavy input from the clubs themselves) and focusing on the holistic development of female athletes as both players and people . For a club director, choosing ECNL vs GA might depend on your region’s alignment, but know that GA is firmly part of the top-tier landscape for girls, and having an individualized development approach is just as critical here as anywhere.

USL Academy: The United Soccer League (which operates pro leagues like USL Championship and League One) has built its own youth development structure in recent years. The centerpiece is the USL Academy League, a “first of its kind, pre-professional league” that aligns with the pro calendar and serves as a reserve team program for USL clubs . Unlike traditional youth leagues segmented strictly by age, USL Academy typically fields one squad per club, U20 and below, with requirements to include U17 and younger players in the mix . The idea is to emulate a pro environment: a 17-year-old standout might play alongside a couple of 19-year-olds and even a few over-age (U23) players, preparing them for the next level . This league is regionalized to cut travel, and its “one team” model means local elite players have a clear path to their USL senior team . Additionally, USL clubs offer Academy contracts which allow youth players to train and even play in pro games without losing NCAA eligibility . For clubs in markets with a USL franchise, the USL Academy provides a high-level platform outside of the MLS/ECNL ecosystem, and it underscores that individual development is now a focus even in the lower-tier pro pipeline (USL mandates holistic development plans, sports science, etc., as part of Academy standards ).

In summary, the U.S. youth landscape in 2025 is multifaceted. Boys aiming for the top will likely be in MLS NEXT (with an eye on MLS NEXT Pro), while girls have dual pathways in ECNL or GA. Strong non-MLS clubs and smaller markets have ECNL, ECNL-RL, and USL Academy as avenues. What all these platforms share is an increasing emphasis on player development. It’s telling that even league organizers talk about “player-centered” environments. Simply being in a top league is not a golden ticket for a player, it’s the training and development within the club that makes the difference. A club competing in any of these leagues will maximize success if it treats each player’s growth as a project, rather than just rolling the balls out for practice and focusing on the weekend game.

What Is an Individual Development Plan (IDP)? Modern Frameworks for Personal Growth

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) in soccer is essentially a personalized roadmap for a player’s improvement. Instead of a one-size-fits-all practice regimen, an IDP tailors training goals and activities to the needs of each player. The IDP typically identifies a player’s specific strengths, areas for improvement, and sets measurable objectives across technical, tactical, physical, and even psychological facets of the game. Think of it as a custom curriculum for a player, integrated alongside normal team training. The best IDPs are created collaboratively, involving the player, their coaches, and often input from parents or mentors, and they evolve over time as the player grows.

Modern individual development frameworks borrow from sports science and use metrics to track progress. At  Beast Mode Soccer, for instance,we use a set of metrics and tools to quantify technical training:

TPM (Touches Per Minute): This measures training intensity and efficiency. A high TPM means the player is getting lots of ball touches in a drill or session, which is usually beneficial for skill repetition. Coaches can use TPM to design drills that maximize involvement. For example, a tight dribbling exercise might yield 50+ touches in a minute, whereas a slow passing drill might be far lower. By tracking TPM, players learn to push their pace, it gamifies the idea of “high-rep” training. In Beast Mode Soccer’s training app, players track their TPM during exercises and try to beat their own records, ensuring no time is wasted standing around.

RUP (Reps Under Pressure): This metric counts how many repetitions of a skill are done under realistic pressure (defenders, time constraint, fatigue). It’s not just about how many reps you do, but how many you do at game-like intensity. For instance, a player might complete 20 clean passes in a rondo, those are 20 reps under pressure of defenders trying to win the ball. In an IDP, a coach might set a target like “20 RUP of turns under pressure each practice” to force a midfielder to deal with pressure more effectively. Beast Mode’s methodology emphasizes RUP to the point of keeping players’ “score” of successful pressured reps, encouraging them to handle game stress in training . The idea is to simulate the chaos of matches so often that composure becomes second nature.

ASE (Awareness, Speed, Execution): At its core, ASE is a framework to ensure that technical skills aren’t trained in a vacuum, the player must be aware of their surroundings, perform at game speed, and execute with precision. In training usage, ASE can stand for Attack, Space, Execute, referring to a decision-making drill cycle . For example, a simple 1v1 dribbling circuit might be structured as: Approach a cone or dummy defender (this is the “Attack” phase, being proactive), then perform a move to beat them into open space (“Space”), then immediately take a shot or make a final pass (“Execute”) . This trains the player to not just beat a defender, but to look up (awareness) and do something productive immediately after winning space (speed of decision + execution) . More broadly, coaches will use ASE as a checklist when observing play: Is the player scanning and aware? Are they playing quickly enough for the level? And are they executing the technique (pass, shot, take-on) correctly? By breaking it down into these elements, an IDP can include goals like “Improve ASE in the final third: increase scanning frequency, quicker release after winning the ball, better pass accuracy under pressure.” Tracking something like “scans per game” is now feasible with video, and in fact higher-level teams are doing just that, one study showed top midfielders scan far more frequently than average players . So building a player’s awareness metric (say, scans or head checks) into their IDP can directly impact their game performance.

TIPS and other holistic frameworks: Borrowing from the famed Ajax academy, some clubs use the TIPS model, Technique, Insight (game intelligence), Personality, Speed, as a holistic rubric . Each attribute can be broken into sub-skills and tracked. For example, Technique might include passing, shooting, first touch; Insight covers decision-making and positioning; Personality includes leadership, resilience; Speed covers physical speed and speed of play. Ajax even gives each youth player an “Ajax passport” to log their progress in each area . A U.S. club can similarly rate a player and update those ratings periodically as part of the IDP review. By quantifying traits that were once seen as subjective, we give players concrete feedback. Other frameworks include using measurable technical tests (e.g. how many juggles, 30m sprint time, vertical jump, Yo-Yo fitness level) to inform IDPs . The key is to use data as a motivational tool, not to label kids, but to show them “here’s where you are, and here’s the next goal.” Modern coaches often say, “if it can be measured, it can be improved.” So whether it’s a target of 1000 touches a day, a faster sprint, or fewer turnovers on film, good IDPs include clear measurable objectives.

In practice, an IDP document for a player might read something like:

Player: Jane Doe, 15-year-old winger

Technical Goals: Improve left-foot first touch (reduce miscontrols by 50% in 3 months); Increase dribbling TPM to 60 in cone weave drill (currently 45).

Tactical Goals: Better awareness, at least 5 scans before receiving in each half (tracked via game film) ; Learn 2 new ways to beat a defender on the wing (inside cut and step-over move).

Physical Goals: Improve 10-yard burst speed by 0.1s; build strength to hold off challenges (score above 6 in strength test).

Psych/Mental Goals: Show more ‘Personality’, communicate at least 3 positive directives to teammates per game; develop confidence to take on defenders (no fear of losing ball).

Metrics Tracking: TPM and RUP in sessions; Video review check for ASE (Awareness/Speed/Execution) moments; Fitness test results.

Such a plan would be discussed with Jane, adjusted as she grows, and revisited constantly. An IDP isn’t a one-time file, but an ongoing feedback loop. Clubs that are serious about individual development often have mid-season and post-season IDP meetings with each player (and parents for younger ones) to review progress on these targets.

It’s worth noting that top professional players often credit individualized work as a game-changer. Many of the U.S.’s best have worked on personal training outside team hours. A great example is Alex Morgan, a World Cup winner, who for years has done extra sessions with David Copeland-Smith (Beast Mode Soccer). Morgan, along with stars like Rachel Daly, have “trusted our Individual Development planning” which puts the player in control of their growth . When elite players openly talk about doing extra film study, hiring skills coaches, or having specific training routines, they send a clear message to youth players: the ones who go the farthest take ownership of their development. As coaches and directors, implementing IDPs institutionalizes that mindset across your whole club.

Implementing Individual Development Plans Club-Wide: A Practical Guide

Designing a shiny IDP template is one thing; successfully implementing individual development across an entire club is a bigger challenge. It requires cultural buy-in, coach education, and some scheduling finesse. But it can be done, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step blueprint for making IDPs a core part of your club’s methodology, from gathering data to doing regular check-ins:

Leverage Video Analysis for Baseline and Ongoing Evaluation: These days, capturing youth games on video is more accessible than ever, thanks to tools like Trace, Veo, and Hudl. If your club hasn’t yet, invest in an easy video solution, it pays off. A recent national survey of youth clubs found that 61% planned to expand use of video analysis specifically to support player development in 2023 . The reason is simple: footage doesn’t lie, and it provides a goldmine of teachable moments for each player. Use automated cameras (Trace and Veo can film without a camera operator) to record every match and even some training sessions. Upload these to Hudl or similar platforms where coaches and players can review clips. Tag each player’s moments, many systems allow you to auto-tag or manually tag events so you can easily pull up, say, all of Jane’s touches in a game. This tagging is crucial for individual feedback. If staffing allows, have an analyst or an assistant coach clip highlights (both good and bad) for each player. At minimum, coaches should spend time each week watching their team’s game and noting things for each player: e.g., John had three failed attempts to turn under pressure, let’s work on that; Maria was often out of position when our team lost possession, address in her plan. All this info funnels into each player’s development notes.

Build the IDP with Player Input and Specific Goals: Armed with data and observations from video and training, the coach (or Director of Coaching for older age groups) sits down with each player to create their Individual Development Plan. Ideally, do an initial IDP meeting at the start of the season (or mid-season if introducing newly). Include the player’s perspective: ask them what they think their strengths and weaknesses are. (It’s powerful to hear a kid articulate “I need to get better at 1v1 defending”, it means they own it). Also get input from other coaches who work with the player, and even teammates’ feedback if appropriate. Compile a 360° view of the player. David Copeland-Smith describes his process: “I analyze video (provided by the parent/club), give the player a self-analysis sheet, and even speak to their coaches and teammates. When I’ve finished my analysis, we compare their notes to mine. We then set micro, short-term and long-term goals together, and come up with an individual development plan.” This thorough approach ensures the player is fully bought in, they helped create the plan. In a club context, you might not always get to speak with teammates, but you should involve at least: the head coach, the assistant or technical director, the player, and parent (for younger players) in creating the IDP goals. Make sure goals follow the SMART principle: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. “Improve weak foot” is too vague; instead a goal might be “Score at least 2 goals this season with left foot” or “Hit 20 long passes with weak foot in training per week”. Tie goals to the metrics mentioned earlier when you can (TPM, RUP, etc.). If a goalkeeper’s goal is “improve distribution accuracy”, define it as “target 80% pass completion on goal kicks, currently at 60% .” By the end of this step, every player should have a written IDP that they can refer to. It doesn’t need to be a huge document, even a one-page summary of key points is fine, as long as it’s clear.

Integrate IDP Work into Weekly Training: Now that each player has an IDP, the club needs to facilitate working on those individual aims. This is where creativity and commitment from coaches comes in. One method is to incorporate “IDP time” into practice schedules. For example, in a 90-minute team practice, you might dedicate the first 20 minutes to individual skill work where each player knows what they’re focusing on. The coach can set up a few different stations or drills that target common needs (finishing, dribbling, first touch, etc.), and players can peel off to the station that aligns with their IDP focus for that day. If a player’s main goal is 1v1 defending, maybe that day they partner up to do attacker vs defender drills in a channel. A player working on technical touches might do fast footwork ladders or juggling. Because it’s impossible to have 18 different drills for 18 players simultaneously, group players by similar needs for efficiency. Small-group training is excellent here, it creates semi-individualized environments. Another approach is scheduling weekly extra skills clinics: say every Thursday evening, the club runs an optional (or mandatory) technical session broken down by positions or skills, led by a staff coach. At these clinics, players know it’s about their personal improvement, not team tactics. Many clubs also use homework: assigning players specific at-home drills to complete that tie into their IDP. Technology can assist, there are training apps (Techne Futbol, Beast Mode Soccer’s app, etc.) where coaches can give players assignments and track their activity. The key is consistency. It’s far better to work 10 minutes on a weakness every practice than to ignore it for weeks and try to cram later. Build habits: maybe every player arrives 15 minutes early to work individually (common in top European academies), or stays after practice to get extra reps. Club directors should encourage coaches to foster this culture of extra work. Even at young ages, you can make it fun, e.g. a juggling club, or minor rewards for completing at-home challenges.

Use Tech Tools to Track and Motivate: As the season progresses, track progress on those measurable goals. This is where the fun really starts because players see improvement, which boosts motivation. For instance, if a player’s target was 60 juggles and they were at 30, and now they hit 65, celebrate that! Many clubs maintain a tracking spreadsheet or player dashboard with key metrics from the IDPs. Some have players maintain a journal or log where they record their extra training and reflect on games (“What did I do well? What do I need to work on?”). Video comes back into play here: encourage players to watch their own clips each week. Tools like Hudl allow players to self-review and even add comments. A coach can pose questions: “Find two moments you could have made a better decision, what was the right option?” This develops their soccer IQ. Modern video platforms and even AI are making it easier to filter by actions, e.g. you can filter all of Johnny’s “lost possessions” in a game to pinpoint why they happened. Also consider metrics tracking in games: if a winger’s goal is to deliver more crosses, count their crosses each match (and how many connected). Share these stats with the player so they see a baseline and try to beat it next time. Some clubs use GPS vests or tracker apps to monitor physical data (distance run, high-speed runs) especially for older teams. If a player’s fitness is an area for growth, having tangible data like “You covered 8,000m this game, let’s aim for 9,000m by end of season” can drive them. However, be careful to keep the tone positive, the idea is to empower the player, not overwhelm them with numbers. Choose a few key indicators and focus on those.

Schedule Regular 1-on-1 Check-Ins and Adjust Plans: An IDP is a living document. Set a cadence for formal check-ins, for example, a short 1-on-1 meeting with each player every week, and a longer review every month or block of games. The weekly check-in can be very quick, even 5 minutes after practice: “Hey, how did it feel this week working on your first touch? I noticed in the game you were more confident controlling the ball under pressure, great job. Anything you want to adjust?” This ongoing dialogue makes development a shared journey. The monthly review is a bit more in-depth: look at the objectives set, and assess progress. If a goal has been met, set a new one or raise the bar. If something isn’t improving, diagnose why, maybe the approach needs to change. Sometimes priorities shift; maybe a new weakness emerged (e.g. a player moved to a new position, now needs different skills). Be fluid in updating the IDP. Document these meetings briefly (coaches can jot a couple notes, this helps when you have dozens of players). Importantly, provide feedback from actual game scenarios: by now you should be building a video library for each kid. Show them a clip where they executed something you’ve worked on, “See that turn? That’s exactly what we’ve been practicing, and it worked!” Conversely, show a clip that underscores a continued area to improve, then tweak the training focus accordingly. This visual feedback accelerates learning; as much as 80% of learning is visual for young athletes . Clubs are even starting to use video playlists for each player as part of their review, a personalized “highlight (and lowlight) reel” for teaching.

Foster a Club Culture that Celebrates Individual Growth: Finally, for IDPs to truly take root, the club culture must celebrate personal milestones as much as team wins. Make it known that improving your weak foot or hitting a new sprint speed can be “team news” just like winning State Cup. Some ideas: include shout-outs in club newsletters or social media for players who hit development goals (“Jane just hit 100 juggles for the first time, hard work paying off!”). Perhaps create a bulletin board at the clubhouse or a channel on Slack/TeamApp highlighting skill achievements. When players see that effort and progress are valued, not just game-day heroics, they buy in even more. This is especially impactful for the late bloomers or role players who might not get the spotlight in games, they can still get recognition for grinding to improve. The club’s coaches should also model this mindset: discuss player development updates in staff meetings, not just match results. A Director of Coaching might ask each coach in a meeting, “tell me about one player’s development jump this past month.” When everyone knows that the club measures success by how much each player improves, it shifts behaviors at every level. You’ll see players staying after practice to do extra, coaches giving that extra attention to a kid at training, and parents supporting the process rather than just counting trophies.

Global Examples: Lessons from Ajax, La Masia, and Beyond (and How They Apply to You)

To truly understand the value of individual development, it helps to look at how the world’s best academies do it, and then translate those lessons to our American club reality. Two of the most famous talent factories, AFC Ajax in the Netherlands and FC Barcelona’s La Masia in Spain, have built their philosophies around nurturing each player’s unique talents within a strong framework.

Ajax, The TIPS Model and Personal Feedback: Ajax’s youth academy is renowned for producing superstars (Cruyff, van Basten, Bergkamp, to name a few ) in a country of relatively small population. How? A huge part of their success is a methodical individual evaluation system. Ajax uses the TIPS model (Technique, Insight, Personality, Speed) to scout and develop players . From the moment a kid enters their program, coaches continuously assess them on these four pillars. For each pillar, Ajax has about ten sub-criteria, it’s very granular. They document everything in what’s often referred to as an “Ajax passport” for the player . This is essentially an evolving report card that travels with the player as they move up age groups. If you visit De Toekomst (Ajax’s training ground), you’d see coaches in discussion about whether a youth player is, say, a B+ in Technique but only a C in Insight, meaning tactically they need more work. The staff then creates training plans to address those specific needs (maybe extra cognitive training or video sessions for the “Insight” part). The attention to detail is staggering: Ajax coaches have been known to set individual homework like watching specific game footage or practicing a certain turning move 100 times a day. They also make a point to give players feedback about those personal qualities, not just “you played well” but “you showed great personality to come back from that mistake” or “let’s improve your weak foot speed of play to match your physical speed.” The takeaway for U.S. clubs: develop a clear evaluation framework (it could be TIPS or your own version) and use it to structure your IDPs. Also, keep records, kids love seeing a “player report” that shows how they’ve improved from last year. It doesn’t require Ajax’s budget to implement this; it requires consistency and a commitment to thinking beyond the scoreboard.

La Masia (Barcelona), Blending Individual Technical Mastery with Game Understanding: La Masia is often associated with the tiki-taka team style, but at its heart is deep individual training. A glimpse into a week at La Masia for a youth player (as reported by some coaches) might surprise you: they allocate specific sessions just for individual technique even at older ages . For example, one account of a schedule for a 15-year-old at La Masia noted: Monday included two hours of individual technical training (focused on ball control, weak foot, etc.) followed by two hours of team tactical training; Tuesday might have one hour of video analysis and one hour of strength/conditioning, and so on . The point is, even at the club famous for team interplay, they ensure each player gets isolated skill work. Barcelona’s coaches also integrate cognitive training into individual drills, much like the ASE concept, they’ll have players perform a technical skill but only after checking for a visual cue or making a quick decision. It’s common to see a La Masia drill where a player dribbles and a coach calls a color or number that corresponds to a move or a pass, forcing the player to think while executing. The academy’s results speak for themselves: in 2010, La Masia became the first academy to produce all three Ballon d’Or finalists (Messi, Iniesta, Xavi), all extremely technically gifted and intelligent players. For American clubs, the La Masia example shows the value of dedicated individual training time in your weekly plan. Even if you can’t do two hours like them, carve out something. It also shows that individual development is not just physical technical reps, but also mental, consider adding a classroom session or video analysis segment to work on the “soccer IQ” of each player. Encourage players to study games (their own or pro matches) as part of their development plan, perhaps sharing a key takeaway in your 1-on-1s.

Other Global Tidbits: Many European and South American academies have mentorship systems, older youth players take younger ones under their wing, or coaches set aside time to talk about professionalism, leadership, and mental aspects. For example, at some English clubs, each academy player has an “individual coach” or mentor in addition to their team coach, who meets with them monthly purely about their personal development (much like our IDP meetings). The famed Clairefontaine academy in France historically had each kid keep a diary of their training experiences, a practice that U.S. clubs could mirror by having players journal as part of their IDP process for reflection. Another example: In Brazil, it’s common for young players to play futsal in the off-season or as a complement, futsal naturally gives tons of touches and forces quick decision-making, so clubs encouraging multi-format play are effectively boosting individual skills (a player who spends winter in futsal often comes back with sharper control). Think about how you can incorporate these ideas: perhaps partner with a futsal club or run a futsal league internally, or assign older players to occasionally run skills clinics for younger age groups (developing the older one’s leadership, two birds with one stone).

The bottom line from global models is that consistent, individualized attention produces better players. Ajax and Barça don’t wait until a kid is 18 to focus on them individually, it starts at 8, 9, 10 and never stops. While your club might not have dorms or a full-time nutritionist, you can create an environment where every player feels like they have their own development journey mapped out for them. American youth clubs can absolutely do this with the resources at hand: use your coaching staff’s passion, use parents as allies in the process, utilize technology where possible, and create that culture of excellence. Remember, even at La Masia, a lot of development happened not just in fancy drills but informally: kids spending extra hours on the training ground, teammates pushing each other, coaches demanding that every drill be done with purpose. We can replicate that intensity and intentionality here.

Beyond Skills: The Payoff of Individual Development (Retention, IQ, Leadership, Pathways)

Implementing individual development isn’t just about creating the next pro player, it has profound benefits for the club and players at all levels. By focusing on each player’s growth, you’ll notice positive ripple effects in areas that might surprise you:

Player Retention and Motivation: One of the biggest challenges in youth sports is keeping kids in the game through the teenage years. A player who feels overlooked or stagnated is at high risk of burning out or dropping out, or simply switching to a club they perceive will make them better. When you invest in every player’s development, you show them that the club cares about them, not just the team’s win-loss record. This sense of personal value and progress is hugely motivating. Players are far more likely to stick with soccer (and stick with your club) if they see themselves improving and achieving milestones. It’s inherently rewarding to master a new skill or see your hard work pay off. Psychologically, this taps into intrinsic motivation, kids continue because they love getting better and feel a sense of accomplishment, rather than fearing failure. From a club director standpoint, robust IDPs can reduce the annual tryout shuffle, parents won’t be shopping around if they’re convinced your club is the one that will maximize their child’s potential. In fact, they’ll become your biggest advocates. A club known for developing players will attract and retain more committed families than a club that only touts its tournament trophies. Remember, “development over winning” doesn’t mean you don’t want to win, it means you win in the long run by keeping players engaged and improving.

Higher Soccer IQ and Tactical Understanding: When players are guided to analyze their own play (through video and coach feedback), they naturally become students of the game. Instead of blindly following coaches’ instructions, they start to understand why they should, say, check their shoulder or make a certain run. Weekly one-on-one reviews where you discuss a tactical error or a smart decision from the game help the player connect the dots between training ground concepts and game situations. Over time, you’ll find your players making better decisions under pressure, because you’ve trained them to self-reflect and recognize patterns. A player who’s been working on scanning and awareness in their IDP will begin to anticipate opponents and see the field more like a coach does. In essence, you’re cultivating “mini-coaches” on the field. Teams comprised of such thinking players tend to play smarter, adapt quicker, and execute game plans more effectively. So ironically, by focusing on individuals, you end up with a stronger team tactical IQ. Coaches in college and pro ranks consistently remark that American players coming out of certain development-focused clubs have a better understanding of the game than others, those are the players who can contribute faster at higher levels because they grasp systems and can problem-solve in matches. Your club’s investment in individual tactical education will show when your teams can tactically outwit opponents, not just outhustle them.

Leadership and Confidence: Individual development inherently involves goal-setting, self-discipline, and communication between player and coach, all of which are building blocks of leadership. When a player takes ownership of their growth, they develop accountability. They learn to handle critique and use it constructively. Over time, that player often becomes a leader among their peers, exemplifying a growth mindset. We see this often: the player who was once shy about extra work becomes the one encouraging teammates to join them for extra reps. Also, as players see themselves improve, their confidence soars. A confident player is more likely to step up in games, to take that penalty, or to lead by example after a tough loss. And it’s not just on the field, these traits carry into other areas of life (school, personal challenges). By implementing IDPs, you’re not only producing better soccer players, you’re developing stronger young adults. Clubs like FC Barcelona explicitly tie personal development (character, discipline, humility) into their program, they believe it’s part of what makes a great player . You can do the same: emphasize that working on one’s weaknesses is a brave and leadership-like thing to do. Some clubs even create peer mentor systems as part of IDPs: for example, if one player’s goal is to improve communication, assign them to lead warm-ups or mentor a younger player. That gives them practical leadership experience. The result is a club full of players who don’t just wait for instruction, they take initiative, they support each other, and they hold themselves to high standards.

Readiness for College and Pro Opportunities: Ultimately, if a player aspires to play in college or beyond, an individual development approach is essential preparation. College coaches today do not have the bandwidth to teach basic techniques or mentality, they recruit players who are already polished and self-driven. When a college scout sees a player who is technically sound, can analyze their own play, and clearly has a growth mindset, that’s a huge plus. In fact, part of many college recruiting questionnaires or interviews will indirectly seek this: they might ask a player, “How do you work on your game outside of team practice?” or “Describe a weakness you’re addressing.” A player coming from your club should be able to nail that answer, citing their IDP routine. Additionally, the use of video and stats in your program means these players will likely have highlight reels and performance data readily available, crucial in the recruiting process. (Hudl and Trace make it simple to create recruiting highlight videos, which you can help players with as part of their journey). If a player is good enough for pro academies or trials, having gone through an individualized program means they’re used to intense, personalized feedback, they won’t be shell-shocked in a pro environment where every training is scrutinized. We’ve seen more and more U.S. youth players break into European clubs or MLS homegrown contracts as teenagers. Those who succeed often cite extra training habits as a key factor. By replicating a bit of that pro-style development in your club, you essentially future-proof your players. Even those who don’t go to higher levels directly benefit, the college-bound athlete with strong fundamentals will enjoy success in their college career, and the one who doesn’t play after high school still carries with them all the positive traits and work ethic gained.

In summary, a club that embraces individual development will see more players thriving and staying, teams playing smarter and more cohesively, and a reputation that draws in talent and opportunities. Yes, it requires more effort than the old-school approach, but it’s the kind of effort that multiplies over time. You start seeing a virtuous cycle: older players mentor younger ones, alumni come back to thank the club or help out (perhaps a college player returns in offseason to train with your current squads, raising the bar further), and a general sense that this is a player-centric environment.

As an experienced coach and trainer, I’ll be direct: making individual development the cornerstone of your club is the best long-term decision you can make. It’s immensely satisfying to watch a kid who was once “just another player” blossom into a game-changer because you took the time to invest in them. And it’s equally satisfying to see the collective level of your teams rise as each individual pushes their ceiling higher. The American soccer landscape is catching on to this, don’t let your club be left behind clinging to outdated methods.

Tag a coach who needs this.