Soccer Coaching Curriculum for 3-8 Year Old Players - Volume 2

In this review of Soccer Coaching Curriculum for 3-8 Year Old Players Volume 2, the bottom line is simple: this manual is a practical, well-organized resource for coaches working with early-stage youth players. Written for those who want structure and proven progression, the book focuses on Stages 1 and 2 of the NSCAA 5 Stage Model and supplies 40 full-color activities plus diagrams and coaching tips that help bridge theory and practice. For a coach building sessions for 3-8 year olds, this volume offers immediately usable exercises and a clear methodology for long-term player development.

Key Features

• 40 coaching activities: Each activity is designed to be age-appropriate and ready to drop into a session plan to save preparation time.
• Full-color diagrams: Visual curriculum diagrams clarify player movement and setup so coaches can implement drills accurately.
• Abundant coaching tips: Practical advice accompanies activities so coaches can adapt teaching points to individual players.
• NSCAA 5 Stage Model focus: The methodology is aligned with a recognized development framework that many progressive clubs use worldwide, aiding consistency.
• Designed for stages 1 and 2: The content targets 3-8 year old players, concentrating on early technical and cognitive foundations.

Who It's For

This volume is best for volunteer and paid youth coaches, Directors of Coaching, and club administrators who need a structured set of activities and a coherent approach to early player development. It is especially useful for those building an in-house coach education program or seeking consistent session content across age groups.

Coaches looking for advanced tactical analysis or materials aimed at older youth or elite academy players should look elsewhere; this manual intentionally focuses on foundational skills and the early stages of the NSCAA model rather than advanced youth development topics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, age-appropriate drills that make planning training sessions easier for coaches of 3-8 year olds.
• High-quality, full-color diagrams that reduce ambiguity when setting up exercises.
• Coaching tips that translate theory into practical cues for young players.

Cons

• Focused specifically on Stages 1 and 2, so it is not a comprehensive resource for older youth development.

Specifications

Title	Soccer Coaching Curriculum for 3-8 Year Old Players Volume 2
Author / Brand	David M Newbery
Target age range	3-8 year old players
Content	40 coaching activities, curriculum diagrams, coaching tips
Development model	NSCAA 5 Stage Model (focus on Stages 1 and 2)
Intended users	Coaches, Directors of Coaching, club administrators

Our Verdict

For coaches working with young children this volume is a practical, good-value coaching manual that delivers usable session activities and clear diagrams tied to the NSCAA development model. It is especially valuable for clubs wanting consistent early-stage coaching standards, though coaches seeking material for older players should supplement with later-stage resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include session plans?
Yes, it contains 40 coaching activities and diagrams that can be assembled into session plans for 3-8 year olds.

Is it suitable for novice coaches?
Yes, the abundant coaching tips and clear diagrams make it accessible to both novice and experienced coaches.

Which development stages does it cover?
The manual concentrates on Stages 1 and 2 of the NSCAA 5 Stage Model for early player development.