Program Description Arlington Aces Soccer Players, U12-U18, will be provided opportunities and experiences that foster leadership development, youth empowerment, and self-reflection. Aimed at promoting personal and social development, it is our goal to develop and enhance leadership skills and attitudes. We want our players to realize their potential and build the confidence to be leaders on and off the field, in their community, and in the future. In addition Youth Leaders are responsible for creating and implementing a service project in the community each year. Program Goals Goal 1: Youth Leaders will develop a greater sense of community by assisting younger players. Goal 2: Youth Leaders will be provided opportunities and experiences that foster leadership development, youth empowerment, service, and self-reflection. Goal 3: Youth Leaders will realize their potential and develop the confidence to be leaders on the field and off the field in their community. Program Methodology The program utilizes cross-age teaching and volunteer work to create leadership opportunities. Youth Leaders will work directly with the Elite Soccer coaching staff in several programs in the club. Cross-age teaching techniques will be utilized because research has shown pre-adolescents and young children look up to and want to emulate teenagers/pre-teens. Because of this, our Youth Leaders will have strong influences on the younger players’ behaviors in the club through modeling. In turn, cross age teaching will help our Youth Leaders/Aces players enhance their own soccer understanding but more importantly develop their leadership skills. Youth Leaders will be responsible for keeping a journal to reflect and record their experience and monitor their 5 Levels of Responsibility and Leadership. (Based on Dr. Don Hellison's Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model) 5 Levels of Responsibility and Leadership Level 1. Self-discipline and Self control Punctual, focused, maximum effort, journaling, commitment Level 2. Self-direction Goal setting, independent worker, motivated to become a better leader, ability to reflect on experience, enthusiastic, prioritizes responsibilities Level 3. Helping-Being a team player Helps others achieve, works well with others, supports teammates and coaches Level 4. On the field Responsibility and Leadership Teaches younger players and teammates, delivers positive feedback, takes charge and leads activities, unselfish, cares about the development of others, self-starter Level 5. Off the field Responsibility and Leadership Applies the first 4 levels to everyday life, responsible in the community, is a role model at home and school, inspires others with strong leadership Outcome Youth Leaders will become more responsible individuals and strong role model for their teammates and peers. Youth Leaders will develop leadership skills and attitudes that will enable them to make even greater contributions to their soccer team, their school, and their community. Youth leaders will learn life lessons and develop skills that will they will be able to apply to everyday life.