Age-band templates for 8 sports
Every sport has its own development calendar and injury profile. These templates summarize the weekly structure, period focus and watch-points by age band; use them together with your coach.
U8-U10
2-3 sessions + 1 game dayPeriod focus: Ball mastery, small-sided games, both feet; praise attempts, not results.
Sample week
- •Session 1 (60 min): coordination warm-up, dribbling courses, 3v3 games
- •Session 2 (60 min): pass-control games, 1v1 skills, mini match
- •Free day: a different sport/play (swimming, cycling, park play)
- •Weekend: festival format — small games without score tables
Caution: No fixed goalkeeper/position at this age; everyone tries every role.
U11-U13
3 sessions + 1 matchPeriod focus: Golden age of motor learning: maximum technical repetition volume; intro to tactical concepts.
Sample week
- •Session 1 (75 min): technique stations (passing, first touch), 4v4-7v7 games
- •Session 2 (75 min): agility-speed drills, attack-defence concepts
- •Session 3 (60 min): small-sided games + flexibility routine
- •Match day + active rest the next day
Caution: Watch for PHV onset; cut jumping volume during rapid growth.
U14-U16
3-4 sessions + 1 match + 1-2 strengthPeriod focus: Position skills, tactical maturity, strength & conditioning integration (technique first).
Sample week
- •Sessions 1-2 (90 min): tactical + technical blocks, positional games
- •Strength 1-2 (45 min): bodyweight → moderate load; squat, lunge, core, Nordic hamstring
- •Session 3 (75 min): match prep, set pieces, transition play
- •Match + recovery day after (mobility, light aerobic)
Caution: Osgood-Schlatter is common in this band; reduce jump/shot volume with knee pain.
Frequently asked questions
Do these templates replace club training?
No; they are a tool for families to understand training structure and build a common language with the coach. With an existing club programme, use the template to assess total weekly load.
My child plays two sports — how do we manage load?
The combined number of hard days should not exceed 4-5 per week, with at least 1 full rest day. Avoid stacking two hard sessions on the same day.
At what age is specialization appropriate?
Full specialization is not recommended before 13-15 in most sports (except early-specialization sports like gymnastics). Multi-sport participation at young ages is linked to long-term success and injury protection.
Are the session durations exact?
The ranges reflect typical club practice; the coach should adjust for maturation, school period and recovery. Dropping to the lower end during the growth spurt is reasonable.
Scientific basis
Lloyd & Oliver 2012 (YPD), Côté & Vierimaa 2014 (sport sampling), AAP Sports Specialization 2016, Jayanthi et al. 2013 (specialization & injury), branş federasyonlarının altyapı kılavuzları.