These videos provide a overview of the MJSC Coaching Framework for the Milthorpe Junior Soccer Club, presented by Anthony Dunn, the Player and Coach Development Officer. The framework is divided into two primary workshops: one focusing on the Discovery and Foundation Phases (Under 5 to Under 8) and another for the Skill Acquisition Phase (Under 9 to Under 12).

Core Philosophy: "Development First Football"

The central pillar of the framework is "Development First Football," which prioritises long-term player growth over immediate match results. Key principles include:

• Decision-Making over Instructions: Coaches are encouraged to pose questions and problems for players to solve rather than giving constant directives.

• Mistakes as Essential Learning: The club views mistakes and failure as necessary components of the learning process, encouraging players to take risks with their skills.

• Growth Mindset: Success is framed by personal bests, with the guiding mantra being: "Compare yourself to you yesterday rather than someone else today".

• Football as a Vehicle: The framework views football as a tool to develop children into confident people, stating that winning is merely a byproduct of happy, skillful players.

The 5-Part Training Model

Both workshops outline a consistent, structured approach to training sessions to maximise player engagement and development:

1. Fun Arrival Activity: To manage players arriving at different times, coaches use juggling, small 1v1 games, or tagging games to keep children active immediately.

2. Ball Mastery and Dribbling: A 10-minute block where every player has their own ball to work on individual technical skills, such as the "Tiger 10" moves (for older players) or basic slide shuffles and toe taps (for younger players).

3. Duels: Small-sided scenarios (1v1 to 3v3) designed to teach players how to handle defensive pressure from the front, side, or behind.

4. Skill Practice or Small-Sided Game: Older players focus on core skills like first touch and passing, while younger phases move into games that emphasise fun and effort.

5. Training Game and Reflection: Sessions conclude with a larger game and a "Reflection Circle," where players use reflection cards to discuss what they learned.

Coaching "Golden Rules"

The framework provides several "Golden Rules" to help coaches maintain an effective learning environment:

• Eliminate Lines: Coaches should avoid drills where players wait for turns, as this often leads to boredom and behavioural issues.

• The 30-Second Rule: Instructions should be kept under 30 seconds to match the attention span of young players; coaches should "show, don't tell" using player demonstrations.

• Positive Tone: The ultimate measure of a successful session is whether the players are smiling and want to return the following week.

Game Day Management

On match days, the framework mandates equal playing time and the rotation of positions for all players to ensure inclusive development. Coaches are encouraged to:

• Celebrate Bravery: Praise players for attempting difficult skills in a game, even if they fail.

• Engage Substitutes: Keep benched players involved by giving them "Assistant Manager" tasks, such as tracking team passes or observing the opponent's shape.

• Use Simple Tactics: For younger teams, coaches should encourage a basic "shape" (like a diamond or square) to prevent "mob ball" and teach players how to use the full space of the pitch.

Ongoing Coach Support

The club provides continuous support through a coaching handbook, weekly emails, and one-on-one mentoring visits where Anthony Dunn can assist coaches during their team sessions. The long-term goal is to build a self-sustaining coaching community by 2028.