CanadaRED Tickets
Canada Soccer Ecosystem

Play

What is Long Term Player Development (LTPD)?

LTPD is a model of athlete development that parallels what doctors and psychologists have long used to better understand human development: as a series of distinct stages, which takes us from infancy through to adulthood. A person’s abilities, behaviours and emotions, as well as their understanding of the world around them, varies from stage to stage.

Similarly, experts in sport science have identified seven stages of development — each with its own physical and psychological characteristics — that form the basis for LTPD. When young soccer players are able to train and compete in an environment that’s appropriate to their stage of development, they not only perform at their best, they also have more fun.

The LTPD Approach

LTPD is designed to give players an optimal soccer experience at every stage by putting their needs front and centre.

Why LTPD

We don’t expect kids to compete in spelling bees without first teaching them their ABCs. When activities and expectations don’t match with a child’s developmental stage, this can set them up for failure.
The same is true when young children are thrust into a soccer environment that over-emphasizes winning at the expense of developing skills and having fun.

What Happens Without LTPD?

Bad Habits

Kids develop poor skills and techniques that are hard to unlearn

Lost Confidence

Players become discouraged and lose belief in their abilities

Unrealized Potential

Many don't achieve their performance potential

Dropout

Others leave the sport altogether because they don't enjoy the game

The LTPD Advantage

Right Skills, Right Time

LTPD tailors training, competition and coaching to each player’s developmental stage

Community-Powered

Supported by parents, coaches, officials and volunteers working together

Lifelong Love

Players grow into healthy, active adults who love the game