U9 - U10
BUILD
YOUR
GAME
A stage where players begin to connect their technical ability with their understanding of the game — becoming more confident, creative and independent players.
A stage where players begin to connect their technical ability with their understanding of the game — becoming more confident, creative and independent players.
THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The Development Programme is designed for players aged 9–10 who are ready to take the next step in their futsal journey.
At this stage, players are encouraged to understand more than simply how to perform a skill. They begin to explore when to use it, why to use it and what they can do when the first option isn't available.
Sessions remain enjoyable and game-focused while gradually introducing greater challenge, responsibility and decision-making.
DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
At U9–U10, technical ability, game understanding and individual expression become increasingly connected.
01
Players continue to build a strong relationship with the ball.
Ball mastery
First touch
Passing & receiving
Ball manipulation
Finishing
02
Players begin to recognise problems and make better decisions within the game.
Scanning
Space recognition
Positioning
Decision making
Transitions
03
Players are encouraged to use their own ideas and solutions.
1v1 confidence
Creativity
Imagination
Improvisation
Risk taking
02 / THUNDERBOLTS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
At Thunderbolts Futsal Academy, our player development is built around four connected areas. Together, they shape how we develop the player, the thinker, the creator and the person.
01 / TECHNICAL
The Player
Developing young players who become confident and comfortable with the ball, while beginning to learn how to use their technical ability effectively in the game.
Ball mastery
First touch
Passing & receiving
Ball manipulation
1v1 ability
Finishing
Decision making
Game understanding
02 / INTELLIGENCE
The Thinker
Developing young players who begin to read the game, recognise problems and make their own decisions on the court.
Scanning & awareness
Decision making
Positioning
Space recognition
Game understanding
Problem solving
Tactical awareness
Understanding transitions
03 / CREATIVITY
The Creator
Encouraging young players to express themselves, take responsibility and discover their own solutions to problems on the court.
Creativity
Imagination
1v1 expression
Improvisation
Attacking solutions
Confidence to try
Risk taking
Individual expression
04 / CHARACTER
The Person
Developing young players who become positive, disciplined and resilient individuals who contribute to their team and environment.
Confidence
Resilience
Discipline
Communication
Teamwork
Respect
Responsibility
Positive behaviour
HOW WE WORK
Players need opportunities to experience problems, experiment with solutions and apply their learning within realistic game situations.
01 / EXPLORE
Players are given opportunities to experiment with different skills and movements.
02 / RECOGNISE
Players learn to recognise what is happening around them.
03 / DECIDE
Players are encouraged to make decisions rather than simply wait for instructions.
04 / APPLY
Players take their learning into realistic futsal situations.
PLAYER OUTCOMES
The aim is to help each player become more confident, intelligent and expressive while developing the behaviours needed to be a positive member of a team.
01
Comfortable receiving, controlling and manipulating the ball.
02
Recognising options and choosing appropriate actions.
03
Understanding space, movement and what is happening around them.
04
Confidence to attack defenders and express ability.
05
Finding different solutions rather than always following the obvious option.
06
Learning to respond positively when things don't go their way.
07
Taking greater ownership of their actions and contribution to the team.
08
Respect, communication, teamwork and positive behaviour.
Give your child the opportunity to discover futsal, build confidence and enjoy playing in a positive environment.