Vitesse Soccer ACADEMY
IF YOU THINK DEEPER, THERE IS VITESSE.
Michael Louter – Founder of Vitesse
Michael J Louter is originally from The Netherlands, Holland. He was a youth player of Vitesse ’22 in Castricum, Holland from age 8 to when he entered the Dutch professional program as a senior player. He earned his master’s degrees, with an emphasis in Sports Psychology. Michael is also accredited for ICF coaching,
Michael founded Vitesse Soccer in 2006 so he could offer similar opportunities for his children, and other families, the gift that he had growing up with Vitesse ’22.
The core value at Vitesse is COMMUNITY — A safe place for each individual to be challenged, to identify and be embraced for his/hers strengths.
Michael,
“If there is one thing we need to learn through competition, it is RESPECT. Respect is a very encompassing word that includes, but not limited to accept, being compassionate, considerate, honest and grateful. It is essential we reflect each session on respect and call out when it is working for us.”
Why Join Vitesse Soccer Club?
Our Values
• Desiring to achieve dreams.
• Respecting self and others.
• Find enjoyment and meaning.
• Demonstrate commitment and connection.
Operable playing principles
At Vitesse, each principle is systematically integrated till it becomes natural to the players’ behavior. Players are encouraged to learn at their own tempo. Each training starts or is concluded in reflection and discussion in order to reinforce a deeper understanding, gain appreciation and recognize successes.
About Vitesse Soccer Leadership style
The leadership style of Vitesse utilizes concepts of “life coaching” as we facilitate in the decision process through posing questions, opening awareness and mentoring.
Ultimately, the decisions are made by the players.
Decision-making based on principles is the premise of development
Sessions are structured to be fun and competitive for players to problem-solve throughout all practices and games.
We emphasize positioning in the field and communication to elevate team morale, confidence, and commitment.
When the sessions are competitive, players will develop their technique, gain awareness and learn to strategize.
Guiding Success For Players
Developing soccer players is so complex, it is mind-boggling. People who tried to work through it, more than anything, gain a deeper understanding of the values of empathy, kindness, humility, and discipline.
At Vitesse, our parents create success. They make players feel valued; treat referees with respect; generate excitement; and establish closure with the coach after the end of each tournament. Closure is important so the coach feels supported. At Vitesse, we think deeper:
(1) Say what you have to say, don’t leave it unsaid (it is okay to be frustrated, but not to be negative)
➤ Communication liberates the coach not just to do his job but to give of himself.
2) Empower players to problem solve.
➤ Avoid blaming. Blaming only reveals poor character.
(3) Praise players for attributes that makes a great person such as service, courage and being respectful.
➤ Avoid treating ‘talent’ as ‘queen bee.’ Players who are glorified have a hard time to adjust ‘life.’
(4) Enjoy soccer for soccer! Watch with an open mind.
➤ We create a barrier when we see soccer through the lens of American Football, unintentionally, creating the American Football version of soccer.
➤ When we intellectualize without having a developed eye to understand. For example, ‘we’ get too upset when we think we observed off-side and we don’t get the call.
