OUR PROGRAMS
The In-house Division is for U6-U8. No travel is involved for these teams. The session includes weeknight practice and games on Saturdays.
The Recreational Division is for U9 and above. Travel is involved for these teams as teams will travel to area communities to compete against each other. The practice / game schedule will be posted via Sports Engine by way of the coach.
The Competitive Division is for U11 and above. All players wishing to compete on a classic team are required to attend the club’s tryouts. Travel is involved for these teams as teams will travel to area communities to compete against each other. The practice / game schedule will be posted via Sports Engine by way of the coach.
US YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MODEL
U6- U8 THE FUNDAMENTAL STAGE
Individual - Me and My Ball
General Characteristics of the U6- U8 Age Group
Catching skills not yet developed
Constantly in motion - love to run, jump, roll and climb
Eye-hand and/or eye-foot coordination is primitive at best – not ready for bouncing or flighted balls
No sense of pace - go flat out Physical coordination is immature - can balance on dominate foot
Controlling the ball is a complex task
Prefer large soft balls and foam balls
Only understand simple rules Individually oriented (me, my, mine) – little or no concern for team activities
Believes in Santa Claus, but will not discuss with peers – lofty imagination
Physical and psychological development of boys and girls are quite similar
Psychologically, easily bruised – need generous praise
Short attention span – tends to one task at a time
Limited understanding of time and space
U9 IGNITING THE PASSION
Me, the ball and my friend
General Characteristics of the U-9 Age Group
Like to show skills – need approval
Beginning to develop some physical confidence (most can ride a bicycle)
Lack sense of pace - go flat out, chasing the ball until they drop
Still in motion - twitching, jerking, scratching and blinking are all second nature physical movements
Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling
Boys and girls are still quite similar in physical and psychological development
Attention span is a bit longer than the U-6 age group
Developing playmates
More into imitation of the big guys (sports heroes becoming important)
Still very sensitive – Dislikes personal failure in front of peers, making ridicule from the coach in front of the group very destructive
Still do not believe in the intensity of the team at all costs
Inclined more toward small group activities
U10 THE LEARNING TO TRAIN STAGE
The Start of Us
General Characteristics of the U-10 Age Group
Lengthened attention span - they are still in motion, but not as busy, only holding still long enough for a short explanation
More inclined toward wanting to play rather than being told to play
Psychologically becoming slightly more firm and confident
Some are becoming serious about their play
Team oriented – prefer team type balls and equipment.
Enjoy the uniforms and team association.
Boys and girls beginning to develop separately
Developing the pace factor – thinking ahead
Gross and small motor skills becoming much more refined
