Brief of Under 8 (U8) Program

This program runs in the Spring in collaboration with Quaboag Youth Soccer. The goal of this program is to build a technical foundation with lots of opportunities to use those skills learned in small-sided games. This program will include one practice per week and one small-sided game on Saturdays. During this program children will further develop their passing, dribbling and other basic skills. They will also learn some of the fundamentals of soccer like corner kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and the importance of working as a team. As with all TRY soccer program, we will continue to maintain an atmosphere of fun and learning for the children.

General Information

• Coed or separate girls/boys teams to be determined based on signups
• Kids placed in balanced teams based on evaluations where possible
• 1 practice (weekday)/1 game (Saturday) per week
• There are 2 seasons, Fall and Spring

Player Equipment:

• Team shirt, shorts and socks (additional cost after registration)
• #3 soccer ball (required for practices, provided by the league)
• Soccer shoes/cleats (required)
• Shin pads (required)
• Water bottle (recommended)
• Mouth guards (optional)
• No JEWELRY for players – EXCEPTION – Stud earrings

Coaches/Referees/Parents:

• Coaches will contact parents a few weeks before the start of each season
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of team players, parents, and supporters
• Parents and supports are not allowed to sit on the sideline with teams, only coaches are allowed to do so
• Coaches may need to referee some games in this program

Game Format/Rules:

• 5 v 5 (including goal)
• Both teams will start with the same number of players on the field
• Games are split into two 20 minute halves (5 minute break for ½ time)
• No official score is kept, but if a team is down by 5 or more they may add another player to the field until there is less than a 5 goal difference – coaches should discuss this at the start of the game
• No slide tackling allowed
• There are no offsides
• There are no direct kicks
• There are no penalty kicks
• Players are recommended to do throw-ins
• There will be goal kicks and corner kicks
• Players will be fairly rotated to ensure equal playing time regardless of gender or ability
• Players will be encouraged to try various positions, including goalie

Injuries:

• Upon injury to any player, all players must be instructed to immediately sit down on the field - This will ensure that the injured player may be attended to without ‘chaos’ on the field
• Injuries to players requiring first aid above what the coach can supply must be reported to the division director for insurance purposes
• First aid kits are supplied by the league

Good Sportsmanship:

• Parents should support the coach, help maintain discipline and promote sportsmanship during practices and games
• Team players to line up to shake hands with opposing team at the end of each game
• No tolerance for pushing or other inappropriate behavior among players during games
• As is the policy during all TRY soccer games, parents are to stand on the opposite side of the field during the game
• Players, coaches and parents should encourage learning but also the fun of the game, laugh and keep a sense of humor
• Cheer on and encourage all children to help build their confidence, regardless of skill