U5/U6 - Recreational Soccer – Introduction 

Soccer at this age group provides an introduction to the sport for all players. 

Players must be introduced to simple ball mastery, i.e. ball control and dribbling and basic body movements. They must be introduced to the ball in as dynamic environment as possible. ‘My Ball and Me’. The basic body movements include hopping, skipping, jumping, balancing activities, etc.

The ‘Player’ is the focus.  The concept of team and team results are not important at this age group.

Our positive introduction of the game to ALL players will provide a foundation that grows into lifetime passion for the game.

U7/U8 – Recreational Soccer – Experimental 

The ‘Player will continue to be the primary focus with this age group.  The concept of team and team results are not important at this age group.

Players at this age group must refine the concept of ‘My Ball and Me’ and be able to experiment with cooperative partnered activities and the associated techniques - ‘My Partner and our Ball’. These techniques are passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting.

U9/U10 – Recreational Soccer – Foundation

In this age group, our focus still remains squarely on the development of the ‘Player’.  Players of this age should be introduced to the concept of ‘team’.  There is major difference between team performance and team results.  How the team works together as a ‘bunch’ of small and large groups is an area for potential evaluation.    Team results are not important and not an appropriate developmental indicator.

This is the critical age for appropriate long-term development and participation in the game. Players at this age group must refine the concepts of ‘My Ball and Me’ & ‘My Partner and our Ball’ and be exposed to cooperative small-group activities and the associated techniques - ‘Small Groups and their Ball’.

Continuing the enhancement of the foundation techniques at this age group is pivotal.  These basic techniques are passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting.  Additional techniques can be introduced at this age group.  These are basic goal keeping skills, heading, tackling, and longer passing.

While learning and expanding on foundation technical skills for the game, players must be introduced to the Principles of Play.  The teaching and playing environment for the U10 player must be dynamic and allow the player many realistic repetitions.