For many children and parents, our Spring Soccer program is their first introduction to organized sports. Our goal is to make the game fun and introduce soccer to as many children as possible. Using modified rules and with the help of parents and coaches we can achieved this goal.
We play using modified rules
Small sided play for all age groups – For an “official” soccer match, each team fields 11 players (including a goalie) on a rather large field (at least 100 yards by 55 yards wide). With one ball, 22 players and all that space you do not get a chance to touch the ball very often. We use small fields with fewer players to enable each player to get many more chances to play the ball.
No Goalies for Pre-K, K and First grade teams – At this young age, scoring goals is the best way to have fun!
Score keeping – The goal of our Spring Soccer program is for players to have fun. We ask that coaches and parents not focus on the score.
Off-sides – In our Spring Soccer program there is no off-sides.
Slide tackles – Slide tackles are part of an aggressive style of play that can be un-safe if not executed properly. For this reason slide tackling is not permitted.
Throw-ins – A proper throw-in requires the player to have both feet on the ground and the ball must be thrown using both hands from behind the head. The ball should come straight over the throwers head. In Spring Soccer if a child makes an improper throw-in, they will be asked to repeat the throw after being shown the proper technique.
All free kicks are “indirect.” On indirect kicks, the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
Smoke Free Policy
Our Club’s policy is to provide a safe and smoke free environment for our soccer programs. Coaches, parents, spectators, and participants are prohibited from smoking at practices, games or other organized events.
Also, in an effort to eliminate the mixed messages that youth receive from coaches, players, volunteers and others should not wear shirts, hats and other gear that display tobacco logos at games, practices, and other club or team-sponsored activities.
Sportsmanship
We expect good sportsmanship from our players, coaches, and parents.
Unfortunately, it is common today in sports to harass referees and officials. Not surprisingly, it has become difficult to find people willing to referee. Yelling at referees should not be part of Spring Soccer or any other sport. Please treat referees with respect and courtesy.
Nearly all of our referees have completed training and are certified by U.S. Youth Soccer Association. However, many of them are taking charge on the field for the first time. Like your children, this is an opportunity for them to learn and gain experience. Treat them with respect, patience, and with the courtesy you would your own children as they learn a new skill.
When a game is finished, all players and coaches are expected to line-up and congratulate the other team.
Helping Your Child
Parents, feel free to cheer and encourage your child’s efforts. However, let the coach do the coaching. Shouting instructions during the game is confusing and not fun for your child.
You can help your child by encouraging them to play soccer and other sports while at home. Your goal should be to get them out from in front of the TV, computer, or video games.
Dribbling, passing and receiving the ball are the core skills that make the rest of soccer enjoyable. Encourage your child to make “Millions of little touches”. They can do this by just dribbling and controlling the ball around the local park, front yard, or basement. Also build skills by passing backing and forth with you, a sibling, or a friend.
For older children, juggling the ball (using the feet, legs, knees and head) to the keep the ball in the air is another great way to practice and gain control of the ball. Encourage them to try to keep the ball in the air for 5 touches, then 10, and so on.
Keep your child interested in soccer and other sporting activities by letting them have fun!