*This division will need to attend a player evaluation date in order to better arrange teams so that we can better balance teams for the upcoming season. Tentative dates of player evaluations are July 22-24, 2022.
This is a learning division for players born in 2016-2017 and is designed to continue to advance their skills for the game of soccer. The children will play short-sided games (4 vs 4) with simplified laws. Short-sided games help ensure that children have fun and at the same time, maximize their learning opportunities. This is a competetive division however no scores are taken or standings are kept. Size 3 soccer balls are used at this level and shin guards are mandatory to wear under the socks for both games and practices. Participation medals will be given at the end of the spring.
Games are played on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for 5-6 weeks in the Fall 2023 session and 5-6 weeks in the Spring 2024 sessions.
Each game is 40 minutes long (two 20 minutes halves/four quarters of 10 minutes), with a halftime period of at least 5 to 10 minutes. Teams should arrive at least 15 minutes early to be prepared/start warming up. Quarter breaks are for substitutions and quick drink – not a break period or long enough for coaching.
Changes from standard soccer rules:
· No throw-ins, opposing player should kick or dribble the ball in if it goes outside the lines, defense being 8 yards away to allow restart.
· No shooting from half field on restart after a goal.
· Corner kicks (from the corner) and Goal kicks (from the line) are played, defense allowing 8 yards.
· Deliberate heading is not allowed – called as dangerous play.
· Slide tackling is not allowed – called as dangerous play.
· No Offside rule in effect.
· No Goal Keepers, No standing/waiting in Goal.
8U teams are encouraged to participate in tournaments and “Soccerfest”,