Training, Tips & Resources
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Laws of the Game
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) establishes and publishes the official "Laws of the Game." These laws cover the game from youth all the way to adults. You can find the most current Laws of the Game
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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League’s standings will not be recorded for 4U -8U divisions. Players in these divisions will receive participation awards.
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Referees are USSF registered. All infractions will be briefly explained to players and to the coaches, if necessary.
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Explanation of infractions to coaches shall not interrupt the flow or spirit of the game.
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Players, parents, coaches, and spectators should shake hands after each game.
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Coaches, non-player team members, and parents/spectators should be located not less than one yard from the touchline and refrain from getting any closer to the goal line. No one can run the length of the field except the participants in the game.
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Click here below to get the modified playing rules.
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Why Small-Sided Games?
The philosophy of modified soccer is to have fun and to teach the younger child skills and sportsmanship in a manner that is consistent with the child's emotional, physical, and mental enjoyment. Modified soccer should emphasize enjoyment OVER competition and offer maximum playing time for each child that allows the most opportunity of touches on the ball.
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The below explanation comes straight from US Youth Soccer:
1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)
4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Fewer players on the field and fewer players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)
5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)
These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It's a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.
Click here to view the modified playing rules.
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Effective Practices
There are a lot of places to go on the web for game and coaching tips. Here are some of our favorites!​
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