U8 Mixed League

• The season is late April/early May (weather pending) to third week of June.
  
• Children born 2012/2011 are eligible.
• Practice/games are played in Black Diamond by the Water Tower.
• Two practice/games per week: Monday 6:00pm-7:00pm & Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm.
• Snack/Water break (each child brings their own) between skills and mini game each session.
• Small sided soccer, 5-6 players per side (5v5 or 6v6). Keepers optional. Size 3 ball.
• Registration fee includes a team jersey, team photo and medal/trophy.
• Shin pads, and appropriate running shoes are required (soccer cleats recommended).
• Sportsmanship rules apply.
• Wind-up party to be held at end of season.
• Opportunity to take part in Black Diamond Parade.

 
Expectations at the U8 Level

• The following skills will be developed at the U8 age group:

• Teach how to dribble the ball
• Teach how to stop the ball using the bottom, inside and outside of the foot.
• Teach how to pass using the inside and outside of the foot.
• Introduce how to shoot the ball and a proper throw in technique
• Teach the basic rules of the game
• Introduction to offside rule
• A coach from each team will be on the field both coaching/directing and refereeing the players.
• 2, 20-minute halves with a 10-minute break for water and snack.
• Run 2-3-minute shifts with both teams changing at the same time.
• Recommend 4-6 vs. 4-6 plus goalies however depending on team size, teams may be split into 2 shifts with equal number of players on each team. Discuss with other coach before the game to decide format.
• Coaches designate a goalie and rotate to give opportunity to all players that wish to try.
• To start play each team gets the kick off for one of the halves.
• No hands except for the goalie.
• Ball out of bounds - throw in - player opposite the team who last touched the ball makes a 2 handed throw in, overhead with feet flat on ground. Players from opposing team move back at least 5 yards.
• Corner kick – if the defending player last touches the ball that passes over the goal line, an offending player takes the corner kick. The opposing players must be 5 yards away.
• Free kick is given for handling, pushing, shoving, tripping etc. The opposing players must be 5 yards away. A goal may not be scored directly from a free kick. The ball must be passed to another player first.
• Goal kick – ball must be out of the penalty area and touched by a teammate before a goal can be scored.
• Parents may encourage from the sidelines but, leave the “coaching” and “refereeing” up to the coaches.