Players on team

 8-9     Birth date – 08/01/02 to 07/31/03

Number of players on field

 3 – 2 games of 3v3 will be played on adjacent, 15 x 20 yard fields.  Coaches can and should move players between the fields when substituting.

Ball Size

 3

Equipment

Shin guards are required. Soccer shoes are optional. Players should wear no jewelry or watches on the field.

Field Size

Width 15 yards, Length 20 yards.

Goal Size

Goal is 6’ x 4’, with no goal box.

Field Markings

Regulation - No Goal box

Duration of Game

15 minutes of practice immediately before all games.
Practice commences promptly at game time scheduled.
8 minute quarters with 2 minute breaks between quarters.  Halftime period lasts 5 minutes.

Referees

One coach per team acts as Referee on each field.

Playing Time

Every attempt must be made to play each child a minimum of 2 quarters per game except in the case of injury or illness.

Practices

Practice is limited to the 15 minutes prior to each game.

Substitutions

Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage, quarters, halftime, kick-off or injury (injured player must be replaced). Substitutions are made mid-field and player must be ready before the substitution call.

Concepts

At this level of play, OYAA is attempting to teach the kids the fundamentals of soccer play. These concepts include dribbling and kicking of the ball with both feet, avoiding the use of hands and throwing or kicking of the ball as appropriate. The concepts of rules and penalties are introduced to the players.

In this environment, there should not be instruction or definition of positions.  It is far more important that the children get an idea of the fundamentals of the game and the concept of team play.

To further this practice, no score or win/loss recordkeeping is done. OYAA believes that kids at this level of play have enough stress upon them, learning soccer and team play, to have the added burden of a win/loss situation thrust upon them.  Just let the children play the game.  Please keep in mind that regardless of talent or physical ability the game needs to be fun.

Coaching Goals

Coaches are to instruct players in the rules of the game. Any yelling must be constructive and should be kept to a minimum. Attempt to keep them focused.  Let the kids play!
By the end of the season, players should know:

• Play stops when whistle blows
• Each quarter begins with a kick-off
• The use of hands is forbidden  
• Sideline out of bounds require an over the head throw in
• Endline out of bounds require the ball be kicked back into play at the point it left the field
• Endline out of bounds require the ball to be kicked into play
• After score kick-offs occur from mid-field

Special Note

Coaches need to remember that these players are only 4-5 years old. Make the game fun for them and you will be rewarded. Coaches must keep these things in mind during the design of practice drills and in coaching the game.