U4 Soccer Rules and Coach Information

U4 Soccer – Rules and Coach Information

Objective: To get children moving and keep them active.

Time: Fridays 6:00-7:00pm from May 10-June 28. (8 weeks)

Field: The size of the field will be 30ft x 40ft (subject to change slightly.) Each team will be provided one portable pop-up net for use.

Session: 6:00-6:30: warm up/practice 6:30-6:35: water break 6:35-7:00: scrimmage

Practice:  Technical requirements are not about teaching the techniques of soccer – and instead about fun and imaginative games that include: running with the ball, stopping and changing direction with the ball, dribbling, kicking and shooting.  Parents, or other significant person, are encouraged to participate in practice – allowing a ‘one on one’ format, with the player being allowed ‘success’ to score goals and beat the opponent.  It must be fun!  There should be an emphasis on fundamental movement skills (running, hopping, jumping, skipping, tumbling.)  Use basic ball familiarization games (rolling, bouncing, kicking, catching.)  Be creative, tell a story and relate the story to a soccer activity. Play games with themes (shark attack, Pirate Pete, Dora the Explorer, Race Car, etc.) Learn by doing, don’t worry about technique.  Change sessions frequently. Use frequent praise and enthusiasm.

Water Break: Ensure parents bring water bottles for the players. This break is only for water to avoid cramping. Snacks may be brought by individual players or teams can make a snack rotation for AFTER the game.

Scrimmage:  3 v 3 format, no goalies  A coach from each team will run with the play to guide players and keep the ball in bounds. Another coach or helper will keep time and call for substitutions.  Players will be substituted every 3 minutes.  Parents are able to assist their child on the field if necessary but should try to lessen the help as the season progresses.  Rules at this age group are to be applied VERY loosely. Kids are encouraged to learn to run and kick the ball. If rule infractions occur, play is to continue and players can be educated to the rule (ie. hand ball.) Latitude should be given for boundary infringements and coaches can guide the ball back in play.  Kick offs will occur at centre field at the start of the game and line changes. When a goal is scored, the scoring team must back up to centre field and allow the other team to carry it back out.  It is recommended to attempt to line up equally skilled lines together and against each other for maximum participation.  All players play equal time.  NO score will be kept.

Equipment:  Balls will be size 3 – one ball per player/coach will be provided. Practice cones and team jerseys will also be provided.  Shin guards are mandatory and players are NOT to be allowed on the field without them. Soccer socks are recommended. Rubber cleats are optional. Players are not to wear any jewelry (watch, rings, necklace, earrings etc) which can injure others or themselves.

Soccer Extravaganza Weekend (June 22-23):  Each team will play 2-45 minute fun games in the main field at Southdale Community Centre. There will be a 10 minute warm up/practice, followed by two 15 minute halves with a water break. Coaches are required to bring their pop up net and enough balls for warm up.  There will be a BBQ tent as well as activities!