General 6U Information
This age group can sometimes be the most entertaining as children are usually getting their first exposure to the game of soccer. Teams will have 1 practice about 60 minutes long and 1 game also about 45 minutes long (4 quarters at 8 minutes each, with 1 minute between quarters and 5 minutes for half time). It is not uncommon to see players holding hands to “help” each other, players picking flowers, or sometime crying. You should not put too much pressure on the kids at this age group. The purpose is to get the very basics of the game and have FUN!
Requirements!
- Soccer Shoes(no cleat on toe) or tennis shoes
- Shin Guards, worn under socks that completely cover the shin guards
- Athletic Shorts/Pants or Sweat Pants – no zippers, snaps, or metal
- NO Hair Pins, hard casts, NO modifying of uniforms
- NO Earrings, or other Jewelry (exception Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces, must be securely taped to player with medical tape)
- Size 3 Soccer Ball
- Bring Water bottle
6U Schedule
Practice Schedule: 6u-Practice-Schedule.pdf
Game Schedule: 6u-Game-Schedule.pdf
What should kids learn in 6U?
The expectations are very simple in 6U. A child is successful if they can dribble the soccer ball using the inside or outside of their foot and do NOT kick the ball with their toe. If you play at home with your child, you should really talk about using the inside of their foot to kick the ball and dribble the ball.
Children are not expected to learn positions or keep good spacing. The Swarm style is okay and part of the fun.
U6 Game rules
- Game format – 4 vs. 4 with no Goal keeper
- Referee – Coach’s referee. Explain rule infractions to children.
- Duration of game – 30 minute practice followed by game of 4 quarters at 6 minutes each.
- Throw-in – not performed, all balls out of bounds are returned to play with an indirect free kick
- Free Kicks – all kicks are indirect (the ball must touch another player before going into the goal)
- Ball Size – Size 3
- Slide Tackling – not allowed. Players should keep their feet at all times
- Field Size – 20 yards by 25 yards
- Goal Size – 4 feet by 6 feet
- Roster Size – 6 – 8 players
- Minimum playing time – 50% for each player