General 8U Information
Children are starting to grow into soccer. There can be a wide range of soccer experience in this age group from kids playing 3 years of 6U soccer to kids just trying the sport for the first time. The game will change a little. Hopefully the “Swarm” ball of 6U will disappear by the end of the season and the children should start to spread out. Children in this age group will have 1 practice each week (Monday nights) of the season that should last about an hour and then have a game on Wednesday nights for 55 minutes (4, 12 minute quarters, with a 1 minute break between quarters and a 5 minute half time). Children will become a little more advanced and exhibit a wide range of skills. An individual player may still be able to control the game at this age as they may be more physically advanced than other players. The field is still relatively small, to keep kids from becoming too tired. The emphasis is still about having fun! The score is not important.
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
8U Schedule
Practice Schedule: 8u-Practice-Schedule.pdf
Game Schedule: 8u-Game-Schedule.pdf
What should kids learn in U8?
At the end of U6, kids should be using the inside of their foot to move the ball (as a dribble, pass or shot). They should also be starting to use the outside of their foot for the same activities, though they may not be as comfortable. In U8, children should gain comfort and start to freely move the ball with both the inside and outside of their foot. We hope that all children will stop kicking the ball with their toe. At the end of this age group, children will also have a basic idea of the different positions in soccer and should be developing skills to pass to a teammate.
U8 Game rules
- Game format – 4 vs. 4 with no Goal keeper
- Referee – Parent/Coach act as center referee
- Duration of game – 4 quarters at 12 minutes each.
- No offsides
- Throw-in – all balls over the touch line (the longer line) result in a throw-in. Both feet must be on the ground, and the ball must go over the head. An incorrect throw-in will result in a second attempt at the throw-in. A second bad throw-in results is lost possession.
- Free Kicks – All free kicks are indirect. (An indirect kick must touch another player before a goal can be made)
- Ball Size – Size 3
- Slide Tackling – not allowed. Players should keep their feet at all times
- Field Size – 30 yards by 35 yards
- Goal Size – 4 feet by 6 feet
- Roster Size – 5 – 8 players
- Minimum playing time – 50% for each player