Our U8 and younger programs are designed to help players fall in love with soccer in a fun, encouraging, and age-appropriate environment. At these ages, the focus is on ball confidence, movement, teamwork, listening skills, and enjoying the game while building foundational soccer habits.

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Program Philosophy

• Create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere to help facilitate a passion for the game

• Develop players who are confident with the ball at their feet by:

  • Encouraging dribbling and going forward

  • Focusing on teaching dribbling techniques

  • Creating environments to promote the development of 1v1 skills ​

• Build a sense of team and promote good sportsmanship

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Core Concepts

• Lots of touches on the ball

• Lots of 1v1 and 2v1 practice situations

• Recognizing individual growth regardless of failure or success

• Emphasis on giving our best effort

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Additional Concepts

When we have the ball:

• Spread out - width and stretch.

• What do we see? Analyze the situation.

• Look to go forward - Shoot, dribble, pass.

• When the ball moves, we all move to support/help.

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When we lose the ball:

• Immediate chase/pressure on the ball

• Everyone defends

• High effort to win the ball back

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Basic Vocabulary and introduction to soccer video

HERE

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Basic Concept Vocabulary

Pressure

Markup

Goal side

Spread out - Also Open up/Get big

Width

Stretch

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Game Concepts Video

​HERE

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Identifying Success

Did the players give their best effort?

Were players confident on the ball?

Was there a desire to go to and win the ball?

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Final Goal Checklist

Create a safe and fun environment

Build player confidence

Promote sportsmanship

Develop character