K – 2nd grade Soccer Saturdays at Diamond

Grades 1-2/U7-U8 – $125

Dates and Times: 4/4/20 – 6/6/20, (No program Memorial Day Weekend.)
     Grade 1/U7: Saturdays, 10:30am-12pm.
     Grade 2/U8: Saturdays, 8:30-10am.
Location: Diamond Field
Uniform: Reversible Mesh Jersey K-2 (available directly from Tricon Sports)

Fall and Spring program for the Lexington Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd graders on Saturday mornings at Diamond Field.

The main focus of our club is that the players have an enjoyable experience while learning the game of soccer. At 2nd grade and below, the game of soccer you’ll observe each weekend won’t resemble the US National team or the Revolution, nor should it.

First things first: Learning advanced soccer techniques and tactics is completely unimportant at this age level. However, this does not mean we won’t teach kids to play soccer. Kicking the ball in a given direction, running and moving the ball with your feet, stopping the ball without using your hands, shooting at the goal, and blocking shots: These are the basic elements of soccer that we aim to teach children by leading them in various exercises and by simply letting them play the game. Each Saturday parent volunteer coaches will follow a practice plan developed by the LUSC Director of Coaching in conjunction with US Youth Soccer. Professional staff coaches will run a coaching demonstration for all volunteer coaches prior to the daily program and remain available to assist throughout the session. The major focus of the activities will be for all players to develop a comfort level and coordination with the ball.

Although the soccer ball will be the main focus of our training, we hope to enhance the child’s overall learning experience by:

• interacting comfortably with one’s peers
• dealing with both victory and defeat
• respecting teammates and opponents
• introducing, accepting and obeying the rules of the game

In addition, your child can:

• develop his/her own style of handling the ball
• learn how to move in a variety of situations
• improve his/her coordination
• have fun playing the game of soccer and being part of a team

We want every child to be physically active and have fun playing the game. The result of the game is of no consequence. Therefore, no score will be kept. Pre-school children are much more interested in chasing the ball and being involved in the play. This is natural and won’t be discouraged. Positions can be learned down the road. We may ask a player to play “up front” or “in back”, but all players will be given the opportunity to move about the field. Forcing a player to play in one spot all the time can lead to that player not enjoying the experience. The top priority of LUSC is that the players enjoy the experience.

First and second graders  also have the option to sign up for an hour long skills clinic on Thursday afternoons. Time and location of the clinic will be determined prior to the start of each season and will be posted under Clinics & Camps.

Program Schedule

• K has 9 sessions, and grades 1 & 2 (U7/U8) has 9-10 sessions, once per week, on Saturday mornings.
• Fall session runs September to November and spring runs April to June.
• For grades 1 & 2 (U7/U8): 1 ½ hours each session (45 minutes activities, 45 minute game).
• For Kindergarten (U6): 1 1/4 hours each session (30 minutes activities, 45 minutes game).

Equipment:

• Each Kindergarten player new to soccer will receive a size 3 soccer ball from LUSC. 
• All K, 1st and 2nd grade players must bring a size 3 soccer ball to every session (write name and phone on ball). Most activities require each player to have a ball.
• All in-town players wear a reversible mesh jersey, available directly from Tricon Sports.  More uniform info here.
• Players must wear their reversible jersey each week. On colder days the jersey may be worn over warmer clothing.
• Players must wear soccer cleats or sneakers. Soccer cleats are not required, but are recommended.
• Shin guards are required.
• Soccer socks must be worn over shin guards so they are not exposed.
• Each player should bring a water bottle.
• Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, earrings, hats, or anything metal in their hair for safety reasons.

Parent Volunteers

• Parent volunteer coaches are essential to successfully run this program.
• Parents can sign up to volunteer on their child’s registration form.
• The coach’s child will be assigned to the team they are coaching.
• Each team must have two coaches for the program to work effectively.
• No previous experience is required.
• All coaches are encouraged  to attend our Introduction to Coaching Course taught by LUSC DOC Brendan Donahue.
• Coaches will be provided with a weekly session plan.
• Professional coaches will be available each week to:
  • Run a meeting prior to each session to go over the plan.
  • Assist coaches and answer questions.
• All necessary coaching equipment will be provided.
• A criminal background check (CORI) will be conducted on all youth coaches per Massachusetts law.
• Coaches must arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to each session for set up and a coaches meeting.

Team Formation:

• Roster size – Kindergarten: 10 to 12, 1st & 2nd grade: 12 – 14
• Players must actually be attending Kindergarten to participate in the Kindergarten program.
• All teams will be gender based, and specific to school grade.
• Players play with their grade, no exceptions.
• Each child will be on a team with 3 – 4 children from their school, if possible.
• Usually requests for placement with one friend can be made if indicated on the registration form. However, this is not guaranteed.
• Team coaches will contact player parents approximately a week prior to the start of the season.
• New team rosters and coaching assignments will be made prior to each new season.
• For more information visit the Team Formation page.

Session Schedule:

• Each team will be assigned to a field where players will report each week. Team coaches will notify parents of field assignments approximately one week prior to the start of the program.
• For 1st & 2nd grade, the first 45 minutes players will participate in a number of soccer activities. The activity phase is 30 minutes for Kindergarten.
• Activities are designed to maximize fun and the amount of contact each player has with the soccer ball.
• Activities will be followed by one 45-minute game. The game is divided into two 18-minute halves, with time in between halves for snacks.
• Games will be 3 vs. 3 for Kindergarten and 4 vs. 4 for 1st & 2nd grade, with no goalkeepers.
• All players will have equal playing time each week.
• Score will not be kept during any game.
• Teams have a designated area for meeting and for gear during activities and games.

Field Etiquette:

• Parents and other spectators are encouraged to attend sessions.
• Only players and coaches should be on the field during activities and games.
• Parents must be on the opposite side of the field from the team area to observe.
• No one should be on the goal sides of the field.
• Please offer encouragement to both teams.
• Parents should not give instructions to the players during activities and games.

Session Cancellation:

• The decision to cancel due to weather or field conditions will be made by LUSC by 7:15 am. For more information go to: Rainouts & Reschedules.
• Coaches will notify their player’s parents. A notice will also be on the LUSC web site.
• A session will not be canceled in light rain if field conditions are safe for playing.
• Canceled sessions will be rescheduled if possible.