Soccer is for people of all ages – even the little ones! Several years ago, we created Jamboree, or the
U-5 program, for four-year-olds. In Jamboree, children get to play soccer in an age-specific program,
and you, the parents, get to participate with them.

In Jamboree, each team is made up of three players and each player will have a parent (or other adult)
with them on the field. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throwing in the ball,
but in a low-pressure setting. Jamboree is about exposing children to soccer, not grooming them for
college scholarships.

Parents help take turns organizing the teams, setting up fields and supervising the program. While their
children are playing, parent volunteers keep time, but interfere with play as little as possible. There are
only a few reasons to stop play in Jamboree games. If a child is not playing well with others, or if play
must pause for injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a flock or birds fly by, parents can quickly
direct attention back to the game.

In Jamboree, goals are not counted to determine who wins - every player is a winner. Young players
need to get a feel for the ball and the field, so even though there are adults all around and many
opportunities to offer instruction, the emphasis is on fun and play. It’s a different kind of game in U-5,
but the children still wear jerseys or pinnies, cleats and shin guards. Best of all, they find out that soccer
is something they can do.

There are no set teams nor formal practices. Teams will be formed for the day, based on attendance, and
individual skill levels. The first play date is Saturday August 27th, starting at 9:00 AM.
For more information, contact Nancy Ortiz, U5 Coordinator.