Pre-K U5 (Outdoor) Program Description
U5 Pre-K (players 5 years old and under, but older than 4) The objective of this program is to provide young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment. This program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators.
What is the U5 Program?
AYSO's U5 Program provides young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer and allows them to discover the game for themselves. We do this through simple and fun activities and games that require little to no practice and a minimal time commitment.
How does the U5 Program Work?
The U5 Program uses a “Jamboree One with One” format. THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF PROGRAM.
- The “Jamboree One” is your child
- The “with One” is you, the parent/adult (this means that a parent or guardian MUST be on the field working with their child)
- A Master Coach will provide supervision during the session.
Due to the adults being on the field with the children, for safety and insurance reasons, this means that every adult on the field, including you, must be registered as a volunteer and must be trained. No Exceptions!
Teams will be formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a session. The Master Coach will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using demonstration and explanation. The teams will then break up into smaller groups with Assistant Coaches while each pair/parent attempts the activity while the Master Coach circulates between groups to provide specific help.
Each session will end with a short sided game (3 v 3) without a goalie.
How long is each session and how many sessions are there?
Each session is one hour. There will be six sessions (weather permitting) on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Spring 2015 sessions start on Saturday, May 2, 2015 and will be each weekend except Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting. The location is pending but will be on an outdoor field in the Town of Mt. Pleasant.
When do the sessions take place and where?
A typical session schedule is as follows:
- 10 Minutes – group warm up and activities
- 5 Minutes – Water break
- 20 minutes - training activities and games
- 5 minutes – game organizing and water break
- 20 minutes – short sided games (10 minute halves, break at 5 minutes for subs)
During the game, one assistant coach will act as the game supervisor for the week. The only requirement is to keep the game going.
During the game, parents cheer positively from sidelines and refrain from coaching.
What Equipment Does My Child Need?
- Uniform shirt (to be supplied by AYSO for this age group only)
- Shin guards (MANDATORY and worn inside socks) No Exceptions!
- Size 3 ball
- Shoes. Cleats are optional, and must be soccer cleats (no football/baseball/golf)
- Water (not Gatorade or juice)