The purpose of the 1st and 2nd grade program is to develop basic skills and to teach the fundamentals of the game in an environment that is conducive to learning. The more enjoyment children derive from their participation, the more they wish to play and practice on their own.
During the fall, each week’s Saturday practice will emphasize a different soccer fundamental and a basic individual soccer skill. The skills and fundamentals are then reinforced during Sunday “mini games”. These “mini games” are played with teams of 4 players each against one another and last approximately 45 minutes. Scores and team results are not kept. Teams play without goalkeepers or referees. No penalty kicks are allowed and offside is not called at this level.
The benefit of the “mini game” format is that it:
- Allows a player to frequently touch the ball.
- Presents many opportunities to score goals and score goals often.
- Encourages regaining possession of the ball as a productive, fun and rewarding part of the game (defending).
- Maximizes active participation and minimizes inactivity and boredom.
- Eliminates complicated rules such as offside that may hinder children from playing.
- Allows the game to be the teacher.
Goalkeepers are not used because children must learn the skills and fundamentals of the game prior to specializing in a position.
Teams are created based on age and gender.
Required uniform and safety information:
- Size 3 ball
- Shinguards
- Socks that cover shinguards
- Water bottle
- Soccer/athletic shorts are required (no zippers or pockets)
- WSA issued team shirt, tucked in
- Rubber soccer cleats or sneakers are required
- No jewelry or chewing gum is allowed
This is the perfect age for parents to get involved in coaching as you and the players can learn the game together.
Practices occur on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and "mini-games" are played on Sundays between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All practices and games for this division are played at Westfield Memorial Pool Complex fields.
At the end of this season, all players will receive from their coaches a participation award.
