TRSA OUTDOOR U-8. COACHES MANUAL and INFORMATION PACKAGE. Introduction and General Information Page 01

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1 TRSA OUTDOOR U-8 COACHES MANUAL and INFORMATION PACKAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and General Information Page 01 TRSA Rules for U8 Soccer (Modified from EMSA) Page 06 Drills and Activities Page 11

2 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome! Welcome to the TRSA outdoor soccer season! Thank you for volunteering as a soccer coach. This package has been prepared with you in mind as we wish to provide as much useful and practical information as possible for your use to get started. Warning and Tips! Read this Section Before Proceeding: Mini Soccer (U4 thru U10) is a completely different game than that of the U12 thru U18 in that it involves smaller fields, smaller goals, smaller balls, and most importantly smaller players that need to be treated and coached much differently that older children. The player is not only small but he or she is also very young and sometimes this fact gets overlooked as many coaches treat their players as miniature version of a grown up. Children are involved in organized sports for their own enjoyment and not to satisfy the needs of others. Their enjoyment is jeopardized if adults have unrealistic expectations and attitude. Soccer is successful in Canada at the Mini Soccer level for the following reasons: Soccer is activity oriented. Soccer is less expensive than others. Soccer is less violent. Soccer fits into the family and community lifestyle easier than others. Enjoyable and fun activities at these age groups is top priority. The children at this age group are still very dependent on parents and parents must be influential and encouraging their children s activity by being present at games/practices. Parents participation will form the foundation of their children s interest in soccer. Parents and coaches do represent a role model (coach, teacher, mentor, and counselor) and will leave more often a lifelong impression with the children. Fun usually comes with activity. Short spells of activity followed by short rest periods (i.e. water break) should be followed as the concentration level at this age is very short. At these age groups the children are very egocentric and the ball is their very own possession and it will very unwillingly be relinquished. At the Mini Soccer age groups children enjoy physical activity that involves: Running, Jumping, Leaping, Hopping, Rolling, Turning, Bouncing, Kicking, Catching, and Trapping. It is very questionable to label a child at these age groups as a talent or star. The extra talent in soccer is the same exception as a child being perfect in reading and writing.

3 There is also the advantage that physically strong children do have in this age which gives them the edge in play for a short period of time. What is proven is that soccer coaching applied correctly will produce a very good player in the same manner that good teaching allows students to more easily learn their ABC s in school. The Mini Soccer coach needs to transform his/her knowledge about soccer to the level of the age group. Simple exercise. Small steps. This includes language. Phrases such as attack the ball, cover or make space, play the ball deep ; will be unrecognizable (with the exception of possibly U-10). Be creative, children at these ages really enjoy games that reference animals (i.e. sharks and minnows, british bulldog, etc.) and are coaxed into activities than they are coached. The more creative and entertaining you are the more you ll engage the children to participate in the activities you ve laid out to work on soccer knowledge and skills. It is easy to coach with very little formal knowledge of soccer. Don t be afraid to ask for help from either the TRSA age directors and even from player parents. As your focus will be on coaching do not hesitate to delegate tasks to player parents whether its roles to play during practice or more formal tasks like team manager or photographer. Characteristics of Children at this Age: Enjoys challenges. Longer attention span. Capable and willing to accept personal responsibilities. Shows a need for peer and adult approval (acceptance). Better co-operation to group play. Wants to excel in skills. Enjoys doing well and being admired for it. Fear of being embarrassed. Objectives: Players should continue to develop the basic skills of DRIBBLING, PASSING, and SHOOTING. Emphasis should continue to be placed on dribbling. Shooting and passing are secondary (please communicate this to your parents) but you will find that some players will start passing during games. Do not discourage passing if it happens. By this age the players will understand that the field has dimensions. Introduction to positions (i.e. forward, midfield, defender) is recommended.

4 First Steps: Once you have received your team contact list please immediately contact your assistant coach(es) and manager and any other noted volunteer for introductions and setting up an initial meeting to divide the tasks. Please do not forget that all parents should be encouraged to participate and you can also delegate further roles as you and the parents can work out. Please make the initial contacts to all the players as soon as practically possible as many parents will be wanting to know that their child is on a team and will be wanting to know what is happening. The role of the assistant coach will be to assist you in anyway necessary with equipment, running drills, and general support. Regardless All parents/guardians should be encouraged to participate in practice drills with their players. The manager at this age is responsible to contact the team and provide information as necessary throughout the season, but if you cannot get a parent to take on this role it is not too much more work. We suggest you make the initial contact by telephone (your manager can perform this duty if you choose). Whoever makes initial contact at the start of the season they should verify the addresses as it has happened in the past that addresses are incorrectly entered onto the TRSA database. If is the preferred method of communication during the season this should be explained at the initial contact with the parents and unless you have universal agreement on cc ing please bcc s. It is very easy for a coach to volunteer and do everything. Don t be afraid to ask for help even with assigning equipment delivery to various parents. A team meeting should be coordinated before the start of the season (or before or after the first practice/game session). It is suggested that your team schedules a short session (30 minutes to 60 minutes) at one of the fields in the Terwillegar Riverbend area. At this session the following can be accomplished: Distribute uniforms (this gets the children very excited to immediately get to wear their new uniform!). Introduction of coaches, players, and parents. Coach to communicate to parents any specific goals of the season and expectations for players and parents.

5 Selection of a team name. Run a few fun practice drills/games. You or your manager can either have ALL the parents sign up for a snack day(s) or the snack schedule can be set up assigning snack days. Expectations of Parents: Attend all sessions and positively encourage your child and intercede when your child is misbehaving or disrupting the team (the coach will not be expected to discipline the children). Ensure your child is listening to the coaches and following their instructions. Communicate to team manager or coach if their child cannot attend a session. If parent cannot attend they must designate someone to assume the guardian role. Cheering and positive encouragement from sidelines is allowed but negative yelling or shouting instructions (i.e. Johnny get in the open, pass the ball, why didn t you score) should not happen. The coach will provide any necessary instructions. Ensure child arrives at field on time ready to play with proper equipment including uniforms and shoes properly tied (double-tie if necessary). Equipment: You ll be advised when to pick up your equipment bag by TRSA. It will include: Jerseys and pinnies Balls (just a few, all players should bring their own ball to all practices and games) Pylons / Discs Goalie Uniform First Aid Kit Pump Schedule, Sessions and Season Duration: The U8 game sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It is also recommended that each team have one (1) separate formal practice session per week at this age group (schedule for these to be determined within each team). Formal game schedules will be distributed by the TRSA age group coordinator and the games are scheduled to start the last Tuesday in April (subject to City of Edmonton opening the fields) and conclude the Thursday in the 3 rd week in June.

6 The season will conclude with the SWEMSA U8 Tournament held the Saturday following the conclusion of the season (typically around June 22 nd ). This tournament is mandatory for all TRSA teams. The event will be held at Yellowbird Community. Your team will play minimum three (3) games in one (1) day. All children will receive medals at the conclusion of their final game. Regular Season Game & Practice Schedule: When you arrive at the field of play please check the fields for broken glass or any other debris that may cause injury. TRSA game sessions will be divided into a 15 minute warm-up period of fun drills and activities followed by a game comprised of two (2) 20 minutes halves with five (5) minute half time break. There are no referees at the U8 age group, coaches will undertake this role. Formal scores are not recorded or kept track of at this age level. Again it is recommended that each team have one (1) separate formal practice session per week at this age group to be determined within each team. Please refer to separate section on TRSA Rules for U8 Soccer (Modified from EMSA) enclosed within this package for detailed explanation of rules of the game. Please contact the Mini Soccer Director for any further explanation or interpretation. Please note the following pertaining to the game sessions and helpful hints: One coach or assistant from each team should be on the field guiding the play. Coaches to help referee the game and keep the game flowing. Although fouls and misconducts are often accidental and not really relevant at this age, there may be the odd occurrence where a child is doing something on purpose against another player or teammate that would be looked upon as a foul. The coach should stop the player and explain in a voice of instruction (not anger) that the act was wrong. Some common things that may occur include: Pushing Kicking Hitting Body Checking Holding Hand balls If a certain player is scoring many goals for your team or scoring on your team, do not try and discourage them from continuing to score. Praise and encourage

7 their efforts. You will do more damage to their skill development if you try and get them to hold back. Encourage the player to pass or have them try different positions. Do not keep track of the score as there are no winners or losers. All players are the winners and should be praised for their play, energy and improvement. If your team (although we do not keep track of the score) has experienced a game where the other team scored substantial more goals than your team, please ensure you tell the players immediately after the game that they played great, you are proud of them, you saw many super runners and kickers, give them all high fives, etc. Keep it positive and fun! Once the snacks are served most will forget. Children s Equipment Requirements: Children at this age level are required to wear the following equipment: Jersey (supplied by TRSA) Shorts children should wear a comfortable pair of shorts. Specific colours are not mandatory or a concern at this age (track pants and sweat tops may be worn). Soccer Ball (Size 3) Each child should bring their own soccer ball. Not all sports stores carry size 3 balls. Please call stores in advance to ensure they have stock. Shin Pads Soccer shin pads are mandatory. Most sports stores carry this item. Socks A comfortable pair that will fit over the child s shin pads. Shoes Running shoes or cleats. Soccer cleats are not mandatory at this age level. Water Bottle Frequent water breaks still occur at this age group. Team Photos There will be no TRSA organized team photos this season. A good suggestion is to pick one (1) date during the season as a photo day and advise the parents to bring cameras to take a team photo that day or get a parent to volunteer as the team photographer. Rainout Days: The City of Edmonton determines whether fields are open or closed. There are two ways to determine whether fields are open or closed: 1. Telephone: Ext.1 2. Website: The phone message indicates that fields will be updated at 4:00 P.M. daily should conditions change but we have found that they at times update the status of the fields even later so please keep checking. Please determine with your team what the best way

8 to inform parents if games are proceeding or not. Many teams leave the responsibility to check up to the parents. If fields are open and when you arrive at the field there is heavy rain or inclement weather the coaches should use their practical judgment at this point. If there is any lightning whatsoever the session should NOT proceed under any circumstances (please refer to SWEMSA Lightning Guideline noted on their website under the Outdoor tab: ) Sessions lost as a result of rain will not be rescheduled. Drills and Activities: The drills and activities described on the following pages are simple drills which have been used successfully for this age group over many years. Please take the time to study the planned drills. Feel free to improvise and innovate to cater to your team depending on how they are responding to the drill. Some useful tips to help in any session: Make sure each player has his/her own ball. Praise every effort ALL the time with EVERY player. Be enthusiastic and creative with the drills and activities. Variety is a must. Establish a pattern of play-rest-play-rest. Be satisfied with very small progression and recognize progress with praise. Be Punctual and ask the same of your players Look, act and speak like a coach Communicate well with parents and encourage them to communicate with you Have fun. Good luck with the rest of your season and have Fun, Fun and more Fun! TRSA would like to thank the following for contributions to the soccer drills included in this manual: -SWEMSA (Southwest Edmonton Minor Soccer Association) soccer drills. -EMSA Online Coaching Manual

9 REVISED APR. 5, 2010 Law I The Field: MODIFIED EMSA LAWS FOR U-8 PROGRAM TRSA Modified U8 Field (150(or)180 x 100) 150 or 180 feet A. Dimensions: - The field of play shall be rectangular. The playing are 150 ft or 180ft X 100ft. - The field markings will be close to these dimensions, however field space may be slightly smaller or larger depending on paint markings and availability of fields.

10 B. Markings: 1. Distinctive lines are necessary, sidelines and end-lines. 2. A halfway line can be marked out across the field or otherwise indicated. 3. Other marks are possible but not necessary for the enjoyment and development of the youngsters. A. Centre circle with a ten yard radius B. Four corner arcs with a two-foot radius C. A goal area C. Goals: 1. Goal Size should be feet wide and 6.5 feet high. 2. Goal mouth will be a rectangle surrounding the goal (size to be determined by TRSA). 3. In extenuating circumstances the net can be made of cones, flags or portable nets. As long as they are the same for both sides. Law II- The Ball: The ball should be size 3 Law III- Number of Players: A. Number of players on the field at any time will be 12. Each team with 5 players and a goal keeper. B. Substitutions: During any stoppage of play. (Suggested Every 3 to 5 minutes) C. Playing time: each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. (whenever possible) Law IV Players equipment: A. Footwear: Running shoes or cleated soccer shoes are permitted. (use common sense.) B. Shin-guards and socks covering- Mandatory C. Jersey- Supplied by organization.

11 Law V- Referee: Since there are no referees at this age group and the players need to be in close contact with the instructional coach, each team should have a representative on the field. Law VI Linesmen: No linesmen at this level Law VII- Duration of Game: A. The game will consist of two 20-minute halves. C. There shall be a 5 minute break in between halves. Law VIII The Start of play: A. The start of play shall consist of the visiting team starting with the ball at center. B. The second half shall start with the home team starting with the ball at center. C. The defending team shall be outside the center circle on their own half at any start from center. D. The ball must be played forward and can not be touched by the same player twice before another player has touched it. If this occurs the ball must be restarted. Law IX Ball in and out of play: - Any ball played out of bounds shall be awarded to the opposite team that put it out of the field of play. A throw-in will be awarded. Law X Method of Scoring: A. Goals will be awarded when the ball is kicked into the net, or between the goal posts (pylons, flags). B. Scoring may occur inside the goal area. Please Note: For U8 we ask that coaches allow goals to be scored within the crease if a player runs with the ball into the crease or receives a pass in the crease however if there is a rebound or scramble for the ball in the crease please blow your whistle and allow the goalie possession of the ball. We do not want any injuries to the goalies at the U8 level. Please use common sense in the application of the rule and remember no arguments on the field please, we don't keep score and let's keep the play moving quickly.

12 C. Goals may not be scored off of restarts D. Goals must be scored no higher than 5 feet. (If there are no nets) E. Goals may not be scored directly off a throw-in (i.e. thrown into the goal) Law XI Off-Side: There will be no off-sides. Law XII Fouls and misconduct: No pushing, hitting, kicking or holding an opponent and No hand balls. A. All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents 10 feet away. B. The referee or parent shall explain all infractions Law XIII Free Kick: A. Shall be classified under one heading - INDIRECT B. A goal shall not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team. C. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending teams goal box. Law XIV Penalty Kicks: No penalty kicks Law XV Throw-in: A. Throw ins will occur when the ball is put outside of the playing area (side-lines). B. The ball will be thrown into play. The proper technique for a throw in is for the player to have both their feet behind the side-line and must have part of both feet on the ground when the ball is thrown. The player is also to make a distinctive throwing motion using both hands delivering the ball from behind and over their head. C. At U8 we will not be overly concerned with players not following the proper technique. Players who do not perform the throw-in properly should be asked to do it again with the focus on the ball going from behind and over the head. (In the goal of maintaining the flow of the game only have the throw-in retaken once)

13 D. The same player can not touch the ball twice in a row if he/she is putting it into play. E. No goal can be scored on a throw in LAW XVI- Goal Kick: - Goal kicks will occur when the attacking team puts the ball across the defending team s goal (end) line. This will result in the goalkeeper kicking the ball from anywhere in the goal area. On a goal kick all players of the defending team should stand behind the line ½ way between the halfway line and goal line until the ball is kicked by the kicking team. Law XVII- Corner kick: - A corner kick will be awarded when the defending team puts the ball across their end line. This will result in a kick being taken at the corner closest to where the ball exited the playing area. Recommendations: - Both teams coaches and players should shake hands after the game - No alcoholic beverages should be consumed anywhere near the playing field - All children should have transportation home accompanied by a parent.