U8 Coaching Guide. Mission Statement TRSA supports and develops an inclusive soccer program that enhances community and promotes an active lifestyle.

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1 U8 Coaching Guide Mission Statement TRSA supports and develops an inclusive soccer program that enhances community and promotes an active lifestyle.

2 Welcome Thank you for volunteering your time to be a TRSA U8 soccer coach. What a rewarding and exciting job you have taken on! We know you are up to the challenge. This guide has been written with you in mind. Regardless of your experience with soccer, it will make your job EASY and FUN! What s Inside Session Planner: Tips, objectives, understanding your players... A recipe for success-how to break down your sessions.. Game time information All about Ball Manipulation. All about ABC s... Sample session plan. Session plan template... Fun games... Frequently Asked Questions: Additional Resources: Injury Information P.1 P.2 P.3 P.4 P.5 P.6 P.7 P.8-23 P.24 P Need Information? 1. Check the FAQ section of this guide 2. Check out our website Still can t find what your looking for? 3. Contact TRSA Program Manager Charlane Gorsak at trsa.soccer@telus.net

3 - 1 - So, you re a coach! Here s what we need from you Teach these kids to love the game! Engage, encourage and enjoy! Be prepared, positive, professional and passionate! If you are having fun, they will too! Yes, it s that simple! Tips to make your coaching career a success Never be on time! Always be early. Be organized and share responsibilities with another coach, delegate duties; your assistants are key! Have your session planned ahead of time! Use the session format in this guide to ensure a consistent, purposeful practice each and every time. Quickly get the players active! LOOK THE PART. BE A GREAT ROLE MODEL. Objectives as a U8 coach Develop a love for the game of soccer! Development of soccer related ABC s as well as fundamental movement skills. Further develop running with the ball as well as dribbling, kicking the ball forward and basic shooting. Introduction of cooperation with teammates. Development of game intelligence training in 3v1, 3v2, 3v3 and 4-goal formats. Create a positive environment where success can be achieved. Understanding Your Players Co-ordination difficulties Short attention spans Capable of cooperative play in small groups Enjoys doing well and being praised for it Enjoys challenges Sensitivity to criticism Fear of embarrassment Shows a need for peer and adult approval Can become discouraged quickly when things don t work out

4 - 2 - A recipe for success!~how to break down your 60 minute sessions 1. Minutes 0-10 Ball Manipulation ~ Developing comfort with a ball A great way to activate the players at the start of a session. Provides the opportunity for each player to work one on one with a ball, developing their comfort, confidence and technique. Arrange all players in a 20*20 yard grid, each with their own ball. Activities will include using all the different surfaces of the feet on the ball, kicking and catching the ball, dropping and kicking the ball, bouncing and kicking the ball etc. More on page Minutes 10-20ABC s~ Developing fundamental movement skills The second portion of your session should be spent working to develop agility, balance and coordination as well as the fundamental movement skills needed to excel in the game of soccer. This includes activities focused on running, jumping, twisting, turning, dodging, hopping etc. It will be done forwards, backwards, sideways and back again! Additional information as well as activities to try, see page Minutes FUN GAME ~ Creating a positive environment where success can be achieved! The fun games in this guide will provide the players an opportunity to develop comfort with the ball and their fundemental movement skills, in a fun, positive enviroment! Gives you the opportunity run along side and have fun with your team! Learning comes with play. Let the game be the teacher! See pages Remember! The games outlined in this guide are suggestions. You know your players. If they need a little more time developing a particular skill, don t be afriad to come back and try a fun game again, at a different session! Most important is you and your team are having FUN!

5 4. MINUTES GAME TIME ~ Developing a love for the game Games will be 5v5, with a goal keeper for each team. Organize the playing field as shown below and divide the team into 2 groups. Each group will play the opposing team simultaneously; one group with the coach and one with the assistant coach. Throw-ins: Balls played out of bounds will be awarded to the opposite team for a throw in. Both feet behind the sideline. Part of each foot must be touching the ground as the ball is thrown. Players must make a distinctive throwing motion, delivering the ball from behind their head. Do not be overly concerned with players following proper technique. Goal kick: Balls played out past the end line, by the attacking team, go to the goal keeper for a goal kick. A Goal keeper may kick the ball from anywhere in the goal area. Players should all retreat to center line. Your role during game time Corner Kick: Balls played out past the end line, by the defending team, will be awarded to the opposite team for a corner kick. Encourage active participation Praise positive effort Tips to make game time a success Create supportive environment Let the game be the teacher Keep it simple Ask parents for help! Setting up and organizing the playing area Keeping the players awaiting their turn on the field busy with a ball Assemble the subs and alert you every 2-3 minutes Save snacks for AFTER the game! Be positive! Look and act like a coach! Shake hands with the opposing team after the game Results do not matter Be the coaxer Keep it fun

6 - 4 - Commence each session by having all players dribbling throughout a 20*20 yard grid; each with their own ball. After 1-2 minutes have the players come in close for instructions. The variations are almost endless; adjust them to suit your players. Start simple and progress as the season continues. Demonstrate a move and have the players repeat. This is a great opportunity to discuss the 10 different surfaces of the feet: inside, outside, laces, heels and soles on both feet. ENSURE THE PLAYERS ARE TOUCHING THE BALL Challenge yourself to see how many touches you can get in. You can add in all different movement patterns, sequences, turns and tricks to keep the activity new and exciting for the players. Encourage the players to come up with their favorite move and demonstrate! Tapping the ball with the soles of the feet Jumping over the ball Running with the ball Dribble with the laces: slow down and push the ball lightly-left, right and alternate Kick, bounce, kick Sole drag backs: hopping between feet, move backwards, dragging the ball back, alternating between the sole of the shoes Bouncing the ball Throwing the ball and catching it Dropping the ball to your feet Dropping the ball to your thighs Push the ball from side to side, right to left and back again Toe taps: hopping from one foot to the other, tapping the ball with the opposite foot each time Sole push: pushing the ball forward with the sole of the shoes

7 - 5 - RELAY TIME Arranging the players in 4 lines of 3. Have them all stand behind a row of cones. Each will take a turn through the cones, return and the next player will follow. Each session can focus on different movement skills and performing them in different directions. While this activity is played in relay style, it is important to ensure that the players are not trying to win but rather are completing the exercises properly. Pick different combinations of the following or make up your own to work on each session. Running forward in a figure 8 Hop through on both feet Side step in figure 8 Crab crawl Monkey walk Running backward in a figure 8 Hop through on right foot only/left foot only Jump side to side Jump directly over OBSTACLE COURSE This can be used as an obstacle course as shown. Alternatively break it up and use any one of the set ups individually. Encourage all the different movement skills noted above or come up with your own! Make it fun and exciting as you bounce, crawl, hop, skip and run around the course! A FEW MORE IDEAS! LEAP FROG Skip the cones and use the players! Have the players jump over each other to get to the other side of the playing area. FOLLOW THE LEADER You can incorporate any movement skills you wish, from quick, tiny, fairy-feet to huge, angry, giant-feet! Have the kids take a turn leading the line and come up with their favorite move. OVER UNDER In pairs of 2, have the players stand back to back; each pair with a ball. The first player will pass the ball up and over their head to the player behind, who will then pass back through the legs to the first player. Add a challenge and see how many passes each pair can do in a minute.

8 - 6 - THEME: Dribbling Ball Manipulation: Min 0-15 Dribbling with the laces Running with the ball Push the ball from side to side Sole drag backs ABC s: Min Relay races figure 8 around the cones o First round without the ball o Add the ball in- forward dribble and shuffle side to side Sample Session Plan Jump forwards and backwards over the ball Fun Game: Min Six goal game PG. 22 Set up six, 2 foot gates Coach players to keep head up Coach players to change direction Game Time 6:45-7:00 Encourage: running with the ball Using the laces Reflection:

9 - 7 - THEME: Ball Manipulation 6:00-6:10 Session Plan ABC s 6:10-6:20 Fun Game 6: 20-6:30 Game Time 6:30-7:00 (Coach the theme of your practice) Reflection:

10 - 8 - Fun Games Gate Passing Purpose This game teaches the players to work together in teams and on passing and moving with the ball. Organization 25*20 yard grid with a cone in each corner. Make 12 gates by placing cones of varying sizes throughout the grid. Split the team into pairs, each pair with their own ball. How many passes can a pair get in one minute? Try asking the players to receive the ball with different parts of their foot. Teams pass through one gate and move to the next. Plan the next move, thinking about the pace of the ball & Partner. Directions Have the pair s first pass through a single gate to work on their passing technique. Then instruct them to pass through as many gates as they can, in one minute. Ensure you play several rounds to allow the pairs to develop different strategies to improve their score. Players should improve passing with accuracy, vision and be thinking of their next move, when receiving the ball. You want to see players striking through the middle of the ball. Try having them envision the ball as an Oreo cookie; aiming for the cream in the middle! Switch it up! Have 1 pair act as bandits, attempting to steal the ball from another pair. Try making passes longer, make it through more than one gate with a single pass.

11 Fun Games Ice Monsters Purpose A great game used to introduce the idea of patience when defending. Teaching players to not dive in, to win the ball. Organization Create a 20*20 yard grid. Players are divided into one group of 8 players; each with a ball and one group of 4 Ice Monsters ; each holding a coloured pinnie. Arrange eight gates, of various sizes, throughout the grid. Ice Monsters stay low! Keep your feet moving so you can tap the ball away! Ice Monsters work together and corner a player! Directions Explain to the players, they are on a frozen island. Have them dribble around for 1-2 minutes, through the gates, which are the Heaters. The 4 Ice Monsters are attempting to freeze the players by tapping the ball with their feet. If a players ball is tapped, they must freeze and remain frozen, until another player comes up and does 4 toe taps on their ball. This will heat them back up. Switch Ice Monsters every1-2 minutes. Ensure the Ice Monsters (defenders) maintain control of their body and do not just kick the player s ball away. Try adjusting the gate sizes to challenge the players. Switch it up! Have Ice Monsters hold their pinnie and now try to win the ball. If they are successful they can drop their pinnie and the player who lost the ball, becomes the Ice Monster. Can the Ice Monster win the ball?? Try switching roles!

12 Fun Games 1v1 Box Competition Purpose This activity improves confidence in executing moves, to beat a defender and set up a shot on goal. Organization Set 2 fields up side by side. Place a goal in one end of each field. Make each field 30*15 yards, with an 8*8 yard box, about 15 yards from the goal. Split the players into teams and have each team line up behind a cone, 5 yards behind the grid. Ensure players keep the ball close when preforming moves and preparing to shoot. The players now must attempt to beat the defender in the box. Focus on timing the moves to be successful beating the defender. Directions The first player in each line will dribble up to the grid and attempt a move, to beat a defender. The player will then look to dribble the ball closer to the net and score. Tell the teams they have two minutes to score as many goals as they can. In the next round, add a defender in each field. You are attempting to build confidence attacking 1v1 and shooting on goal. Remind the players of timing their moves; versus the defender and to prep their body to face the goal when shooting. Switch it up! You can adjust the distance of the grid from the goal, in order to make shooting easier or more challenging. If the defender wins the ball they can dribble out of the grid for a point.

13 Fun Games Capture the Ball Purpose Players will work on their passing skills with small groups and opposition. Organization 20*25 yard grid with cones placed in the corners. Place 6 cones, with balls on top of each, 5 yards off each end line. Divide players into teams of 4 and have each team wear a different coloured pinnie. Stand in the middle of the touchline with extra balls. First touch should take them away from pressure. Players body position should allow them to see the field. Keep players communicating. How can they work together? Allow players to move behind the balls to support the pass. Directions Two teams will play 3 minute games. Play balls in to restart the activity. Each team must try to pass a ball and knock one of the balls off the cones. If they are successful, they can move the ball and cone to their side of the field, to set it up there. The winner at the end of 3 minutes is the team with the most balls on their side! Ensure the players are working together and passing with accuracy. Look for players who are not actively engaged and play balls directly to them, to encourage participation. Switch it up! Play multiple balls at a time to keep players busy! Encourage long and short passes.

14 Fun Games Triangle Goal Game Purpose This game provides continuous opportunities for shooting and encourages communication between teammates, to create different shooting angles. Players need to pass the ball to find and open shooting angle. Toes down, ankle locked, knee over the ball when striking with laces Players receiving the ball from a shot should cushion the ball. Players should be moving to support teammate with the ball. Organization 35*35 yard grid with cones in each corner. A triangle goal is created in the middle, with flags or cones placed 8 feet apart. Divide players into two teams of 5 and have 2 players as goal keepers, for the 3 goals created by the triangle. Encourage parents to participate if additional goal keepers are needed. Position yourself in one corner with all of the soccer balls. Directions Play a ball into one of the teams. They can shoot through any side of the triangle goal for a point. Each goal is worth 1 point. Once a ball is played, it remains in play for whichever team wins it. If the keeper saves the ball, they will pass back to you. Keep track of the goals scored and saves made, to create a competition between the teams and the keepers. First touch to set up a shot, movement from players to create scoring chances. Create and area 5 yards out from the goal, to prevent players from shooting too close to the keepers. Switch it up! Adding 1-2 neutral players will create more scoring chances. To avoid the same players facing off each round, make your lines uneven. Build on this by making it 2v1 or 2v2. The keeper will pass the ball back to you after a save.

15 Fun Games Ice Cream Scoop Challenge Purpose This game allows the players to work on their defensive approach and stance, in a 1v1 format. Additionally the attacking players are given opportunity to improve moves used to beat the defenders. Defender sprints to the attacking player and applies pressure, slowing down and taking smaller steps upon approach. Keep those feet moving! Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front! Organization Divide grid into two 10x15 yard areas. Two yards off each end line, place a cone with a ball (ice cream) on top. Stand between the 2 grids in the coaching channel. Divide the players into 4 groups and arrange groups on opposite end lines. Directions One side of the area will start the attacking; you will play the ball to them first. These players will attempt to beat the defender and try to pass the ball to the cone, knocking the ice cream off. Should the defender win the ball, they will attempt to knock the ice cream off the other cone, for a point. Are the defending players able to recognize when to slow down and keep their body under control; in order to keep the attacking player in front of them? To avoid the same players facing off each round, make your lines uneven. Build on this by making it 2v1 or 2v2. If the defender wins the ball, quickly transition to attack.

16 Fun Games Players dribble around in the middle avoiding others until their number is called. Popcorn Purpose Teaches players to transition from dribbling to shooting, using their instep. Organization 30*20 yard grid, with 2 goals. In the middle arrange a zone the width of the space and 8-10 yards long. Divide players into 2 teams, each wearing different coloured pinnies. Start each player with a ball and assign them a number between 1-6. A goal keeper is in each net. Directions Explain to the players they are each an individual piece of popcorn and the middle area is the popcorn-pot. Teams are told which goal they are to shoot on. Players dribble around in the pot, avoiding each other; while heating up! Call out a number and the player assigned to that number, on both teams, will pop and dribble out of the pot, taking a shot on goal. See who can score the most goals in 2 minutes. Pay attention to shooting technique: toe down, ankle locked, knee over the ball and striking with the laces. Have parents on the sides, collecting the balls! When their number is called the player should make a clean move and turn towards the goal for a shot. Players should be positioned Switch it to up! receive Call the out ball a facing colour the and goal; a first number. touch should be out The from player under them, whose allows color for is step called and shoot. is attacking their goal and the player with the same number on the other team must try to defend. Are players striking the ball with their laces and heads down?

17 Fun Games Minute to Win It Purpose This activity works on speed and angle of approach, when defending. Organization 20*20 grid. Divide players into four groups of 3. Create a 2 yard goal with cones in each corner of the field. Defender sprints to the attacking player and applies pressure, slowing down and taking smaller steps upon approach. Keep those feet moving! Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front! Directions The first player in line passes a ball diagonally across the grid to line 3 and then runs to defend. If the player from line 3 can dribble through the gate/goal, they earn a point. If the defender can win possession of the ball, they can either pass back to their team for a point OR dribble it through the gate of line three, for 2 points. Once the game has finished, line 2 will play to line 4 and when complete, have the lines switch roles for another round. Encourage the defenders to angle their approach to force the attacker away from the goal. Create teaching moments and talk to the players as they are waiting in line, to allow for more repetition. Switch it up! Have more than one group playing at a time. Have a trigger word if players are static and not attacking the ball. If the defender wins the ball quickly transition to attack.

18 Fun Games Categories Purpose Teaching players how to angle their run and receive the ball. Organization Create an 8*8 square in the center of a large circle, with cones. Divide the players into 2 teams. Half of the players are in the center while the other half are around the circle, with the balls. Outsiders pass the balls with their hands to the checking player. Receiver should look over their shoulder before receiving the ball. Center players are checking at an angle to receive the ball. Change the surface the receivers use to pass. Directions Call out a category at the start of each round. Players who start in the center, must check to an outside player and call out a name from the category you have chosen. Example: You call out vegetables, then the inside player will approach an outside player and say carrot in order to receive the ball. The center players will receive the ball and play it back to the outside player, run back to the square and move on to receive a pass from another outside player. Players are checking at an angle that leaves their body open to seeing the field. Players need to cushion the ball upon receiving. Switch it up! Have players split into thirds with two thirds on the outside and one third on the inside. Players dribble through the center of the square.

19 Fun Games Coconuts in the Sky Purpose A fun game that teaches players about passing accuracy and receiving. Organization 25*20 yard grid with a cone in each corner. Five yard end zones are on each end line. Balls set atop of 6 cones, down the middle of the grid. These are the coconuts. Players should take a setup touch before passing the ball. Players may use different surfaces to receive the ball. Receive with the knee over the ball and a cushioned touch Players can pass to each other for a better shot. Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front! Directions Divide the players into two groups. Each group is to stay in their end zone. The goal is to pass the ball, knocking the coconuts off the cone. Players in one end zone will receive balls that roll past the coconuts. The team that knocks off the most coconuts, wins the game. Encourage players to focus on accuracy of the pass and receiving the ball, to set up a pass. Modify the size of the grid, depending on the ability of your group to pass over distances. Switch it up! Instead of keeping score, the team who knocks the last coconut off the cone, can win. Ask the players to receive the ball and perform a move, before passing.

20 Fun Games Star Wars 3v1 Purpose Encourages players to communicate and work together to create scoring chances in the box. Organization 20*20 yard playing area. Divide players into 2 teams. The attacking team is five yards from the top of the box, in teams of 3. The defending team forms a line on the end line. Add a goalkeeper. Position yourself with the balls near the attackers. First player to receive the ball should look to see if they can shoot. If the defender closes the shot, the player should look to pass. Directions Play a ball to one of the players at the tip of the box. As you play the ball, the first player in the defending line should run to defend 3v1. The attacking team should work together and attempt to score on the goal. Ensure the players have the correct body position when receiving the ball. 1 st touch is out from under them to set up a quick shot. Vary the line the ball is played into which will allow more players to be involved. Switch it up! You can make this game more challenging by allowing another defender to enter, once the attacker makes the first pass. Remind players to have their heads over the ball when shooting, don t lean back!

21 Fun Games How to Feed Your Dragon Purpose This easy game incorporates agility with goal scoring. Encourage players to shoot with the inside of their foot. What movements can the players try for each round (jogging, skipping or hopping)? Once players have the food dribble back to the goal and shoot! Plant that foot and point towards the goal when finishing! Organization In a 25*25 yard area, arrange three goals in the middle of 3 of the 4 sidelines. In the middle of the 4 th, pile enough balls for each player to have one. Create a semi-circle with cones off the 4 th sideline. Build a minimum of 10 gates (with cones) of various sizes and distances apart, throughout the grid. Directions Divide the players into 3 teams. Each will line up next to a goal, their pet dragon. The balls are food for their dragon and it needs to be fed! When you yell GO the first person from each line will move through three gates to power up before getting food, (a ball) from the pile. Only one piece of food at a time and the player must dribble it back near their goal, before passing into their dragon s mouth. Once the first player has gone, the next in line will repeat. Which team has fed their dragon the most? Warm up the players with various movements. Ensure accuracy by encouraging use of the inside foot, when finishing. To have the players shooting from further back, set up a shooting zone in front of the goal. Switch it up! Have players dribble back through three gates, before shooting. Assign 2 players as bandits who act as passive defenders. Players keep their heads down and strike the middle of the ball!

22 Fun Games 3v3 Change Game Purpose Encourages communication between small groups of players working together and putting pressure on the ball. Organization 20*25 yard grid divided into 3 zones. Middle zone is 15 yards long and end zones are 5 yards. A large goal is created with flags or cones on each end line. Divide players into four teams of 3 players, wearing different coloured pinnies. Teammates must be communicating to determine who will put pressure on the ball. When the attack passes the ball the defenders need to adjust their body and speed to ensure they keep the players in front of them. Directions Two teams will play 3v3, in the middle area while the remaining teams act as the goal keepers; working as one, holding hands as they move around the goal. When you say Alakazam, the 3 players in the middle switch with the players in goal. Team communication and putting pressure on the ball are the main objectives in this game. Ensure the goals are big enough, so the keepers must move to defend them and work together. Switch it up! Instead of Alakazam call out the colour of the teams that will face off next. This will allow teams to play different opponents, each round. Yell Alakazam and have the players switch roles.

23 Fun Games Line Dribble Purpose Provides players with repetition, using different moves to beat a defender. Organization 20*25 yard grid marked with cones, in each corner. Arrange cones to create end zones, five yards off each end line. Place flags 10 yards from the center of the sideline, where you will stand with all the balls. Divide the players into two teams of 6, each team wearing a different coloured pinnie. Yell GO and the first player in each line runs around their flag. The last player to touch the ball brings it back to you! Call out more than one player from a team! Directions When you yell GO, the first player in line must run around their flag, before entering the field. Play the ball towards the first player to create an attacking advantage. The player must dribble the ball to the opposite end zone and stop the ball for a point. If the defending player can win the ball, they can score at the opposite end line. Encourage players to make a good first touch and attack the defender at speed. Are the groups taking too long? Try playing additional balls and have the next group play simultaneously. Switch it up! Add numbers to the activity to create 2v1, 2v2 and 2v3 games. Try adding a small goal at either end. Engage the players waiting, what would they do if it was them on the field?

24 Fun Games Six Goal Game Purpose Using multiple goals, encourages players to keep their heads up and be searching for scoring opportunities. Players can dribble to get to goal or identify when to change their direction. Play a ball any time a goal is scored or a ball goes out of bounds. Teams can look to the bumpers for support. Play in additional balls to any inactive players. Remind the bumpers to move so they can support different plays. Organization In a 25*35 yard grid, mark corners with cones. Create three goals, each measuring 2 yards wide, with cones on each end line. Divide players into three teams, each with a different coloured pinnie. Soccer balls are on the side, with you. Directions Teams will play 4v4 while one team is on the end lines acting as bumpers. Teams each play for 2 minutes before one team will switch with the bumpers. You are the boss of the ball and will play in each ball. The players need to decide when they can dribble to penetrate to the goal or change directions to find another scoring option. More than one ball can be played at a time. This will encourage more players to participate. Switch it up! Have the bumpers act as gate keepers, stepping in and closing different gates at different times. Closing off gate with the bumpers will make this activity more challenging!

25 Fun Games v2 Transition to Goal Keeper Purpose This is a fun transition game that encourages players to communicate with their partner while working on their individual defending. Organization Creating several small 10*20 grids, with goals on either end, will allow several groups to play simultaneously. Divide players into groups of two. Defender makes an angled run attempting to cut off the pass to the other attacker. Encourage the defender to stay low and keep their feet moving to force the attacker to the sideline. Directions The pair starting without the ball will have one player on the field as a defender while the other acts as a goal keeper; who must remain at the goal. Should the defending player win possession of the ball, they must pass back to the keeper to switch roles and start the attack. The pair that lost possession will then transition to defence, with one player in goal and the other defending. Players should be encouraged to think about their body position when defending and how to approach the ball. Switch groups every few minutes, to encourage groups to face off with different players. Switch it up! To allow for a faster transition, players do not have to play the ball back to the keeper before switching from defence to attack. Defender should look for opportunity to gain possession of the ball and pass to keeper to switch roles!

26 FAQ First steps Contact your assistant coach immediately. If assigned a team manager contact immediately as well. Contact parents via as soon as you have your team lists. They will be anxious to hear about their child s season. Ask for a reply- Any that do not respond should be contacted by phone to ensure the is correct in the TRSA database. Be sure to BCC all parents until you have agreed consent on sharing. Initial Team Meeting Prior to the start of the season, even just before the first game. Deliver team jerseys. Discuss your goals and expectations for the season. Discuss/delegate important roles parents can take on during the season. o Someone to help set up equipment. o Time keepers for games. o Parents can each sign up for a snack day/you or your team manager can assign each family a designated day. Introduce teammates! Choose your team name! Run a few fun games. Practices It is recommended you have 1 practice each week along with your 2 scheduled game days. You schedule your own practices. Pick a day that works best for your team. You may use any field not in use by another team. It is not necessary to book fields for practices. Rainout/Field closures Games are ON unless fields are closed by the City of Edmonton. Field closure information is found: o Online o By phoning Information 4pm. Please use your judgment, if you arrive there is lighting or fields are unsafe games should be canceled. Player equipment TRSA provides all players with a soccer jersey, which they may keep. Players provide their own: Shorts- pants are acceptable. Socks- you can decide if you would like a specific colour. Shoes-cleats are recommended, running shoes are acceptable. Shin pads- mandatory. Soccer ball (size 3). Water bottle. Team Photos TRSA is not providing team photos, but players/teams may make their own arrangements for team photos. A parent can take this on as their volunteer commitment or teams can hire a photographer at their own cost. Tournament There are many tournament opportunities for U8 Players please visit For registration information.

27 Injury Information

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29 VALUES T Teamwork Inclusion Community Unity Commitment to something bigger than you R Relationships Engagement Parents with kids and coaches engage Understanding communication Kids relationships Partnerships/support S Sportsmanship A safe place to participate Respect team, officials, game Commitment to team Civility behaviour, language, age appropriate (as a coach) Diplomacy Fair play Polite competition Respect for the game/opponents A Active Participation/healthy movement Active volunteers