The U6 division is a learning division and is designed to introduce young players to the game of soccer. Teams meet for a 1-hour session on Saturdays. Each session is divided into a half hour practice time where children learn basic skills, and a half hour of game time. The children will play short-sided games (3 on a side) on small fields with highly simplified laws. Short-sided games help ensure that children have fun and at the same time, maximize their learning opportunities.
AYSO is committed to its six philosophies:
- Open enrollment
- Balanced teams
- Everyone plays
- Positive coaching
- Good sportsmanship
- Player Development
AYSO posts these yellow signs at the entrances of playing fields to remind parents that they are entering a Kids Zone. In addition Kids Zone buttons will be handed out. This should help remind everyone that it's for the kids.
AYSO is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Each and every task that is done, from coaching, refereeing, lining fields, scheduling games, organizing divisions, training clinics, etc. is done by volunteers. We cannot make AYSO function without your help. We need you to volunteer. Here are some key ways you can help:
Almost all of AYSO U6 coaches are first-time coaches-parents. Short-sided soccer is a way to ease adults into coaching as well as to ease children into playing. Won't you consider coaching? This is the single biggest area where you can help. AYSO will provide you with the training & resources necessary for you to do the job. You supply the smile and encouraging words.
The time commitment involved is around 1 hour a week. Since you already have to be at the field with your child this should not impact your schedule. In addition, you will need to attend a U6 Coaching Clinic before the season starts and schedule a team meeting. Most other team related tasks can be delegated to your team parent. We will do our best to assign an assistant coach to each team.
Be available at the practice/game sessions to assist the coach. Fill in for the coach when he/she cannot be present. You will need to attend a U6 Coaching Clinic before the start of the season.
Each team needs a team parent to help organize snacks, communicate with the whole team on behalf of the coach, organize the end-of-season party, and generally take care of administrative details for the team (roster, schedule etc.)
There are many opportunities for you to help out. Please don't assume that someone else will do it!
All practice/game sessions will be held at Fireman's Field on Saturdays.
- Uniform
- Shin guards (mandatory for all practices and games)
- Soccer shoes (These shoes may not have a toe cleat. Tennis shoes are ok.)
- Water bottle (great for those hot fall days)
For safety reasons, players are not allowed to wear jewelry (earrings, necklaces, barrettes etc...) during practices or games. Special provisions can be made for medical items (ex: medic-alert bracelets)
Each team consists of 8 or 9 players and are divided into boys and girls teams.
There is a mandatory Parent Meeting to find out which team your child is on and explain the rules of the game. See the Important Dates above for the time and place. Coaches will contact their players and families before the start of the season.
Here are some useful guidelines that will help make this an enjoyable season for you and everyone else.
- Please show up at the field about 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Resist the urge to run onto the field if your child gets knocked down or hurt. Let the coach deal with the issue. You will be called upon if needed.
- If a player is misbehaving (temper tantrum, aggressive behavior, etc.) they may be asked to leave for a cooling off period. Please support the coach in that decision.
- Only 1 coach per field. Players get confused when they hear more than one person "coaching" from the sidelines. If you can't help yourself, perhaps you should consider becoming a coach!
- No parents on the playing field. If you are not the coach or assistant coach then sit back, relax, and enjoy. Let them run the show.
- Heading the ball is not recommended or encouraged for this age group.
- Slide talking is not allowed at this level.
- If you have the first session of the day, please show up extra early to help set up the goals. If you have the last one, then help tear down the goals.
- Dogs are not allowed on the playing fields.
- Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on or near the playing fields at either practices or games.
- Please help pick up trash (especially yours) after each game.