U5 Girls and Boys - AYSO Soccer Region 372

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.

GENERAL
Every effort should be made to institute a U-5 division separate from U-6, as there are significant social, emotional and physiological differences between U-5 and U-6 players. Every effort should also be made to have girls and boys divisions. The „JAMBOREE ONE WITH ONE’ format described within this document is the preferred program and should be followed when offering the U-5 program. The U-5 program consists of one day per week of the Jamboree One with One program for 8-10 weeks.

ORGANIZATION
Jamboree One with One is the combination of two different formats that, put together, will provide the best possible introduction to soccer for our youngest players. In AYSO soccer, a jamboree means that the teams are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. One with One refers to the concept that each player will have a parent (or other ADULT) working with them on the field.

A “MASTER COACH” WILL LEAD EACH SESSION. The „Master Coach‟ will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair (parent and
player) will then attempt the activity while the master coach circulates between pairs providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the “master coach” will bring the players and parents back together as a group and recap what they have done, introducing the next game/activity. „Coach Helpers‟ (a parent specifically trained for U-5 players) will be on each field or grid, with the other parents and players and keep the games going and make corrections as needed within their group, not coaching the players.
Each Jamboree One with One session will end with a 20 minute short-sided game of (3V3). Details regarding the game are explained later in this document. Most importantly, allow the players to play without coaching, teaching is the experience, to expose them to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher.
MASTER COACH

The „Master coach‟ should be a certified (at minimum) as an AYSO Advanced Coach Instructor and Advanced Coach Instructor. The Master Coach is in charge at the field. The master coach introduces and demonstrates each game/activity and then circulates to help the parents as they help the kids, providing ALL with a positive learning experience. One coach helper will be on each field or grid, helping the parents and player play the game. The coach helpers will be given the game/activity ahead of time to become familiar with the games and thus help the parents with their players keep the games going. If available, one coach helpers for every 4-5 players (one which will/may be the coach helpers own child).

3V3 GAME SETUP AND GUIDELINES
Each player in the U-5 division can receive a uniform, since it is part of the fun to get dressed up for “the big game”. Having fun will make the kids want to come back. The uniforms should be identical for all players. Each week before the games begin, players will be divided into groups of 4-5 players on each side of the field/grid. Based on how many players arrive, different colored shirts will differentiate the teams for the games for that particular weekend will be used. Players will play three against three of 3v3.

SESSION SCHEDULE
Sessions should last 60 to 75 minutes, including organizing time and breaks-NO MORE.
10 minutes Confirm games for the day and understanding of them and Group Warm-up and stretching
5 minutes water break
20 minutes Training games and activities
5 minutes water and potty break(individual players should be allowed to take potty breaks as they need)
5-10 minutes Team organizing, assigning players to teams and assigning field locations
15-20 minutes 3v3 GAME

During the game, one parent from each team, the coach helper , we call them super coaches, is to act as the game supervisors for that week. These coach helpers should only be required to keep the games going. ALL other parents should encourage and cheer positively and refrain from coaching, or giving directions from the sidelines. THIS IS THE TIME FOR THE KIDS TO PLAY THEIR GAME OF SOCCER.
The Field is approximately 30yds x 15yds and marked with cones or lines. The Goals may be large cones approximately four feet apart or popup goals that are four feet high and five feet wide. The Ball should be size 3 (three). Player‟s equipment; shoes and shin guards covered by the soccer socks are mandatory at all practices and game activities for all age groups. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes arereccomended. The type and condition of cleated shoes will be inspected for safety before each week‟s game. The Start of Play for the beginning of each game and after each goal will be with a kick off from the center of the field. The super coach at the field will determine when the ball is out of play. When the ball goes out of play in a U-5 game, across the touch line (side line) or the goal line (end line) with out a goal being scored: a throw-in is awarded at the point the ball crossed the line, to the team that did not touch the ball last. Whether the throw-in is properly taken or not, let it go…. We will teach proper technique later, Keep the game moving and fun with minimum interruption. Deliberate fouling should be rare in U-5 games. There should be few reasons to stop play. When play has been stopped to „sort things out‟ the restart is a free kick. The deserving team is awarded the free kick, which means, if you‟re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick. At the end of each week‟s game, treats and a drink that is health will be provided. Team Parents will be established and will organize the list for parents to sign up for the treat or drinks for each week of the season. Please take the time to read this material and feel free to ask questions. I look forward to training and working with you. This is a great program and a special time for your child and you to really have fun and start to learn to play the great game of soccer.

Yours in Soccer
AYSO Master Coach Terri and Coach Jim
tefrice@gmail.com