Rec Under 8 Age Group

What is U8 Soccer?

 

Under 8 (or U8) Soccer is all about having fun while learning the technical soccer skills needed for future development. At the U8 level, boys and girls play on separate teams and practice at least once per week. The kids still play small-sided soccer in a 4v4 format, which helps ensure that each child gets plenty of opportunities to touch and kick the ball. Teams are limited to a maximum of eight players. The boys and girls teams play in separate divisions in an intramural league. Each child plays at least half of every game. U8 soccer emphasizes skill development over competition, fun rather than winning, and sportsman-like behavior. U8 soccer differs from soccer in older age groups in that (1) no score is kept, (2) the playing field is smaller (usually 30 yards wide by 40 yards long), and (3) there is no goalkeeper.

 

Who can participate?

 

Boys and girls whose birthdates fall within the specified time periods are eligible to play U8 soccer. To verify your child’s eligibility to play U8 soccer, click here to return to the Age Group Chart.

 

When do the kids play?

 

The U8 teams generally play eight (8) or more games per season. The spring season begins in late February and ends in the middle of May. The fall season starts at the beginning of September and continues through the middle of November. The teams typically have two practices every week. One practice is a team practice led by the coach. The second practice is a skills session for all U8 girl and boy soccer players coordinated and led by the Club's professional soccer coaches. The focus of the skill sessions is for the players to learn basic soccer skills, such as dribbling, passing, shooting and ball control.

 

Where do the kids play?

 

Players in the U8 age group may elect on their registration form to play on a Liberty Park team or a Central team. Liberty Park teams practice and have skills sessions at the Vestavia Hills Sports Complex at Liberty Park. Central teams practice and have skills sessions at the soccer field behind the Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. The U8 age group games are generally played on Friday evenings at Central field or Liberty Park fields.

 

What equipment is needed to play?

 

All recreational players will purchase new team jerseys as dictated by club...

• Cost for set of jerseys (2) runs around $20-$30.
• Shinguards are required.
• Shinguards, black shorts and black socks are to be purchased separately by families.

 

How much does it cost to participate?

 

Please click here - Registration Costs

 

How do I sign up to play?

 

For information on the registration process, click on the Register to Play button at the top of the page.

 

Can my child play on a team with her or his friends?

 

Teams are assigned and formed by the Age Group Commissioner. An effort will be made to accommodate requests to play with friends (provided such request is made on the registration form and received by the Club prior to the registration deadline). The Age Group Commissioner is also charged with the duty of trying to create comparable teams (teams that are age and skill balanced). Therefore, the Age Group Commissioner may or may not be able to honor a specific request at his or her discretion.

 

How can I help with U8 Soccer?

 

Adult volunteers are always needed for the U8 Age Group! If you are interested in being a head coach or an assistant coach, please so indicate on your registration form. After the teams are formed and coaches assigned, each team will need a Team Parent to assist the team coaches with administrative duties, including the preparation of a snack schedule, indicating whose turn it is to bring team snacks and planning the team’s end of the season trophy party. If you are willing to serve as a Team Parent, please so indicate on the registration form or let your coach know of your willingness to help out.