1. sports
2. soccer

Welcome to Blackfalds Minor Soccer Association​
­ thank you so much for stepping up to coach a team this year! Without volunteer coaches like you, our league would not be possible. Please feel free to contact us for any assistance ­ we are here to help you become the best coach you can be. A coach is one of the most influential people in a child's life. Coaches not only teach skills but how to win and lose graciously. The skills they learn may only be used for a few years but the attitudes they develop towards themselves and others will last a lifetime. The role of a coach is to help the players be the best they can be. Each kid will respond to different types of coaching. Some need stern instruction and some need positive reinforcement, most need a combination of both. Remember that as a coach, you represent your team and our league. You make an impact. You and your team must always show respect towards all officials. Never forget that soccer is supposed to be fun! It also teaches fair play, team cooperation and the value of hard work. These players will remember these days for many years so let's make it a great experience for them. Celebrate the wins and praise the losses. Let them give it their all and leave it on the field. Do the best they can and if they had fun, then they've won. Thanks you again for being a coach!!!
See you on the field!!! Purpose: ● The goal of the u8 program is to enhance the child’s movement and technical understanding as it relates to soccer specifically ● As well, the program introduces basic individual tactics and team tactics Why 4 vs. 4 soccer ● The basic team unit of soccer is three ● In 3 a­side soccer, the triangle introduced the basic tactical formation ● Now in 4 vs. 4 soccer, the coach will continue to build on the basic triangle tactical formation by introducing the diamond The objectives for the player 4 A­side soccer: ● Movement with the ball ● Movement without the ball ● Passion for the game ● Enjoyment ● Dribbling ● Passing & Receiving Skills Suggested rules for the 4 vs. 4 game: The game: ● Game format­ 4 vs. 4 ● Team size ­ ideal 8­10 ● Game duration­ 2 x 20 min ● Ball size­ 3 Formation: ● When playing u8 soccer, the ideal formation to introduce is a diamond shape moving from the triangle taught 3 vs. 3 Sweeper­keeper: ● This position is the last player in defence who will be allowed to use his or her hands in the goal area only. Also known as a goalkeeper Number of players/substitutions: ● The game is played with 4 players on the field ● Substitutions can be made on the fly or every 3 or 4 mins shifts and then change. Rules Off­sides: ● There are no off­sides at the u8 level of soccer Goal area: ● A line is made 8 yards from the goal line & 6 yards on either side of the centre of the field to make an area for the goalkeeper to use his or her hands in Goal kick: ● When a player on the attacking side of the ball is the last person to touch the ball over the opposing team’s goal line and not between the goal posts, a goal kick is awarded ● The ball is placed anywhere inside the goal area for a restart Corner kick: ● When a player on the defensive side of the ball is the last person to touch the ball over their own goal line and not between the goal posts, a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team Throw­ins: ● If a throw­in is not executed in accordance with FIFA LAws, allow the player to try again ● If unsuccessful for the second time, proceed with the game reminding the player of the correct technique for a throw­in ● When a player touches the ball beyond the sidelines, a throw­in is awarded to the opposing team Throw­ in Techniques: ● Two hands on the ball ● Throw the ball from behind the head ● Try to keep both feet on the floor ● Must be thrown in the direction that the player is facing Scoring ● A goal can be scored from anywhere on the field, but cannot be scored directly from a kick­off, goal­kick, free­kick or throw­in Fouls ● All fouls are IN­DIRECT: this means the ball must be first passed to another player before a goal can be scored ● Most fouls are not intentional, but rather are due to lack of understanding or coordination Referees, Coaches, Parents ● Any of the above can referee the game ● This is about the PLAYERS not the officials ● Make sure it's enjoyable for the players Objectives for U8 ● To provide a safe, supportive, challenging environment ● To maximize playing time for each player ● To prepare the players for the 7vs. 7 ● Passing and receiving skills ● Help create a passion for the game Session plan Warm­up: ● Be sure to stretch ● Drills/games will allow the players to work on their passing and receiving skills before going into the game structure Big game time: ● Game time will be 2x 20 minute halves, with 5 min for half­time Example of session: ● Length of session­ 1 hour ● 10­15 minutes drills/games ● 20 minutes 1st half ● 5 minutes break ● 20 minutes 2nd half ● Between activities ensure players have proper amount of recovery and drink plenty of fluids List of fun games ● King/Queen of the ring ● Great wall of china ● Freeze tag ● Red light green light ● Crocodiles ● Donkey tails ● Coconuts ● Knock downs ● Squirrels and nuts ● Relay Tips for coaches: ● Inspect the playing area ­ remove any debris or potential hazards ● Field set up ­ arrive early to set up nets, cones/markers that will be needed for the practice ● Ensure balls are inflated ● Try to get to know your players ● Keep it fun ­ players learn fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork while making new friends and developing a few skills. Make sure players have a good time while learning valuable lessons ● Keep skill development simple ­ running with the ball, ball control (stopping and direction change), passing, shooting ● Change drills/games often ­ attention spans are short ● Recognize that player participation may vary during practice ­ encourage the player gently but let parents deal with the situation ● Use praise and enthusiasm ­ celebrate every accomplishment General info ● Shin pads are mandatory and must be covered by socks or sweatpants. ● Jewelry is prohibited on the field ● Hats are not permitted unless they are soft brimmed or toques ● Soccer is a game that is played in all types of weather. Players will not play in severe weather or when lightning and thunder is occurring ● A parent or guardian MUST be available for every player during practices. Coaches are not required to provide first aid, however each is provided with a basic first aid kit and incident reports. Should an injury occur, please ensure that the player is provided with immediate assistance and additional help (ambulance) is offered if needed. Fill out incident report and inform the league coordinator or board executive Additional drills can be found at www.davidmccarthy.ca