Our mini program is an introduction to soccer at all levels. Our U4 and U6 groups, are based on the first stage of the LTPD, Active Start / “First Kicks Program” is all based on being active. Our U8 groups are based on the FUNdamentals stage of the LTPD, called “Fun With The Ball.” Click LTPD to learn more.
This program is sponsored by Tim Horton’s, they provide the balls, jerseys, and funding for other equipment for all of our U4, U6 and U8 programs.
These programs are run with parent volunteer coaches with support from our Technical Director of Mini Soccer and with Junior Coaches who can help demonstrate the skills to the children. We encourage 2 or more parent volunteers to help as coaches and we would like to have parents help out as team coordinators to pass around information.
Coaching clinics are held at the beginning of the season to go over many drills that the children like, and to introduce you to all the other volunteers. These sessions are a lot of fun and everyone learns a lot about coaching little kids.
Please follow the links for the specific age groups under the links above: Programs > Mini Soccer
First Kicks Program u4 – 6
• Physical – Provide the environment for learning proper fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, twisting, kicking, throwing and catching.
• Technical – The player and the ball: Running with the ball, dribbling, controlling, kicking and shooting.
• Tactical – None.
• Mental – Fun, fascination, and passion for play.
Game Structure:
No competitive games – adult and child play together informally.
Recommended training times:
30 to 45 minutes.
Season Length:
4 to 16 weeks Winter/Spring/Summer, indoor and/or outdoor.
Recommendations:
• Player success is encouraged. While the adult should challenge the child player, they should allow the child to “score” goals and “beat” the adult opponent.
• Adult discontinues play when the child has lost interest.
Fun With The Ball (U8)
Physical – Develop the ABCs of movement: agility, balance, co-ordination and speed, as well as running, jumping, twisting, kicking, throwing and catching.
• Technical – Movement exercises/games designed to promote a feel for the ball: gaining ball control in receiving passes, dribbling, passing less than 25m, kicking the ball forward, and shooting on goal.
• Tactical – Small children are egocentric – playing the ball is the most important objective. However, they now need to be introduced to co-operation between players. They gain understanding of the game through playing situations.
• Mental – Basic awareness of environment to build game intelligence and decision making.
Recommended training times: 30 to 45 minutes.
Season Length: 12 to 20 weeks, indoor and/or outdoor.
Recommendations:
• No league standings – jamboree format – emphasis is on FUN.
• Players and game formats are organized to support the basic playing experiences.
• All players play equal time and try all team positions, including goal keeping.
• Equal time should be allotted to practice and games.
